What is therapeutic skating? 

Skating is great exercise, but can be especially beneficial to those with developmental disabilities, physical challenges, or who are recovering from an injury--whether they are children or adults. Benefits include:

• Skating requires an erect posture and a certain measure of control, thus participation in the sport has been found to contribute to better breathing, improved circulation and balance, better posture and overall strength of body.
• In overcoming the restrictions of their handicaps through pleasant recreation, the skaters tend to become more outgoing.
• They are provided opportunities to meet new friends with a common interest and to identify with a group. They encounter fun as they develop confidence and self-respect, not only among the skaters in their group, but also among families and friends. 
• In ice skating, an individual sport, skaters can progress at their own rate according to their ability. 

One-on-one assistance, under the guidance of a United States Figure Skating Association-certified coach

Our Hershey Twizzles program runs for 6-weeks, with the first week may involve mostly off-ice (depending upon skater ability) but in skates (progressing to on-ice as the skaters' ability improves).  It is open to from age 5-adult. 

• Skaters will be paired with their own  volunteer "buddy," and  work at his or her own pace under the guidance of our USFSA-certified coach.
• Your skater will work on a special Therapeutic Skating curriculum, earning badges along the way.  Badges can be sewn onto a skating or winter jacket, and be a reminder of their success.  The first badge is done off-ice during the first session, as the skaters grow accustomed to wearing and standing in skates. 
• The curriculum can be seen at the link below. 

How Much Does This Cost? 

The cost is $79 for the 6 weeks, with rental skates an additional $2.50 (please contact us well in advance if your skater needs special skates, and we will try to make arrangements for adaptive equipment).  There is also an annual $16 membership fee to Learn-to-Skate USA (membership is valid July 2022-June 2023) .  

We recommend that skaters bring a bike or hockey helmet.  Walkers will be provided for those who need it. 

In the future, we hope to lower the costs through grant-writing and donations.  Please contact us if you believe your potential skater might need adaptive equipment. 

summer 2023 session:

Classes will begin July 13

Full schedule coming soon!

If you are a past volunteer for Hershey Twizzles, THANK YOU.  If you'd like to continue into the next session, you need to indicate your availability by filling out the volunteer form again. Thanks in advance. 

Each of our participant skaters will be paired with a volunteer buddy, both on and off ice.  You need not be an expert skater to volunteer, but be comfortable on ice.  

If you are interested in being a volunteer buddy to one of our Hershey Twizzles skaters, please fill out the form at the link below . While we prefer to have someone available for each of the Thursdays, it is okay to volunteer even if you have  to miss a week or so. Contact Melissa Spittler if you have any questions.