Junior Derby Camp FAQ

 

Thank you for your interest in the Junior Derby Dolls Roller Derby Camp. We are excited to be able to offer this unique opportunity to girls from all communities within Los Angeles and beyond. Please read the following to answer questions you may have about the program. If this does not address your question, please e-mail Intern L. and your query will be promptly answered.

 

Q: Who are the L.A. Derby Dolls?

A: Founded in 2003, the LADD are the premiere all-female banked track roller derby league in the Southern California area. Nearly an all volunteer-run and organized by the skaters, for the skaters, the LADD highlight the do-it-yourself spirit of the new generation of roller derby. Since moving to Historic Filipinotown near downtown Los Angeles in late 2007, the L.A. Derby Dolls have frequency sell out our monthly bouts at a capacity of more than 1700 fans. For more information, visit http://www.derbydolls.com/la.

Q: What is the purpose of this camp?

A: The Junior Roller Derby Camp’s goal is to create a positive and safe environment for girls ages 7-17 to develop athletic abilities and improve fitness while building self-confidence, leadership skills and teamwork  while playing the sport of roller derby, the fastest-growing sport for women in the nation.

Q: Where is the camp held?

A: At the Doll Factory in Historic Filipinotown on 1910 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Q: What are the dates and times of camp?

A: Monday, July 18 through Friday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For an additional fee, we also offer extended (non-training) hours to the campers from 8 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.

Q: What is the cost for the extended hours?

A: The cost per day is $10 for early drop-off (8-9 a.m.), $10/hr for late pick-up (3-5 p.m.) and $20/hr after 5 p.m. All campers must be picked up by 6 p.m. Please be prepared to pay for care by cash or check at pick-up/drop-off.

Q: What are the ages of the campers?

A: Camp is open to girls between 7 and 17 years of age.

Q: Are girls from out-of-state able to attend camp?

A: Yes.

Q: Will accommodations be made for out-of-state campers?

A: We cannot provide accommodations, but we can recommend affordable hotels in the area.

Q: How many campers will be attending during the week?

A: There will be a maximum of 60 campers. There is no daily rate; all campers must sign up for the whole week.

 Q: How many trainers will be coaching during camp?

A: There will be at least 1 trainer for every 10 campers. In addition, trainers will have assistant trainers and volunteers who run off-skate classes (arts and crafts, etc).

Q: Will the girls be divided by age group?

A: Yes, all girls will be divided by age group as well as skill level.

Q: Are the trainers certified instructors?

A: Several trainers are professional teachers and instructors and all trainers are LADD-certified.

Q: How rigorous will the physical activities be?

A: There are no prerequisites, but all girls should be physically fit and capable of enduring activities such as roller skating, running and jumping.

Q: Is this a full contact sport?

A: While roller derby is a full contact sport, junior derby focuses on obstruction rather than destruction, especially at the introductory level. Aggressive contact is limited to advanced skaters only.

Q: What will the week entail?

A: Each day will consist of on- and off-track activities, including skating basics, arts & crafts (decorating helmets and T-shirts, etc), skill tests, non-skating exercises and lunch break. The final day will feature a scrimmage for the campers to showcase their skills for their friends and family. Capacity will be limited and parents can sign up to attend on the first day of camp.

Q: Are food and water provided?

A: Although light snacks and water will be provided, all campers should bring a full lunch and sports drinks or water.

Q: What equipment will I need to purchase?

A: All camp attendees must have quad roller skates (no inline skates/”rollerblades” are allowed), knee pads, wrist guards, elbow pads, mouth guard and a helmet. There will be a limited amount of equipment available to borrow, but every camper MUST bring her own mouth guard.  Equipment can be purchased at any local sporting goods store (Sports Chalet, Big 5), skateboard shop (L.A. Skate Company) or online.

Q: What is the dress code?

A: Campers should dress comfortably in apparel that enables athletic activities (e.g., jeans or flip flops are not recommended). All campers should also bring athletic shoes.

Q: Are spectators, including parents, allowed to watch any of the practice sessions?

A: In order to create a comfortable and relaxed environment, we are not allowing parents, family members or friends to attend practice sessions. We will be featuring a scrimmage for family members to attend on the last day of camp on Friday, July 23. Due to city codes, we will have a limited capacity for the scrimmage. Parents can sign up for a spot to view the scrimmage on the first day of camp.

Q: Will my child need insurance?

A: All camp attendees are required to sign up for insurance through USA Roller Sports (USARS). USARS is the governing body for competitive roller sports.

Q: What are the other check-in requirements?

A: Parents will need to provide names, relationships and telephone numbers for clearance to sign their child in and out of camp every day.