SkaterTots: Roller-Skating & Self-Esteem Building

Play Equity to Advance Mental Health (sponsored by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Mind & Matter's programs aim to help young people restore the mind-body connection after experiencing trauma. Research has shown that childhood trauma can lead to mental and behavioral problems, while positive factors such as self-esteem and supportive relationships can help protect against the development of psychopathology (Negriff et al., 2020; Satapathy et al., 2022). SkaterTots is designed to address these issues by providing a systematic approach for girls ages 9-12 who score low on the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. The program utilizes roller skating as the primary activity, as physical activity in a group setting has been shown to positively impact mental wellness in children and adolescents (Yoon et al., 2019; Gordon et al., 2022). SkaterTots also uses self-esteem-building workshops and roller-skating sessions to promote skill-building, play, and physical activity, which can improve the mental and physical well-being of participants.

Mind & Matter's SkaterTots program teaches roller skating while promoting self-esteem. In the first week, participants are fitted with roller skates, protective gear, and a helmet for safety. During the second week, they receive the equipment and keep it after graduation in the eighth week to continue their roller-skating journey. The skating component of the program is led by experienced roller skating instructors who encourage girls to take risks and teach them how to fall and get back up. Through this process, girls learn the importance of perseverance and resilience, two key traits for building self-esteem. In addition to skating instruction, SkaterTots incorporates various self-esteem-building activities designed to help girls recognize their unique strengths and qualities and develop a positive self-image. The program uses a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises and play therapy to promote positive self-esteem. Participants engage in planned activities like reframing negative thoughts and setting intentions for self-care. The program is replicable and can be easily expanded to other Boys and Girls Club chapters. SkaterTots differs from other roller-skating programs in that it incorporates mental health awareness and self-esteem-building activities in an engaging way for youth along their skating journey.

As our initiative gains momentum and achieves success, we anticipate several positive changes throughout the county. Our results show a significant improvement in the self-esteem and confidence levels of the participating girls. We aim to help them develop a strong sense of self-worth and belief in their abilities by providing them with a supportive and empowering environment. Growth in confidence will transcend beyond the skating rink and positively impact various aspects of their lives, such as academics, relationships, and personal growth. SkaterTots is now introducing a mentorship program wherein past graduates can volunteer in upcoming seasons, gaining volunteer credits and experience. To ensure SkaterTots sustainability and long-term impact, we plan to expand across Los Angeles County. By partnering with additional community centers, schools, and recreational facilities, we can reach more underserved girls and provide them with the tools they need to thrive.

Each participant takes pre and post-surveys to track their progress. The survey we utilize is the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, modified for teens. SkaterTots is highly replicable and given the proper resources, can be easily expanded to other Boys and Girls Club chapters. SkaterTots differs from other roller-skating programs by incorporating mental health awareness and self-esteem-building activities in an engaging way for youth along their skating journey. We have seen an overall increase in self-esteem in our participants.