Building on a decades-plus tradition of its surf program, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes recently wrapped up its first session of the FCA Skate Camp in Ocean City.
The Camp, for skaters of all skill levels ages 8-14 ran from July 18 to 22. A second session will take place beginning Monday July 25 and run through Friday the 29th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cape May County Skate Park, 5th and Asbury.
“We had a successful first session, and it’s going to grow,” said Jon Crans, who heads the team of instructors and counselors. “The City did a great job in designing the park. It really lends itself to our camp because it works at every skill level. It is the perfect venue .”
Crans said advanced skaters can work on tricks and manuevers and how to approcah them, and beginners can learn balance and how to control the board and ride the right way. The ratio of three skaters to each counselor allowed for plenty of one-on-one instruction.
“Skating is an individual sport but there is great comraderie among the participants,” he said. “When (the campers) see progress they get excited.”
According the Laura Matera, Director of the Cape Atlantic chapter of the FCA, skating instruction is just part of the camp’s purpose. It works hand in hand with FCA Surf, which has operated on the 59th St. Beach for 13 years.
“Our goal is to utilize Ocean City to bring a positive culture for the kids,” she said. “Our counselors are high school and college age, and either live in Ocean City or are here for the summer. (The campers) have the chance to interact with older people who are living clean and making positive choices,” Matera said.
In addition to the skating instruction, campers receive a faith-based Bible lesson.
The first week’s camp had 20 slots avaialble and attracted 13 campers despite its late organization, which allowed for only minimal promotion. Moving forward, Matera said she envisions the sessions to be booked to capacity.
To register for the second camp or for more information about the local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, visit www.fcacapeatlantic.org.
