Women &/or Trans Camp

2022 WT CAMP
WEEK 1: AUGUST 8-12 | WEEK 2: AUGUST 15-19

8/2/22 MESSAGE TO REGISTERED CAMPERS:

Hi All -
We are so excited for you to be joining us at our Women and/or Trans Adult Skate Camp!

We have been receiving a flurry of emails and inquiries so we wanted to quickly go over some covid policies and precautions, as well as some general reminders, to hopefully bring everyone more peace of mind in their journey and experience at camp!

We appreciate you taking the time to read over this message thoroughly. We have over 200 folks joining us over the next 2 weeks of camp, and don't have service/wifi while we will be at camp or the administrative time to respond to each and every inquiry. We will still do our best to respond to inquiries if the following does not answer your specific question.

We look forward to an awesome time with you all!

CAMP CONTACT / EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: 888-401-0195 ext 3
FOR QUICKEST RESPONSE, TEXT PAIGE: 951-310-1203

This is the number to text if you need to communicate with US (due to covid issues, unexpected travel plans, emergencies, etc). Reminder, we will NOT be able to check our e-mails consistently so texting Paige is your best option if you need to communicate any updates about your participation at camp.

*You can also give these numbers to family members in case they need to get a hold of you.*

COVID UPDATE
If you test positive this week (or are feeling symptoms that you think might be covid), DO NOT COME TO CAMP. Please email kwame@skatelikeagirl.com for a refund.If you test positive at any point during camp, we will house you in the camp infirmary. Food will be provided but please be aware there is limited cell phone service/wifi and we will need to limit staff contact with you. We ask that if possible, you have an emergency back up plan in case you test positive at camp. Ie) drive yourself home or have someone that can come to camp to pick you up. If not, please be aware that you will be asked to stay in the infirmary throughout the duration of camp.

COVID TESTING

All participants must provide a negative lab administered PCR or ANTIGEN test, provided in PRINTED hardcopy form during camper check-in on day 1
If you HAD Covid 10+ days prior but are NO LONGER experiencing symptoms and you anticipate NOT being able to produce a negative lab administered test - BRING AT LEAST 2 self-administered rapid tests with you to camp and masks (we highly recommend N95 or 2 surgical masks)
- You will test on site upon your arrival in the presence of a Skate Like a Girl team member
  - If you test negative upon arrival with a self-administered rapid test, you will be able to participate as planned
  - If you test positive upon arrival with a self-administered rapid test, you will be isolated and together with Skate Like a Girl team members, we will create a reasonable game plan to ensure your safety and the safety of others at camp

COVID SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Though you are welcome to, you do not need to use group facilities, for example,there are individual showering and toilets stalls for people to use
Though you are welcome to, you are not required to sleep in a cabin with others, for example you can pitch a tent or sleep anywhere outside that is approved
If you or any other camper comes down with symptoms or tests positive during camp, we have several individual quarantine bedrooms and bathrooms in the infirmary
Masks must be worn when indoors at all times, including in the dining hall, except for while in your designated cabin
Masks may be required during skate instruction workshops per instructor discretion (example: learning to drop-in), however, campers can remove their masks while outside, as long as social distancing of 6 ft is taking place (example: open skate, swimming, meals, etc)
Skate Like a Girl asks all campers and staff to consider using COVID safety measures including masking when traveling to camp and in the days leading up to camp, in an effort to reduce exposure to COVID for the safety of yourself and your fellow campers and staff - thank you!
Skate Like a Girl asks all campers and staff who are feeling ill in any way, or think they have been exposed to any illness, to stay home and take care of themselves, if campers think they have been or are exposed to COVID and are unable to attend camp, they will receive a refund per our policy
Skate Like a Girl asks all campers and staff to consider bringing with them self-administered rapid tests, and test yourself at the first indication of symptoms, protecting yourself and your fellow campers is of utmost importance
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms prior to camp: please take a self-administered rapid test at your earliest opportunity and contact us sfbay@skatelikeagirl.com / P: 888-401-0195 ext 3
- Coughing, sneezing, runny nose and/or cold like symptoms
- Sore throat and/or congestion NOT due to allergies or bad air quality.
- A repeated temperature over 100.3 for more than 1 day; consecutive days or not
- Loss of taste or smell, trouble breathing, potential exposure to illness

ARRIVING TO CAMP

Search “YMCA Camp Sequoia Lake” in Google Maps
Address is: 49716 CA-180, Miramonte, CA 93641

Arrival Time is Monday between Noon and 2:00 pm
Please let us know in advance if you are going to be arriving after 4pm (emergencies only)

Directions to camp (watch this video before you leave, service is spotty once you arrive) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRjaaLXh--e/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D

Meals/Bringing Snacks:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served each day with the exception of dinner only on Monday and breakfast only on Friday. We recommend bringing additional non-perishable snacks to eat between meals. There will be a storage area for your dry food, and we recommend having a container/bag to clearly label your food. There will be a refrigerator to store perishable foods in but we ask that this is reserved only for campers with medical conditions or unique circumstances. ALL FOOD MUST BE STORED IN THE DINING HALL.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

There is no cell phone service or wifi at camp (be prepared to disconnect!)
As noted there is no wifi at camp, however some may wish to bring portable electronics There are power outlets in cabins and in communal areas such as the dining hall.
Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, pets, weapons, or fireworks are NOT allowed at camp.
Helmets are REQUIRED while skating. We will be enforcing this policy. Bring your own helmet with you to camp!
NO PERFUME PLEASE
We request that all participants, staff and guests refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, and other fragrances, due to people who have an allergy to fragrance (protected under the American Disability Act.)

WHAT TO BRING

Suggested Pack List:

Hat
Extra shoes for Lake launch (ones you don’t mind getting wet!)
Plenty of socks and underwear
Pair of pants
Pair of shorts
T-shirts
Jacket/Sweatshirt (it can get chilly at night)
Swimsuit
Flashlight / headlamp
Sleeping bag
Pillow
2 towels (one for showering, one for water activities)
Extra masks
Extra Rapid Tests
Personal hand sanitizer
Bug Spray
Wrist watch - very helpful for time management since phones are off
Helmet (required) & pads (optional)
Skateboard
Snacks for in between meals (non-perishable)
French Press (optional) - we will have Verve coffee grounded for french press

Each camper will be receiving a Yeti water bottle, sunscreen from SunBum, a camp t-shirt, shoes from Nike SB and many more goodies from our sponsors. If you are flying, pack knowing that you will be traveling home with more than you came with!

Footwear safety: All footwear worn outside must be able to fully secure the foot. Flip flops and crocs can be used for the shower or lake time, but not for walking around camp or skateboarding.

Lastly, please be as CAREFUL as possible in your time leading up to camp ie) wear a mask indoors, while traveling (on flights, while carpooling) and in crowded areas outdoors. Help us prevent COVID from ruining our time at camp.

PDF VERSION OF THE INFO ABOVE

We can't wait to skate with you! The YMCA Skate Camp is a skateboarder’s paradise! Located on a beautiful lake outside Sequoia National Park, skate camp offers a unique connection to nature and community. For over thirty years, YMCA has run skate programs at this magical space. Skate Like a Girl is taking over and offering a 5 day/4 night skate retreat for Women and/or Trans skaters! We can’t wait to shred, sing karaoke, swim, and become lifelong friends with you! Just a 4 hour drive from Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, the camp features 5 different skate parks (wood + concrete), a lakeside launch ramp, swimming, boating, arts & crafts, wilderness skills & activities, beach parties and campfire hangouts every night.

Whether you've been skating for years or it's your first time on a board, this camp is for you!

Cost =$499/camper
(Includes all activities, accommodations, meals, and giveaways!)
This price does not cover transportation to and from Camp Sequioa Lake.

Location: YMCA Skate Camp, Camp Sequoia Lake: 49716 HWY180 Miramonte, CA 93641

Note: This camp is an exclusive space for skaters 18 years and older who identify as women, trans, non-binary, and/or gender non-conforming.

Learn more about why we call our programs Women &/or Trans here in our general FAQs.

Traveling to camp from outside of California:
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from camp. We recommend flying in and out of either Fresno Airport (FAT), LAX (or any of the surrounding airports), SFO, OAK or SJC and renting a car to drive to camp and/or working together with other campers to make it more cost effective. We will sending out a shared google document to registered campers for those who would like to share their contact info to coordinate carpools. You will be able to connect directly with each other. Skate Like a Girl cannot guarantee any assistance with coordination and/or communication.

FAQs

Is there wifi / does my cell phone work at camp?

No. There is no cell reception or wifi available at camp. One of the best things about camp is its remote location, and the opportunity to interact in-person with other campers without screens or technology. Plan accordingly, as there will be no access to internet or phone data until you leave camp.

If someone needs to reach me while at camp what should they do?

The emergency contact number is 888-401-0195 ext 3. Please share this with family/friends so they can contact you in case of an emergency.

How are food allergies handled at camp?

Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options will be provided at each meal. For any additional dietary needs, campers must list their food allergies/requests on the Skate Like a Girl camper registration form. Upon registration, Skate Like a Girl will communicate your dietary needs to the YMCA Food Service Director, and the YMCA kitchen staff will make accommodations as per your needs. Campers are encouraged to speak up in-person about their dietary needs to ensure the food matches their requests.

Do I need to bring safety gear?

Yes! All campers must wear a helmet at all times while skateboarding at camp. Pads (elbow pads, wrist guards, knee pads) are strongly recommended. Skate Like a Girl will bring a VERY limited supply of helmets as a back-up, however, there will be enough for everyone and campers must bring their own helmet.

Are we gonna be contactless skate coaching at YMCA?

Participants will be invited to join various skateboarding workshops to learn skills and specific tricks, and will not be required to make contact with instructors. However, certain tricks are not able to be taught by instructors without contact (example: Drop-ins, going down ramps), and therefore campers may need to adjust their skateboarding goals to stay safe while learning new moves.

WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?

COVID Related Refunds
In the event of Covid exposure during camp hours, camp will not be cancelled for the remainder of the week. Skate Like a Girl will follow the YMCA protocol for Covid exposure (listed below). However, any campers who decide to leave camp due to the Covid exposure, will be entitled to a full refund. If our staff are exposed to Covid they will not continue to work, and therefore the camp schedule may be altered as a result. If participants are exposed to Covid or test positive prior to camp, they should not attend camp and will be entitled to a full refund.

Non Covid Related Refunds
All registrations generally have a 10% non-refundable deposit. This non-refundable deposit covers administrative processing and costs of registration. Any general refund request will be honored in full, minus the 10% non-refundable deposit, if requested more than 14 days prior to the first day of the program. No refunds will be processed within 14 days of the program start date, however, we can honor a program credit to be used towards a different Skate Like a Girl program. Refunds can only be processed (a) back to the original form of payment, (b) a mailed check, or (c) as a credit towards a future Skate Like A Girl program.

I’M TRAVELING FROM OUTSIDE OF CALIFORNIA, WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO CAMP?

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from camp. Unfortunately due to covid, there are NO shuttles this year to and from Fresno Airport/Amtrak/Greyhound and YMCA Skate Camp. We recommend flying in and out of either Fresno Airport (FAT), LAX (or any of the surrounding airports), SFO, OAK or SJC and renting a car to drive to camp and/or working together with other campers to make it more cost effective. We will sending out a shared google document on Monday 7/26 to registered campers for those who would like to share their contact info to coordinate carpools. You will be able to connect directly with each other. Skate Like a Girl cannot guarantee any assistance with coordination and/or communication.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A HELMET?

YES! CAMPERS MUST BRING THEIR OWN HELMET. All campers must wear a helmet at all times while skateboarding at camp. Pads (elbow pads, wrist guards, knee pads) are strongly recommended but not required.

CAN ROLLER SKATERS / ROLLER BLADERS, BMX AND/OR OTHER WHEELS ATTEND?

No, sorry. While we love and appreciate our friends on quads, bikes and various wheels, this camp is limited to skateboarding only. To ensure the safety of our participants, we cannot instruct or allow any other type of wheels at camp that isn't skateboarding.

I can’t make it for the entire week of camp (Monday-Friday). Can I attend a portion of the week?

No. All Campers must arrive Monday 8/9 between 12-3pm and depart Friday 8/13 by 12pm.

I AM INTERESTED IN CARPOOLING WITH OTHERS, IS THAT POSSIBLE?

We will be sharing a contact list for folks to add their name and info to once registration closes. Those who want to connect directly with each other to figure out carpooling (either looking for a ride or offering a spot in their car) will have the opportunity to do so. Participants are ultimately responsible for coordinating communication and transportation logistics to get to and from camp on their own -- Skate Like a Girl unfortunately cannot assist with this beyond the contact list.

CAN I BRING ALCOHOL TO CAMP IF I'm 21 YEARS OLD or OVER?

No. YMCA does not allow alcohol, drugs, tobacco, pets, weapons, or fireworks on site. Do not bring these things or we could risk our partnership and ability to host camp again next year. We will be enforcing this rule, so leave any all of the above at home.

CAN I BRING MY DOG OR PET, THEY ARE FRIENDLY!

2021 CAMP RECAP

I’ve tried for a week now, to put down, in words, the experience of spending five days in the middle of the Sequoia National Forest with Skate Like a Girl. My attempts were either too vague or too specific; too feeble, or too pat. After a week of wearing out my DELETE button and untold hours scanning Instagram posts of other attendees saying much the same—the struggle is real—this is what I’ve landed on: Skate Like a Girl has shown that it is possible to live by a code of celebration instead of what we more commonly experience, degradation, that building a community unified in its desire to lift each other up isn’t some naïve fantasy, but a tangible reality. Anyone who can bring 80 strangers together in the middle of nowhere with zero WIFI for nearly a week with the only damage done being to elbows and knees skinned on the glossy tops of skate parks, is someone capable of changing the world. And this isn’t hyperbole, this is a borderline pessimist who has experienced, first-hand and for the first time, the life-changing effects of being surrounded by empathic human beings invested in figuring out how to live lives of kindness, connection and joy. It’s a common adage that the best skater isn’t the one with the freshest tricks, but the one who inspires others to go out and skate the most. From where I’m sitting, Skate Like a Girl isn’t just inspiring people to go out and skate, but building a movement that has the power to make the world a better place.

Words by Deborah Stroll