To understand the magic of our Stumpthing Different Roller Derby Retreat you have to first understand Roller Derby.  Or at least the way we see it. Yes, it's a contact sport, but gone are the days of clotheslining each other on the track or jumping an alligator.  It's a legitimate sport and the skaters are athletes.  We put a lot into it, between the training, the money we spend on our gear, and the traveling.  We do it out of love. Love for the sport and love for each other.  We still have the fun derby names, and you might even see a pair of fishnets on the track, it is still Roller Derby after all, but to us it's so much more. We have a phrase for it. We call it Derby Love. What that means to us, is no exceptions, you are welcome, and you are loved.  Everyone has a place in Roller Derby.  The referees, and non-skating officials (NSOs) have derby names and are on the team roster. Because they are essential.  You don't have to skate to be a part of the sport. You're still "one of us" and loved.  After a bout both teams celebrate together, and there's no separation, it's one group. That togetherness, that love was in full effect this weekend.  

      While we were technically assigned separate campsites, we camped as one. We had one fire pit that everyone was around. We shared chairs, s'mores ingredients, sticks, tarps, and anything else that was needed.  It was like camping with family.  That first night we had rookies that had never laced their skates for any scrimmage all the way to a skater that had won division championships and skated internationally.  There was no difference.  We were all derby.  We had volunteers that had never put on skates period, but around that fire and in that group it didn't matter.  We were equals. We exchanged stories, talked about our hopes for the next day, and mostly we laughed.  

      Saturday was our clinic.  For the majority of us, regardless of our skill level, it was a brand-new version of the game. There was a learning curve and some adjustments, but it was amazing. When asked how they felt about it the rookies described it as fun, terrifying, and empowering. But they loved it. Some of the veteran skaters described it as fun, terrifying, and empowering.  Which pretty much sums up how we feel every time we step on to the track and hear someone yell "Five Seconds!". 

      For some of us this weekend was the realization of a dream.  When we set out to start a new league, we had a list of what was most important to each of us. So, we decided we were going to do short track. It takes less room and people, but mostly because short track puts a lot of emphasis on "the spirit of the game". Play fair, play safe, have fun. And man did we! The veterans played down to the rookies and still had fun. The rookies challenged (and surprised) themselves and had a blast.  At one point in a scrimmage a rookie on one team was trying to get past a veteran blocker on the opposing team.  While she wasn't letting up at all, she was also cheering the rookie on. "Keep pushing, you're so strong, you're doing amazing". It was beautiful.  But that's derby. We had spectators, who had never seen derby. By the end they had favorite teams, favorite players,  and were cheering so loudly.  Then they wanted their pictures with the skaters.  While they didn't know it, in that moment, they were one of us. They were experiencing and spreading derby love. 

The location was beautiful. The community was so supportive.  If everything wasn't magical enough, we set off lanterns over the lake at sunset. 

      We really did it! It was our first adult event of any kind since starting the league and it was a success.  Our hearts are full. We already can't wait for next year!