Besides the training sessions and races there is more to do at Softijs ofcourse, much more to do. One example is the many camps that the association organizes throughout the year. Most camps are training camps aimed at improving your speed skating, cycling and inline skating skills. But most of all these camps are a lot of fun! Each year Softijs organizes a camp in our homeland, a camp abroad, summer intro camp, a cycling camp, a summer ice camp and an inline skate camp.

Summer intro camp (ZIK, stands for Zomer Introkamp)

Perhaps the only camp in the year where there is hardly any training, for speed skating anyway. This weekend, which usually occurs at the end of September, all holiday stories are told and a list of expectations for the coming season is made. For new Softies it represents a very good opportunity to get acquainted with many other Softies befor the skating season has well and truly begun!

Homeland camp (BIK, stands for: Binnenland Kamp)

Every year between Christmas and New Years there is the homeland camp. During this camp we go to an ice rink elsewhere in our country with a large group of Softies. We stay in accommodations close to the rink and spend the day on our speed skates led by different trainers. In the evening and night there is time for fun and special activities. This camp therefore not only provides a boost to your skating skills, but also plays an introductory function so you’re immediately aware of any other Softies!

Abroad camp (BUK, stands for Buitenland Kamp)

The Netherlands are perhaps the biggest country in speed skating in the world, but for the best skate spots you often have to look abroad. Think of Collalbo, an outdoor track in the Italian Alps, the Viking Ship in Hamar, Inzell in southern Germany, a natural ice rink in Falun in Sweden and there are many other beautiful places where life is good. Therefore annually there is the abroad camp in February.

Cycle camp (Wheels)

When the skating season has come to an end that does not mean that we sit still in the summer. Cycling is a good training for skating and real cycling occurs naturally where there are hills or mountains. In the Ascension Weekend we therefore traditionally go to a cottage in the Ardennes where we conquer the biggest pimples of the Ardennes during the day and the evenings will consist of strong storytelling while enjoying a beer. Together with our friends from the speeds skating association in Delft, ELS, we go on Wheels.

Inline skating camp

Since 2023 the Skeelercie organises an inline skating camp, open for our own members and for members of other student speed skating associations as well. This camp will of course be all about inline skating, but no worries, all levels are welcome. There will be training sessions on a track and there will be a number of tours, where there is always a suitable distance for you.

Running camp (Batavierenrace)

Besides cycling and inline skating camps there is a running camp as well: the Batavierenrace! This is the biggest running stage race of the world, with more than 8.500 athletes (students) participating. The route has a total length of 175 kilometers, starts in Nijmegen, goes via Germany and ends in Enschede. The Batavierenrace takes place in April . The results of last years can be found here.