How does camp work?

Our bike camps provide an "immersion" experience in bicycling for children with disabilities and/or special needs through the use of specialized equipment and teaching techniques. Kids come to camp for five 75 minute sessions, Monday-Friday.  

Is the camp appropriate for my child?

Children with a variety of disabling conditions have had success at our camps. A few basic prerequisites are necessary for success. We recommend that the child is at least eight years old. The child must be ambulatory and be able to keep her/his feet on the pedals and maintain pedaling. Your child must be able to keep his/her hands on the handle bars and move them, and be able to see sufficiently to avoid obstacles and maintain a path of travel. He/she must also be willing to follow instructions. Most of all, your child must be motivated to ride a bike.

Our experience has shown that behavioral considerations are extremely important - a child may be physically able to ride, but if he/she cannot be persuaded to get on the bike and follow our instructions, he/she may not succeed.

Who will work with my child?

We rely on volunteers who are committed to working with kids in order to teach them to learn to ride two-wheeled bikes. Volunteers might be university students in Adapted Physical Education, regular and adapted physical educators from nearby school districts, university adapted physical education specialists, OTs, PTs, and high school and college assistants, who work one-on-one with each child.  

What does my child need to bring to camp?

Kids should wear loose clothing and tennis shoes. Long pants are recommended. Kids must bring a bike helmet. It is helpful for them to bring a water bottle and suntan lotion, in the event that it is hot outside.  

When are your camps?

We hold camps during the summer. Our 2010 camp will be the week of July 26 and will be held at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota.