By Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz
Mary Vaughn, Louisville Skating Academy’s Learn to Skate USA® Director, wanted to offer a unique summer skating camp designed for children on the autism spectrum, their siblings and parents.
So Vaughn reached out to Melanie West, Executive Director of Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Louisville, Kentucky, and Frozen FEAT was born.
The first camp was held during the summer of 2022.
“We started out last year with five to 17-year-olds on the spectrum, and we also had classes for the parents,” Vaughn said.
This year, the camp expanded, adding a class for adults on the spectrum along with their parents and caregivers. Skaters learned skating skills under the Learn to Skate Adaptive Skating Program, while parents were on the ice enjoying Learn to Skate classes tailored for them during four weeks in July.
“We thought it would be good for the parents to relax and have some fun,” Vaughn said. “We also need to be aware of our own health as well. It’s a sport for physical and mental well-being. We want it to be special for the entire family.”
The camp featured an hour of on-ice instruction from Louisville Skating Academy coaches, supervised free skate practice time and organized on and off-ice activities. All coaches underwent special training to work with the skaters.
“It’s all about autism awareness and what to do and not to do on the ice,” Vaughn said. “There are sensory concerns, so we also provide sensory bags and a sensory area. We also have sensory toys and items to help skaters with their lessons, such as bubbles and therapy scarves to ensure they enjoy them.”
West is thrilled with the camp’s success.
“We’re always looking for ways to serve our community. We’ve also received a great response from the participating parents. Being able to offer something like Frozen FEAT, we are thrilled,” West said.
West especially noted the success of including adult skaters and their families this year.
“
I had one mom tell me, ‘I love being able to do this with my son, and now we’ll be able to return and do something together,’ ” West said.
Vaughn said that at the beginning of camp, parents and skaters don’t often know what to expect, but it doesn’t take long to find some happy camper participants.
“The parents are excited to see how happy the campers are and how far they’ve come. They’re also excited to know how well our staff works with the kids. It’s really a remarkable and wonderful thing.”
Vaughn is also proud that Frozen FEAT is not just a July thing. It has become a part of many of the Louisville Skating Academy’s activities throughout the season.
“We also do a Frozen FEAT Nutcracker on Ice night as part of our National Skating Month activities, as well as a skating event in April to celebrate Autism Awareness Month,” Vaughn said.
West loves to see an activity that allows those on the spectrum to feel empowered and have fun.
“They are just like us and want to feel involved,” West said. “It presents a huge opportunity for participants.”
For Vaughn, that is essential. Creating an activity that families can enjoy together.
“That’s important, the being together. The family time, and we can be there with them on their journey,” Vaughn said. “It’s been a great experience, and we would love to do it again next year.”
