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All Day Bike CampAll-day campers ride throughout the day. They also enjoy age-appropriate games and crafts during their breaks. Younger kids will have plenty of variety in their activities to keep them energized throughout the day. Older and more experienced riders participate in several challenging and exciting off-site rides. After their morning riding portion or activity, children rest during their lunch break. Pedalheads does not provide lunch services; please be sure to pack a healthy, nut-free lunch for your child so that they can maintain their energy.
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Camp Rules and Behavioral ExpectationsAt Pedalheads, we like to keep our rules simple and easy for kids to remember to guide behavioral expectations for the week. Instructors review these seven simple rules on the first day of camp in a fun and interactive manner that engages the class and makes them feel like they helped create the rules. We believe in positive reinforcement to gain ultimate success. With that in mind, we employ a no time-out policy.
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Bike Camp Daily ScheduleHere is an example of a schedule for Half-Day and All-Day Bike camps. 8:55-9:05: Sign In 9:05-9:45: Teaching 9:45 –9:50: Keep It Clean & Break 9:50 –10:30: Teaching 10:30 –10:45: Snack Break 10:45 –11:15: Teaching 11:15 –11:20: Keep it Clean & Break 11:20 –11:55: Teaching 12:00 - 12:55: Lunch 12:55 - 4:00: Same schedule as 8:55 - 11:55!
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Choosing a BikeBiking specifications vary depending on your child's skill level. For all bikes, they should be structurally sound with no broken parts or wires that may impair safety. Check the brakes and the steering of your child's bike before coming to camp. Special tips for shopping for beginners (Level 1 & 2): Do not buy a bike they will "grow into". While sitting on the seat, feet should be flat on the ground.
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Bike BrakesMost kids' bikes (single speed) are equiped with pedal brakes that stop the bike when pressing backwards on the pedal. These are generally easier for children to use than hand brakes. If the bike only has one hand brake, it's also equipped with a pedal brake. When choosing a bike with two hand brakes, ensure that your child can reach and pull the levers. Many are difficult for kids to use because they can be either too big for their small hands or too stiff.
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Half-Day Bike CampOur half-day camp features three hours per day of Safety and Bike proficiency instruction. From beginners on training wheels to advanced riders on the road, we teach kids the skills needed to succeed on the trails and streets. Our instructors use games, obstacle courses and positive encouragement to help develop kids' skills and confidence on their bikes. During the week, the children spend time both on and off their bikes which helps keep them energized and engaged.
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Helmet ChecksHelmet safety plays an important part of a fun and safe experience. As your child's safety is our number-one priority at camp, our helmet check procedure is in place to ensure that your child's head is well protected. Helmet checks are now scheduled during our Monday morning routine, led by your child's instructor. However, our Sign-In Staff Members will take a quick look while you are still there to check if the helmet is inappropriate (helmet used for another sport or visible damage).
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Bike Fit (Levels 4+)For Bike Levels 4 and up, your child should have at least half of their feet touching the ground when sitting on the seat, and there should be a slight bend at the elbows when holding the handlebars. Seat adjustments can be challenging if the bolts are rusted or too tight to turn. Do your best to adjust it yourself so your child can reach the ground when on their seat.
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Preparing for CampWhen will my child have their training wheels off? Every child who enrolls in our camp is unique, so taking the training wheels off will come at a different time for each child. We want children to feel proud and excited to take them off, and when we feel the child is ready to take them off, we’ll gently encourage and motivate the child to give it a try.
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Sign-In & Sign-Out ProceduresAs your child's safety is important to us, we require that all children be signed in and out by a parent or caregiver and that you speak to your child's instructor each day. Sign-In Please arrive no more than 5-10 minutes earlier than when your camp is supposed to begin, especially on your first day. This is to ensure that you have a smooth check in and camp can begin on time.
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Bike MaintenanceAlthough our instructors do have good working knowledge of bikes and bike maintenance, and we have all tools required for basic maintenance, we are not equipped to repair major bike problems. If you are using an older bike, we recommend taking it to a bike shop to make sure it is in good working order for the first day of camp.
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Adult Code of ConductPedalheads strives to be a safe space for all. We do not tolerate any aggressive, demeaning, racist, homophobic or transphobic behaviour, actions, or language from anyone. Any person who displays any of the following behaviours will be asked to leave the premises immediately: Being disrespectful to others Physical or verbal abuse of any kind Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs Smoking on-site (i.e., the use of tobacco, vapour products, or cannabis) Confronting or correcting other children in our programs Confronting other parents/guardians/caregivers at site