2021 COVID-19 / RETURN TO IN-PERSON PROGRAMS UPDATE
5/25/21 UPDATE RE: SUMMER PROGRAMS
Dear Skate Like a Girl community members,
As you may know, the pandemic has brought, and continues to bring, quite a lot of challenges for us as an organization. When we made the shift to nearly all virtual activities, we had to figure out how to use new tech platforms, create instructional videos instead of hosting clinics in-person, and get used to staring at a screen instead of spotting skaters out in the sunshine. With the support of our community, we were able to make it through the last 14+ months and still continue to serve our mission. For this, we are grateful.
For this coming summer, we are excited to make yet another pivot back to more of what our organization looked like in 2019. In recent months, we have brought back many of our core programs, such as our community outreach clinics and Women &/or Trans Sessions. As we look towards summer, and serving more children in particular, we have unfortunately encountered a variety of barriers that have limited our ability to confidently launch registration for summer camps in a timely manner, and host our typical robust offering of programs.
The largest barrier we have encountered is space. Skate Like a Girl does not own our own facility. Instead, we have fostered partnerships with indoor spaces, public skateparks, schools, and additional partners, to be able to bring our programming to participants. As a result, we are still working on confirming locations in our 3 chapter cities to host camps that can be used privately by our campers and staff, so that we may reduce as many risks to our community's health and safety as possible. For example, in our youth programs, we need to be able to control who can come into contact with our participants, ensuring measures such as mask wearing and ensuring a covid check point. Additionally, some of the spaces we were hoping to use are either not available during our typical camp hours, are not allowing for programs to occur, or are currently under construction, such as the Seattle Center Skate Plaza.
In addition to the barrier of finding private space to utilize, we also have experienced a lack of capacity on the end of our partners. Due to the pandemic, many of the partners we work with have not been able to provide information, attend meetings, sign contracts, etc. on our typical timeline.
Lastly, our organizational capacity has been very stretched due to new emerging program models and community services we’ve started. We know that many communities have been hit hard throughout the pandemic, and that skateboarding is one activity that has gained significant popularity over the last year, seeing 30% year over year growth. So far, we have given away over 400 skateboards and pad sets, and want to continue to prioritize gear distribution clinics and meet-ups to help the most high-needs folks to get rolling.
Our intention with this email is to acknowledge that we are having a less-than-ideal roll-out of our summer programs as a result of the pandemic. We are doing everything we can to bring back Women &/or Trans Sessions, community outreach programs, and camps in all 3 chapter cities this coming summer, and we will be sure to provide details and opportunities to register as soon as we can. We appreciate your patience and support as we continue to navigate our new reality.
Best,
The Skate Like a Girl Team
Dear Skate Like a Girl community members,
As you may know, the pandemic has brought, and continues to bring, quite a lot of challenges for us as an organization. When we made the shift to nearly all virtual activities, we had to figure out how to use new tech platforms, create instructional videos instead of hosting clinics in-person, and get used to staring at a screen instead of spotting skaters out in the sunshine. With the support of our community, we were able to make it through the last 14+ months and still continue to serve our mission. For this, we are grateful.
For this coming summer, we are excited to make yet another pivot back to more of what our organization looked like in 2019. In recent months, we have brought back many of our core programs, such as our community outreach clinics and Women &/or Trans Sessions. As we look towards summer, and serving more children in particular, we have unfortunately encountered a variety of barriers that have limited our ability to confidently launch registration for summer camps in a timely manner, and host our typical robust offering of programs.
The largest barrier we have encountered is space. Skate Like a Girl does not own our own facility. Instead, we have fostered partnerships with indoor spaces, public skateparks, schools, and additional partners, to be able to bring our programming to participants. As a result, we are still working on confirming locations in our 3 chapter cities to host camps that can be used privately by our campers and staff, so that we may reduce as many risks to our community's health and safety as possible. For example, in our youth programs, we need to be able to control who can come into contact with our participants, ensuring measures such as mask wearing and ensuring a covid check point. Additionally, some of the spaces we were hoping to use are either not available during our typical camp hours, are not allowing for programs to occur, or are currently under construction, such as the Seattle Center Skate Plaza.
In addition to the barrier of finding private space to utilize, we also have experienced a lack of capacity on the end of our partners. Due to the pandemic, many of the partners we work with have not been able to provide information, attend meetings, sign contracts, etc. on our typical timeline.
Lastly, our organizational capacity has been very stretched due to new emerging program models and community services we’ve started. We know that many communities have been hit hard throughout the pandemic, and that skateboarding is one activity that has gained significant popularity over the last year, seeing 30% year over year growth. So far, we have given away over 400 skateboards and pad sets, and want to continue to prioritize gear distribution clinics and meet-ups to help the most high-needs folks to get rolling.
Our intention with this email is to acknowledge that we are having a less-than-ideal roll-out of our summer programs as a result of the pandemic. We are doing everything we can to bring back Women &/or Trans Sessions, community outreach programs, and camps in all 3 chapter cities this coming summer, and we will be sure to provide details and opportunities to register as soon as we can. We appreciate your patience and support as we continue to navigate our new reality.
Best,
The Skate Like a Girl Team
SPRING UPDATE
This Spring, we are continuing to provide At Home programming options for youth and adults, and also hosting small local outreach programs when possible, and well as new digital content.
SEATTLE: Our Seattle chapter has relaunched Women & Trans Social Distance Sessions at All Together Skatepark, and will be working with high needs community partners this year to get youth rolling with their own brand new set of skate gear through Social Distance Gear Distribution Clinics. Currently, the Seattle Chapter is looking to host small in-person skate camps this coming summer, and will post information and registration as soon as possible.
PORTLAND/SF BAY: Currently we are not hosting any public in-person skate sessions in Portland and the Bay Area, outside of partnerships with high needs community partners. We plan to begin hosting small in-person skate programs (camps/meetups) this Summer and will post information and registration as soon as possible.
Questions? Email us at programs@skatelikeagirl.com, follow us on social media, and join our newsletter here. Thank you for your understanding and we hope to be rolling with everyone as soon as possible.
Read FAQs regarding In-Person Programming here.
- The Skate Like a Girl Director Team
This Spring, we are continuing to provide At Home programming options for youth and adults, and also hosting small local outreach programs when possible, and well as new digital content.
SEATTLE: Our Seattle chapter has relaunched Women & Trans Social Distance Sessions at All Together Skatepark, and will be working with high needs community partners this year to get youth rolling with their own brand new set of skate gear through Social Distance Gear Distribution Clinics. Currently, the Seattle Chapter is looking to host small in-person skate camps this coming summer, and will post information and registration as soon as possible.
PORTLAND/SF BAY: Currently we are not hosting any public in-person skate sessions in Portland and the Bay Area, outside of partnerships with high needs community partners. We plan to begin hosting small in-person skate programs (camps/meetups) this Summer and will post information and registration as soon as possible.
Questions? Email us at programs@skatelikeagirl.com, follow us on social media, and join our newsletter here. Thank you for your understanding and we hope to be rolling with everyone as soon as possible.
Read FAQs regarding In-Person Programming here.
- The Skate Like a Girl Director Team
FAQS FOR IN-PERSON PROGRAMS REGARDING COVID-19
Last Updated: May 5th, 2021
NOTE: We reserve the right to amend and adjust these protocols at any time due to updated CDC and local guidelines
Q: What are the COVID-19 screening procedures being conducted by Skate Like a Girl prior to the clinic beginning?
A: All participants must participate in a covid screening checkpoint upon arrival, which includes: a series of questions about recent symptoms or possible exposure to COVID-19 and a temperature check. If someone is unable to pass the screening checkpoint they will be turned away & issued a refund.
Q: What COVID-19 safety procedures and PPE are being provided to staff AND participants throughout the entire clinic that will guarantee that no germs are being spread during this clinic?
A: Skateboarding is uniquely suited for reduced-risk programming since it is an individual activity where physical contact can be mitigated. All individuals will be given hand sanitizer before/after the session and masks must be worn properly over nose and mouth at all times by participants and facilitators. We will ask & remind our participants to maintain a distance of 6 feet at all times. Unlike typical Skate Like a Girl programs prior to the pandemic, we will not be physically supporting, contacting, or holding participants in any way. Instead, we will provide clear boundaries and skate goals skaters can try without physical support or contact. Our protocol is that each staff member must wear gloves the entire time. Also, to further avoid contact with participants, we will NOT be providing any loaner gear, with all gear we distribute being donated to the participant to keep in perpetuity. If a participant tries on a piece of equipment and it doesn’t fit, the equipment will be sprayed with alcohol-based sanitizer and set aside for another participant to try.
Q: Are parents/guardians allowed to watch their kids skate?
A: This depends on the size of program and space where it is occurring. Please check with your program lead staff if there is capacity to stay to watch your kid skate. If they allow spectating, please maintain an absolute minimum of 6 feet distance from the main group.
Q: Assuming there be no physical contact to help participants with riding their boards or putting on equipment, how will you ensure physical safety and support for each participant?
A: We have modified our curriculum to ensure social distance skating and demonstrations from coaches at a safe distance. All participants will be provided safety equipment and thorough instruction on reduced-risk ways to start skateboarding. We’ll continue to give tips and one-on-one advice to ensure that participants are staying within their ability level, while still being able to learn. In the case of a participant needing some extra support with skating, some ways to safely help them may look like a one on one social distance demonstration with a coach in the grass, or even tightening the bolts of the skateboard to adjust the stability on board.
Q. My child is under 7 years old, can they participate in programming?
A: No. In order to ensure that our staff can confidently and safely support participants, the minimum age requirement for our programs is 7 years old.
Q: What is the risk of COVID-19 spread in this program?
A: According to CDC.gov our program is Lowest Risk: Small groups of participants who stay together. Participants remain at least 6 feet apart and not share objects. Outdoor activities are prioritized. All participants are from the local geographic area (e.g., city, town, county, community). All participants are wearing masks and there is no physical contact. If participants are unable to pass the covid checkpoint upon entry they will be asked to return home and self-isolate for 14 days. All parties are encouraged to stay home if they have symptoms or recent exposure to Covid-19.
Q: How will Skate Like a Girl move forward with clinics if a participant or staff member becomes infected with COVID-19 after attending a program?
A: If a participant/staff/volunteer has a confirmed case of COVID-19 after attending one of our programs, we will cancel the the following lessons that fall within a week post-exposure
All participants will be notified of the potential exposure and everyone will be encouraged to get a COVID-19 test to monitor for symptoms. The individual with COVID-19 will not be able to return to programming until 14 days later.
Q: What happens if a program is cancelled due to COVID?
A: Due to COVID related cancellation or illness, you will be refunded for any days missed. There will be no processing fee.
Q: What is the liability for Skate Like a Girl if a participant or staff becomes infected with COVID-19?
A: Despite all of our implemented safety precautions regarding COVID-19, participants are always playing at their own risk. When a skater participates in one of our programs, they are willingly accepting the potential risks.
Q: How will participants stay involved with Skate Like a Girl once the clinic is over?
A: Participants can stay involved by checking out our unique skateboarding tutorials, community trick tip videos and interviews on our Youtube Channel. We also encourage participants/parents or guardians to join our general newsletter by visiting skatelikeagirl.com and entering their info into the form in the bottom left of the page. We use that newsletter to announce any future programs/camps, so you can stay in the loop! Following @skatelikeagirl on Instagram is also a great way to see all our program flyers as they're released (you'll get all the same updates, but it's probably a lot more fun than being on our mailing list). Plus, that's where we post about our special events, tutorials, and giveaways for our community!
NOTE: We reserve the right to amend and adjust these protocols at any time due to updated CDC and local guidelines
Q: What are the COVID-19 screening procedures being conducted by Skate Like a Girl prior to the clinic beginning?
A: All participants must participate in a covid screening checkpoint upon arrival, which includes: a series of questions about recent symptoms or possible exposure to COVID-19 and a temperature check. If someone is unable to pass the screening checkpoint they will be turned away & issued a refund.
Q: What COVID-19 safety procedures and PPE are being provided to staff AND participants throughout the entire clinic that will guarantee that no germs are being spread during this clinic?
A: Skateboarding is uniquely suited for reduced-risk programming since it is an individual activity where physical contact can be mitigated. All individuals will be given hand sanitizer before/after the session and masks must be worn properly over nose and mouth at all times by participants and facilitators. We will ask & remind our participants to maintain a distance of 6 feet at all times. Unlike typical Skate Like a Girl programs prior to the pandemic, we will not be physically supporting, contacting, or holding participants in any way. Instead, we will provide clear boundaries and skate goals skaters can try without physical support or contact. Our protocol is that each staff member must wear gloves the entire time. Also, to further avoid contact with participants, we will NOT be providing any loaner gear, with all gear we distribute being donated to the participant to keep in perpetuity. If a participant tries on a piece of equipment and it doesn’t fit, the equipment will be sprayed with alcohol-based sanitizer and set aside for another participant to try.
Q: Are parents/guardians allowed to watch their kids skate?
A: This depends on the size of program and space where it is occurring. Please check with your program lead staff if there is capacity to stay to watch your kid skate. If they allow spectating, please maintain an absolute minimum of 6 feet distance from the main group.
Q: Assuming there be no physical contact to help participants with riding their boards or putting on equipment, how will you ensure physical safety and support for each participant?
A: We have modified our curriculum to ensure social distance skating and demonstrations from coaches at a safe distance. All participants will be provided safety equipment and thorough instruction on reduced-risk ways to start skateboarding. We’ll continue to give tips and one-on-one advice to ensure that participants are staying within their ability level, while still being able to learn. In the case of a participant needing some extra support with skating, some ways to safely help them may look like a one on one social distance demonstration with a coach in the grass, or even tightening the bolts of the skateboard to adjust the stability on board.
Q. My child is under 7 years old, can they participate in programming?
A: No. In order to ensure that our staff can confidently and safely support participants, the minimum age requirement for our programs is 7 years old.
Q: What is the risk of COVID-19 spread in this program?
A: According to CDC.gov our program is Lowest Risk: Small groups of participants who stay together. Participants remain at least 6 feet apart and not share objects. Outdoor activities are prioritized. All participants are from the local geographic area (e.g., city, town, county, community). All participants are wearing masks and there is no physical contact. If participants are unable to pass the covid checkpoint upon entry they will be asked to return home and self-isolate for 14 days. All parties are encouraged to stay home if they have symptoms or recent exposure to Covid-19.
Q: How will Skate Like a Girl move forward with clinics if a participant or staff member becomes infected with COVID-19 after attending a program?
A: If a participant/staff/volunteer has a confirmed case of COVID-19 after attending one of our programs, we will cancel the the following lessons that fall within a week post-exposure
- Example for a program that runs weekly on Mondays: if someone with a confirmed case of covid attended an event on Monday, Jan 5th, we would cancel the event on Monday, Jan 12th and resume again on Monday, Jan 19th.
- Example for daily camp: as soon as a confirmed case of COVID-19 is detected the camp is cancelled, and the staff members are pulled from programming for the following week.
All participants will be notified of the potential exposure and everyone will be encouraged to get a COVID-19 test to monitor for symptoms. The individual with COVID-19 will not be able to return to programming until 14 days later.
Q: What happens if a program is cancelled due to COVID?
A: Due to COVID related cancellation or illness, you will be refunded for any days missed. There will be no processing fee.
Q: What is the liability for Skate Like a Girl if a participant or staff becomes infected with COVID-19?
A: Despite all of our implemented safety precautions regarding COVID-19, participants are always playing at their own risk. When a skater participates in one of our programs, they are willingly accepting the potential risks.
Q: How will participants stay involved with Skate Like a Girl once the clinic is over?
A: Participants can stay involved by checking out our unique skateboarding tutorials, community trick tip videos and interviews on our Youtube Channel. We also encourage participants/parents or guardians to join our general newsletter by visiting skatelikeagirl.com and entering their info into the form in the bottom left of the page. We use that newsletter to announce any future programs/camps, so you can stay in the loop! Following @skatelikeagirl on Instagram is also a great way to see all our program flyers as they're released (you'll get all the same updates, but it's probably a lot more fun than being on our mailing list). Plus, that's where we post about our special events, tutorials, and giveaways for our community!