Hamill Camp a Summer Tradition for Three Adult Skaters

by Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz, special to U.S. Figure Skating Online

Adult skaters Jorge de Lima, Cathy Janssen and Billie O'Neel have something in common. They have attended the Dorothy Hamill Figure Skating Fantasy Camp since it began in 2009, and for these skaters, summer wouldn't be summer without attending this popular camp in Nantucket, Mass.

O'Neel found the camp four years ago while surfing the web for updates on her favorite skater, Dorothy Hamill.

"I'm a big fan and just wanted to see what she was up to when I found the camp," O'Neel, a member of the Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club in Little Rock, Ark. said. "I was thrilled. By that time it was May and I was so afraid I wouldn't get in but it was fine. Turned out it was the first year and that made it even more special and I have attended every year since."

For Janssen, a member of the Austin Figure Skating Club, the web also brought her to camp that first year.

"I was immediately drawn to it because of Dorothy and the Island of Nantucket," Janssen said. "I thought sharing the ice with Dorothy, who I admire so much as an athlete and person and the Island of Nantucket, was just meant to be. I really thought it was time to have some "me" time."

Camp requirements are few. Participants must be 21 years old, and need only bring "a pair of skates and fun attitude". Yes, beginners are welcomed and embraced, even if they have never set a toe pick on ice. Skaters absorb every aspect of the sport through week-long presentations by Hamill and guest coaches including World medalist and Olympic skater Randy Gardner, Olympic medalist Peter Carruthers, choreographer Tim Murphy, Olympic skater and British champion Steven Cousins, former Ice Capades skater Julie Patterson, Olympic skater and World medalist JoJo Starbuck and Elin Schran, daughter of Olympic medalist Tenley Albright.

De Lima, of Brasilia, Brazil skates at the Lincoln Center Figure Skating Club in Columbus, Ind. and had "retired" from competitive skating when he first attended camp in 2009.

"I brought with me enthusiasm, but I was very out of shape," de Lima said. "I wanted to meet skaters from different environments, not to mention the opportunity to be on the same ice as Dorothy, Peter and Randy who were sort of my role models when I was learning to skate."

Camp, however, brought a new meaning to de Lima's skating.

"Every time I came here I learned something that helped me grow as a skater and return to competitive skating," de Lima said." For me the best part of the camp are the group and private lessons. I learn so much with them, and of course performing a solo at the end."

Today, de Lima proudly competes at the ISU Adult International Competition and represented the United States five times since 2007. Each time he won gold.

"I stand as a very proud adult skater," de Lima said.

O'Neel also credits her camp experiences in bringing her skating to a new level.

"My skating has grown immensely," O'Neel said. "Every time I step on the ice I think of Dorothy, Randy, Tim, Nathan, Elin, JoJo, Peter, Julie and Steven. I hear their voices and remember their teachings. I hear their laughter and feel their love for the sport." She hopes to compete in the 2013 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships.

Janssen returns to camp each year because she sees significant growth in her skating. She, too, competes at the U.S. Adult Championships.

"I find myself skating for the beauty of the sport," Janssen said. "Camp is a lot about bringing back the edges, the basics and the beauty of skating. After sharing the week with these incredible coaches I find myself skating for that beauty of the sport."

All three skaters agree camp not only provides wonderful on ice experiences and lessons of a lifetime, but also friendships that have formed throughout the years among the campers - and coaches.

"The coaches are so supportive of our skating and personal lives," Janssen said. "I feel that they are not just coaches, but also friends. They love to watch us progress on the ice and we love to share the ice with them and are truly grateful for the personal skating instruction and experiences. The bonds, friendships and personal experiences that are created each year are unbelievable. It is a lifetime experience and I am truly inspired to return every year if possible."

Photo 1: Dedicated Adult campers Billie O'Neel, Jorge deLima and Cathy Janssen

Photo 2: Cathy, Jorge and Billie enjoy a class with coach Elin Schran