Camp Week

Refer to https://www.icanshine.org for many videos of bike camps on the home page. There are also social stories to help riders prepare. Riders can see pictures of roller bikes and watch videos to see what they will be doing during the program.  Below are some excerpts from https://icanshine.org/publication/view/how-parents-guardians-can-help-during-bike-camp/

• Be prepared – snack, water and restroom stop before your session. 

• Make sure to attend all 5 days of the program. Every day is important. 

• Make sure rider has a properly fitted bike helmet. 

• Bring your rider's bike into the program as early as possible for transition at the end of the week. 

• Dress rider for bike riding (shorts, t-shirt, sneakers). No open toe shoes are permitted. Baggy pants, and long skirts or dresses are prone to catching in the wheels, gears or chain of the bike and pose a safety hazard. 

• No biking at home this week. Only biking at the bike program. 

• Do not introduce any new activities this week because we do not want to overload the rider with too many new skills. Learning to ride a bike takes a lot of motor planning and processing. 

• Talk about each day’s activities at home. Help set goals for the next day (e.g., number of laps, time on the bike before breaks, etc.) 

• Discuss rewards for riding (immediate and long term). We encourage non-food related rewards. If rewards are food, then we ask you to save it until after the session ends. 

• A parent or guardian must remain on site during the program in case of emergency and to offer support to their rider. Also, you won’t want to miss the progress your rider makes and the first time they are on two wheels! 

• After the program week many riders will still need the assistance of a person running alongside. Identify this person and have them at camp on Friday, dressed for running. iCan Bike staff will train your family designee to spot the rider. 

• Celebrate! It is quite an achievement learning to ride a two-wheel bike in only 5 days. Take photos and share them with friends and family and on our Facebook page. Bring family members on Friday to join in the celebration.