This last week, Camille got to go to bike camp. This was a camp sponsored by iCan Shine organization that helps children with disabilities to feel like they are capable through movement and play.
We went every day, Monday-Friday, for a week from 8:30-9:45am. We drove up to Summit Academy High School in Draper, Utah, which was about 30 minutes drive.
On the first day, the 8 bikers in the session were each paired with two volunteers who helped them bike on adapted bikes around a big double gym. Camille was so excited and happy to do this. The bikes all had the back wheel replaced with a cylinder that tapered on each end. This gave them the stability they needed while still allowing them to practice balancing. Camille did 32 laps that day.
On the second day, they did more of the same, except each biker got a turn going on the tandem bike with the bike tech guy named Sam. The child went in front on a lower seat and Sam went on the back. Camille did 44 laps that day.
On the third day, they kept practicing some more and a few of the children, including Camille, got to try going on a regular bike with a handle on the back that allowed them to have help while they gained confidence.
On the fourth day, Camille practiced inside for a little while and then she went outside in the parking lot to practice on the bike with the handle on the back.
On the fifth day, we just practiced outside the whole time. Camille was close to being independent but still needs someone back on the handle helping. We got a new used bike for her and we also got the handle to help her. It's a lot of work to run around helping her. The camp claims to have 80% of the kids riding somewhat independently by the end of the week. I would say that did not happen in ours--only one boy was really independent. But the others definitely made good progress and I'm hoping we'll get there soon.
At the end of the fifth day, they gave all the bikers a medal and they took pictures. She loved the medal! I should have brought her volunteers a little gift but I didn't even think about it.
I enjoyed taking Camille to this bike camp and she enjoyed it too. I loved the way the kids got lots of practice and gained strength, skill, and confidence as they went. Camille doesn't have a diagnosed disability but she has definitely been quite delayed in her gross motor skills and it takes her longer to learn these things, especially since her strength is lacking.
Since Friday, we have practiced once at home but it didn't go that well because she got sick towards the end of the week and she hasn't been feeling her best. So I'm hoping that she won't forget anything during this little hiatus and that we can keep practicing when she's better.
We went every day, Monday-Friday, for a week from 8:30-9:45am. We drove up to Summit Academy High School in Draper, Utah, which was about 30 minutes drive.
On the first day, the 8 bikers in the session were each paired with two volunteers who helped them bike on adapted bikes around a big double gym. Camille was so excited and happy to do this. The bikes all had the back wheel replaced with a cylinder that tapered on each end. This gave them the stability they needed while still allowing them to practice balancing. Camille did 32 laps that day.
On the second day, they did more of the same, except each biker got a turn going on the tandem bike with the bike tech guy named Sam. The child went in front on a lower seat and Sam went on the back. Camille did 44 laps that day.
On the third day, they kept practicing some more and a few of the children, including Camille, got to try going on a regular bike with a handle on the back that allowed them to have help while they gained confidence.
On the fourth day, Camille practiced inside for a little while and then she went outside in the parking lot to practice on the bike with the handle on the back.
On the fifth day, we just practiced outside the whole time. Camille was close to being independent but still needs someone back on the handle helping. We got a new used bike for her and we also got the handle to help her. It's a lot of work to run around helping her. The camp claims to have 80% of the kids riding somewhat independently by the end of the week. I would say that did not happen in ours--only one boy was really independent. But the others definitely made good progress and I'm hoping we'll get there soon.
 |
| Camille's two volunteers. They are young girls but did a great job. |
 |
| Sadly, we forgot her green shirt on the last day. All the campers got so much support from the other parents and volunteers. It was a really positive atmosphere. |
At the end of the fifth day, they gave all the bikers a medal and they took pictures. She loved the medal! I should have brought her volunteers a little gift but I didn't even think about it.
I enjoyed taking Camille to this bike camp and she enjoyed it too. I loved the way the kids got lots of practice and gained strength, skill, and confidence as they went. Camille doesn't have a diagnosed disability but she has definitely been quite delayed in her gross motor skills and it takes her longer to learn these things, especially since her strength is lacking.
Since Friday, we have practiced once at home but it didn't go that well because she got sick towards the end of the week and she hasn't been feeling her best. So I'm hoping that she won't forget anything during this little hiatus and that we can keep practicing when she's better.
Comments
Post a Comment