Bike Camp Day 5 - final day!
Today we said good-bye to our new riders at the last day of bike camp. The last day is always inspiring, as new riders go from wobbling on 2 wheels to confident on 2 wheels inside, and finally go outside and ride around the track. Some of our riders still are learning and riding in the gym. Nationally, the success rate after a week at camp is about 80%, and our results have been similar.
The change from Monday in the posture and energy level of the campers is dramatic. Campers who come in tentatively and reluctantly on Monday by Friday arrive happy and leave with excitement and big smiles.
Our volunteers are amazing. We have several volunteers who have been with us for 3 years - and are looking forward to next year. Since each rider has individual support, and several have more than one volunteer to support them, we need a lot of help. This week at camp we had 35 campers and 84 volunteers. The campers worked really hard, and so did the supporting volunteers. I think the volunteers get as much out of this experience as the campers. Riders and volunteers - you are amazing! It has been so fun to watch you this week! Riders - keep riding!
Tags: Lose the Training Wheels
June 26th, 2010 at 8:21 am
I wanted to say what a GREAT experience we had in this program! My son is an Aspie and is very cautious. We have been unable to get him on a bike the past few years, even though he loved the tag a long!
His volunteers were Endee and Eva and both were fantastic and patient! We really didn’t think a week would be enough, but he is on 2 wheels now and we are going to practice a lot this summer. His grandma can’t wait to ride with our son!
Thanks to all the Lose The Training Wheels people, Patrick Hartz is now an official bike rider and we could not be happier! Everyone was cheerful, patient and kind. Thanks for the great job!!!