Summer often brings back childhood memories of camp, but the fun doesn’t have to stop when you grow up! Adult skate camps are a fantastic way to relive the experience, offering opportunities to train intensively—even if just for a few days. Not only do you get to hone your skills, but you also get to connect with fellow adult skaters, learn from new coaches, and explore different aspects of the sport that you might not experience in your usual training routine.

I recently caught up with three campers who attended the Road to Gold, The Experience, and Lake Placid Adult Week camps. They shared their experiences, insights, and some helpful advice for anyone considering diving into an adult skate camp.

Have you been to an adult skate camp? Share your experience in the comments below!

Road to Gold

Meet our Camper:  Julie Bardon is an adult competitive skater at the master intermediate/novice level and she attended with the goal to work on her spins since she competed 6.0 as a child and the new IJS system adds a different emphasis on elements.

Location: This camp travels to many different areas and aims to serve smaller markets where it can be challenging for skaters to find top coaches.  Our skater attended the camp in Vail, CO which had a dedicated adult weekend.

Duration: 2 days with a welcome reception the night before

Structure: For this camp you have two options, you can build your own camp by choosing a la carte from an abundance of on and off ice classes each with a particular skill focus or you can work with camp coordinator to create a more traditional structure.

Coaches: Gracie Gold, Geoffry Varner, Max Aaron, Eddie Shipstad & James Hernandez to name a few

Julie’s Thoughts: The allure of this camp lies not just in its picturesque setting, but in its unique structure and top-notch coaching. One of the benefits of this camp is the variety of classes available, catering to all levels. From basic turns to double jumps, skaters can choose classes that challenge them without overwhelming them. Each class is categorized by skill level, ensuring that skaters can select sessions that align with their current abilities. For those looking to take their skills to the next level, there are even advanced sessions focusing on double jumps and spin combinations.

Despite Vail’s reputation as a luxury destination, the camp itself is surprisingly affordable, especially when you consider the quality of instruction. The biggest expenses tend to be travel and lodging, but even these can be mitigated. Many participants opt to stay in Airbnbs, sharing accommodations with fellow skaters. This not only cuts costs but also enhances the overall experience, allowing for bonding and shared meals.

The coaching staff is another highlight. With big names like Gracie Gold and Max Aaron, skaters have the opportunity to learn from the best. Max Aaron’s classes, in particular, stood out to Julie for his hands-on, personalized approach. Even in larger groups, Max managed to provide individual feedback, making sure each skater left with something valuable to work on.

Other unique features of the camp is the opportunity for video analysis, where skaters can watch themselves perform and receive detailed feedback from coaches and a mock competition that provided an opportunity to showcase programs and receive feedback from the coaching staff.

Julie’s Advice:  For those considering attending next year, a few tips: Sign up early—this camp is gaining popularity fast. Also, plan your travel carefully. With Vail’s high altitude and unpredictable weather, flight delays are common. If possible, take an extra day off work to allow for any unexpected changes in your itinerary. Finally, make the most of the social aspect of the camp. Staying with other skaters not only reduces costs but also makes the experience more enjoyable.

The Experience Camp

Meet our Camper:  Kim Gallaway is a competitive skater at the adult gold level. This was Kim’s first ever camp experience and she didn’t attend with ‘must have’ goals per say but rather really wanted to enjoy her time on the ice and fix her camel spin.

Location: This camp has a couple of locations including Cape Cod, MA and Palm Springs, CA. Kim attended the Cape Cod location.

Duration: 2.5 days with a welcome reception the night before

Structure: Each day follows a basic structure but allows for customization and private lessons.  The camp also had social activities and planned meals included.

Coaches: Gracie Gold, Randy Gardner, Nancy Kerrigan, Jeremy Abbott, Elin Schran to name a few

Kim’s Thoughts: Attending this camp was a heartwarming experience that exceeded all my expectations. Imagine being surrounded by like-minded adult skaters, regardless of skill level, coming together to share in the joy of skating. This camp wasn’t just about improving techniques; it was about creating connections, building confidence, and finding a supportive community.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming and filled with positive energy, thanks in part to the wonderful coaches.  The camp kicked off with a cocktail reception, where we met the coaches and fellow skaters. This set the tone for the next few days—fun, friendly, and inclusive.

The structure of the camp was well-balanced with both on-ice and off-ice activities. We had dynamic warm-ups, ice flow sessions, and a variety of classes tailored to different skills, from basic edges to advanced jumps. One of the highlights was the group routines led by Randy, where we learned choreography similar to what you’d see on Stars on Ice. It was a blast working together to perfect these routines, and it truly felt like being part of a team.

Private lessons with the coaches were an incredible opportunity to get personalized tips and feedback.  Jeremy Abbott, for instance, helped me tremendously with my camel spin, offering insights that I’ve been trying to master for ages.

The social aspect of the camp was just as enriching as the skating. We had catered lunches with Q&A sessions, where the coaches shared personal stories and advice. In the evenings, we enjoyed dinners together and even had a bonfire on the beach, which was a perfect way to unwind and bond with the other campers.

One of the most beautiful aspects of the camp was the diversity in skill levels. There were skaters who hadn’t been on the ice in years, alongside others who had double jumps. But no matter where you fell on that spectrum, there was a place for you. The supportive environment ensured that everyone, from those who were just getting back into skating to those aiming to refine their technique, felt encouraged and valued.

Kim’s Advice:  For anyone considering The Experience camp, my advice is simple: just go for it. Don’t worry about whether you’re “good enough.” This camp is more about the experience, the camaraderie, and the joy of skating. It’s a place where you can reconnect with your love for the sport, make new friends, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Lake Placid Adult Skating Week

Meet our Camper: Alyssa Ardai is a competitive skater at the adult bronze level. This was her first camp experience, and she attended without specific goals—just the desire to enjoy the experience and connect with other adult skaters.

Location: The Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York. This annual camp happens every August and hosts a week of adult classes.

Duration: The camp offers flexibility with 1, 3, or 5-day packages with an exhibition on Saturday that campers may participate in.

Structure: There is a flat fee to cover all ice time. Classes, both on and off-ice, are available for a small fee per class, making it easy to customize your experience.  Alyssa spent most of her days on the ice, starting around 9 a.m. and taking only brief breaks throughout the day. The structure allowed her to maximize time on the ice while still pacing herself to avoid burnout. It’s tempting to skate non-stop, but she found it important to take breaks and recharge, especially when sessions run as late as 7 p.m.

Coaches: Paul Wylie, Mimi Wacholder, Tracy Prussack Nicola, Karen Courtland Kelly, and Robin Miller, to name a few.

Alyssa’s Thoughts: If you’re an adult figure skater looking for a unique blend of intensive training, scenic surroundings, and camaraderie with fellow skaters, the Lake Placid Adult Skating Week is a must-try. The camp offered a variety of classes ranging from jumps and spins to edges and footwork. The smaller class sizes meant personalized attention and the chance to try new things, like spins I’d never attempted before.

One of the highlights was working with new coaches. While I was familiar with one coach going in, the variety of teaching styles and approaches was refreshing. Even when learning familiar techniques, hearing them explained differently made a big impact. I particularly enjoyed a class on edge work and jumps, where I picked up new tips for different entries.

There were also social activities like a curling event, which was a blast despite my total lack of experience. Additionally there was a group barbecue hosted by a long-time camp participant, which was a great chance to mingle outside of the rink. The sense of community is strong, and it’s easy to make connections with skaters of all levels.

The camp culminates in a show on Saturday, which is open to all levels. There’s no pressure, and it’s a fun way to wrap up the week. Participants ranged from beginners to those working on double jumps, but the atmosphere was supportive and inclusive. No matter your skill level, you can join in and perform in front of your fellow skaters.

Alyssa’s Advice: If you’re considering attending Lake Placid, go with an open mind and be ready to try new things. Don’t worry if a class seems above or below your level—the coaches are adaptable and will meet you where you are. And don’t forget to pack for the theme days if you’re into that; I felt a bit out of place in my PJs on theme day when others weren’t as dressed up!

Overall, the Lake Placid Adult Skating Camp gets a big thumbs up from me. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in skating, learn from talented coaches, and enjoy the stunning surroundings of Lake Placid. Whether you’re there to improve your skills or just to have fun, it’s a week well spent on the ice.