“A few days before bike camp started I was so excited to tell my son Jake that we had found a spot for him. While I was so excited, let’s just say he wasn’t a happy camper. At this point, he didn’t even want to get on his bike. I did my best to tell him that everything was going to be great. I went to orientation the Sunday night before camp started to hear about the program so we could prepare as a family. Hearing about the program and what these folks are able to do in a week sounded too good to be true. However, I was blown away by the passion and the experience these individuals had about helping kids.

My goal for my son was to get him semi-comfortable without using training wheels after a week. While that may have been my goal I also understand the reality and I didn’t expect this to be our reality after just several days. While I could not join him for the first couple of days I sat in on the fourth day. The volunteers and other staff told me how great he was doing. I had heard he was doing well, but well is always relative. I took a seat to watch him and a volunteer prepare for their loop around the gym just hoping he wouldn’t fall off. To my surprise and delight, he started peddling without training wheels with some help and after about five seconds he was doing it without any help from anyone! The smile he had on his face was enough to make his father tear up like a baby. It’s not often I get that emotional but it was uncontrollable.

This camp, the staff and volunteers have far exceeded any of my wildest expectations. While they explained to me at orientation what the process would be but I still cannot comprehend how they were able to teach him to ride a bike on his own in just a week. I could not have done this in a year.

I believe this will open up other doors for my son and encourage his younger brother to begin learning as well so they can ride together. I always thought him riding a bike is something you do for fun. Now I see it will provide him opportunities starting with his own level of confidence.”

Most thankfully,
Brian