Rolling Through Homeschooling: Skateaway Continues To Bring Families Together
- Summer Hammack | Writer
- Mar 15
- 2 min read
Summer Hammack | Writer
If roller skating had a soundtrack, it would be a mashup of all the world’s greatest hits—just like the ever-changing music at Skateaway Roller Rink in Whitehall. However, while the tunes will continue to change, the sense of community at this beloved rink will forever remain the same.
Since its grand opening on Jan. 15, 1971, Skateaway has been a staple for family fun, and no one knows that better than General Manager Mindy Wehner Traube.
“We’re different from other rinks, we have rules and we stick to them—it’s how we stand out, safety needs to come first,” Traube said.
The result is a safe and family-friendly environment where skaters of all ages and skill levels can enjoy themselves without any worries at all.
“The most rewarding part of my job has to be the homeschool day. It's my favorite event we have,” Traube said.
What started as a small gathering of 10 traditional homeschoolers has now grown into a thriving event, with 177 attendees at the most recent meetup on Feb. 13. This event gives homeschool families a unique opportunity to connect, support each other, and of course, skate.
The original attendees, who have been rolling along since the beginning, are thrilled with how much the event has expanded. Parents raved about the friendships their kids have made and the social outlet the rink provides—not just for the children, but for the parents as well.
“There’s nothing else like this in the area,” one mom shared. “It’s a game-changer for homeschool families.”
Skateaway keeps the fun going with special events like New Year’s Eve countdowns, Valentine’s Day parties and Halloween celebrations. For those looking for a midweek adventure, Wacky Wednesday offers a creative twist—entry is paid with supplies like toilet paper and paper towels instead of cash.
Looking ahead, Skateaway has future plans to add a Gospel Night to the schedule, hoping to add to the diversity of events offered.
Overall the rink continues to be a place where community and fun come together—on four wheels, of course. One thing’s for sure—Skateaway isn’t just a place to skate. It’s a place to belong.
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