The Green Mountain Derby Dames can usually be spotted flying around a flat track on roller skates. They're slowing their pace this summer, though, to host Vermont's first Junior Roller Derby Camp for girls in grades 3 through 12. "This is a sport about strong girls," explains camp director Elaine Sopchak. "It's an opportunity for girls to really bond and become confident in a very safe and accepting atmosphere." In the empowering weeklong session, campers of all skill levels master the basics of the sport, including how to maneuver on old-school quad skates. They'll also learn about endurance and teamwork, and exercise their creativity in derby-themed crafts. Adult derby participants can get pretty beat up while "blocking" their opponents, but Sopchak emphasizes safety first. "No one's gonna get knocked over," she promises.
Monkton, VT
The Willowell Foundation hosts week-long day camps for children ages 4-12 at our property in Monkton, Vermont. Spanning 230 acres and seven distinct ecosystems, the Willowell land offers diverse exploration in an environment filled with natural wonder. Skilled and caring camp leaders bring children of all ages together by combining…(more)