iCan Shine Bike Camp – Spaces Still Available!

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We understand that the vast majority of people with disabilities never have the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. Research shows that over 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never experience this thrill. Defying these odds is why we exist!

Bike Camp Volunteers 1Register your child with confidence – you won’t be disappointed.  Last year, the staff exceeded our expectations. They had such dynamic and energetic personalities that they were able to work through any situation and had creative solutions for individual learners. Their interaction with the campers, parents, volunteers and our staff was always positive and productive. True professionals who care about what they do!

This program was amazing last summer and will be incredible again this year!  It brought smiles to faces of the campers and volunteers; and tears of joy and hope to parents.

From parents of past participants:

“Your program is exceptional! We were absolutely delighted when by day 5 our son was riding a two wheeler. The staff is excellent and so very patient. Thank you so much for all you do to bring this amazing program to Phoenix. You have given my son confidence and a bit of independence. We completed this program two years ago and we are forever grateful. Hugs to you all.”

“I still have tears in my eyes as I watch my son ride his bike with his older brother. We spent 6 years trying to ride without success….one week in camp and he is riding!  You ROCK! Eternally grateful for such a wonderful program. Exceeded all of our expectations.”
“I can’t emphasize how amazing this program is. My son is 10 and participated this year. He was afraid to try. Then excited. The entire staff was amazing, helpful and kept his confidence soaring. I honestly didn’t know if he’d ever be able to ride independently or without training wheels. Now, he can’t be stopped. He had a new sense of freedom and pride. Don’t shy away if unsure. Please let your child try this. Thank you so much!”

“My son Ayden has high functioning autism, severe ADHD, and sensory processing issues.  He attended camp this year and it was amazing!  I’ve never seen him stay so focused!  Usually he does something for a few minutes and wants to move on to something else.  He wanted to ride the whole time, and was riding a 2 wheel bike by himself on day 3!!!  I was so happy, I cried! We are so grateful for the camp!  Thank you so much for everything you have done for Ayden!!!  I have to say this was one of the best experiences of my life, to see my son achieve this with these amazing people!  Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart!”

How Does it Work?

From July 6 – 10, 2015, iCan Shine’s iCan Bike program will be in Conyers, GA to teach individuals with disabilities how to ride a conventional bike and become a lifelong independent rider!

Each rider attends the same 75-minute session for each of the 5 days (M – F) and is assigned two volunteers that will work with the rider throughout the week.  This works great because bonds are formed between the volunteers and riders that is helpful for encouragement and motivational purposes throughout the week.  Also, because the riders often have emotional and/or mental disabilities, it is often comforting for them to work with the same volunteer each day rather than seeing a different face.

Finally, it is very rewarding for the volunteer to have spent the whole week with the child to see the fruits of their labor on the last day when the child finally rides independently.

The riders will be riding a specialized bicycle designed to teach them to balance appropriately for the entire 75 minutes each day while being accompanied by their assigned volunteers.  Additionally, camp staff will provide fun motivational teaching on a specially designed tandem bike that is generally well received by most riders.

The first two days of the bike camp (Mon & Tues) will take place solely inside on adapted roller bikes.  Beginning on the third day (Wed), some riders may graduate to a two-wheel bike and transition to riding outdoors spotted by their assigned volunteers.   As riders graduate from the roller bikes to a two-wheel bike between Wednesday and Friday, they will transition to the outdoor riding area.

The week is concluded with a touching and inspiring award ceremony!

When:

July 6th – 10th, 2015

Registration Contact:

For information or questions about this bike camp please e-mail Esther Maclin directly at icanbikerockdale@gmail.com or call 770-633-5007.

To register for this bike camp, please click below to download a registration form:

Where (Click link to view map):

Rockdale County High School 1174 Bulldog Circle Conyers, GA 30012
Bike Camp 7

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