Our Biggest Figure Skating Adventure Yet! Off to Belarus for Three Weeks of Summer Training

In just a few days, we’ll be boarding a plane with an extra suitcase full of skating dresses, training clothes, snacks, and more pairs of gloves than I can count. Our destination? A three-week figure skating training camp in Belarus.

As a skating mom, I’ve learned that preparing for camp is almost a sport of its own.

Between sharpening skates, packing recovery gear, checking travel documents, and making sure nothing important gets left behind, there’s a lot to think about before we even step onto the ice.

But once all the preparation is done, what remains is excitement.

For three weeks, our daughter will have the opportunity to train alongside dedicated skaters, learn from experienced coaches, and spend nearly every day doing what she loves most.

Why We Chose Belarus

Belarus has built a strong reputation in the figure skating world for its technical coaching and disciplined approach to training. Summer camps attract skaters from around the world who are looking to improve their skills before the new season begins.

The days are long and intense, often including:

• Two or more on-ice sessions
• Off-ice jump training
• Ballet and choreography
• Stretching and flexibility
• Strength and conditioning
• Dance classes
• Recovery sessions

It will be challenging—but that’s exactly why we’re going.

Our Goals for This Camp

We’re not expecting miracles in three weeks.

Figure skating is built on thousands of repetitions, small improvements, and patience.

Instead, we’re hoping to come home with:

 Better skating skills and stronger edges.

 More consistency in jumps.

 Improved confidence.

 New friendships from around the world.

 Plenty of inspiration for the season ahead.

If one new skill becomes more consistent or one difficult element suddenly “clicks,” we’ll consider that a huge success.

What We’ll Be Sharing

One of the reasons I started this blog was because, when our skating journey began, I wished there were more honest stories from parents.

Not just competition photos.

The real behind-the-scenes moments.

The early mornings.

The endless packing.

The victories.

The frustrations.

The tiny breakthroughs that only another skating parent truly understands.

During the next three weeks, I’ll be sharing:

• Daily training updates
• Camp life behind the scenes
• What works (and what doesn’t!)
• Equipment we actually use
• Travel tips for skating families
• Recovery routines
• Honest reflections after each week

Whether you’re preparing for your child’s first skating camp or you’ve done this dozens of times, I hope our journey helps make yours a little easier.

My Ultimate Figure Skating Camp Packing List

After several competitions and training trips, here’s the checklist I now swear by.

On the Ice

✓ Skates
✓ Blade guards and soft soakers
✓ Extra laces
✓ Skate towel
✓ Practice dresses or training outfits
✓ Gloves (pack more than you think you’ll need!)
✓ Hair ties and clips
✓ Water bottle

Recovery

✓ Foam roller
✓ Resistance bands
✓ Massage ball
✓ Electrolytes
✓ Healthy snacks
✓ Protein bars

First Aid

✓ Blister plasters
✓ Gel sleeves
✓ Athletic tape
✓ Small first-aid kit
✓ Any regular medications

Travel Essentials

✓ Passport
✓ Insurance documents
✓ Chargers
✓ Power bank
✓ Laundry bag

My “Skating Mom” Extras

✓ Tripod for filming practice
✓ Notebook for coach feedback
✓ Portable phone charger
✓ Zip-lock bags for wet gloves
✓ Stain remover pen
✓ Reusable shopping bag for rink days
✓ Coffee… lots of coffee!

Follow Along

We’ll be documenting our entire experience—from travel day to the final session on the ice. I’ll share the highs, the challenges, and everything in between, along with plenty of practical tips for families considering an international skating camp.

Here’s to three weeks of hard work, unforgettable memories, and hopefully a few new skills along the way. Let the adventure begin!