Join Bike Newport’s Summer Bike Camp!
Please Note: Covid-19 related information: Dates and details may change. We are staying informed and will make our decisions in accordance with public health guidelines.
Hooray! With Governor Raimondo’s announcement this week that summer camps are a go – with safety restrictions – Bike Newport is happy to open the application process for our first Summer Bike Camp.
Summer Bike Camp is open to eligible children ages 8-13. There will be three one-week sessions during the month of July. Our camp programs are offered at no cost to participants thanks to generous supporters of Bike Newport – LISC Growing Communities and the Bazarsky Family Foundation.
Sessions start July 13th – July 31st. Camp runs Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm and is held at The Big Blue Bike Barn at 20 Sunset Blvd, Newport, RI 02840. We provide all the equipment needed to participate.
At our first ever summer bike camp, the kids spend a fun-filled week on bikes and learn:
- Bike handling and bike safety skills
- Trail and road riding skills
- Environmental stewardship and growing food with Aquidneck Community Table
- Basic bike maintenance, build independence and confidence and meet new friends.
- Meet new friends. Be active. Have FUN!
We provide all the equipment needed to participate in each of our summer camp sessions.
By the end of the week your child is filled with bike-happiness and with the independence of knowing how riding a bike safely and confidently. They will have new skills to be proud of, and know how to take care of their surrounding environment.
Camp dates 2020:
- July 13-17
- July 20-24
- July 27-31 (Gretchen’s Blooms – Girls Bike Camp)
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Bike Camp Application
Children are eligible for Summer Bike Camp if they are eligible for free lunch at school. Acceptance into the program is based on a balanced mix of ages, abilities, and genders, and then by random lottery. Once your child is accepted, the rest of the registration process is done with you. When camp is over, you will be asked for your feedback – to help us create the best program possible going forward.
The application includes a statement from the child who wants to attend – telling us why they want to attend! It can be a letter, a picture, a story, a movie – however the child wishes to express their interest in Bike Camp.
If you don’t qualify for Bike Camp this year, there are still many ways to enjoy the Big Blue Bike Barn campus and trails! The Bike Library will be open to borrow bikes, and the trails will be open to explore and play. Be sure to watch for updates.
Apply online by May 31st, or pick up a paper copy of the application form at the MLK Center, Aquidneck Growers Farmer’s Market – at Pell Elementary School, the Florence Gray Center, Pell Elementary School food distribution site. Parents/legal guardians are notified by June 12th if the child has a place in one of the camp sessions.
For application related questions, email Clare Woodhead, Director of Education, or call (401) 200-0850.
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General Information
Location: The Big Blue Bike Barn at 20 Sunset Blvd, Newport, RI 02840
Camp Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am-3pm
Check-In: 9:00am
Check-out: 3:00pm
Camp Price: Free
Weather: Camp runs rain or shine with drop off and pick up at the Bike Barn. Our rain location is the Florence Gray Center, 1 York St, Newport, RI 02840
Bikes: Bicycles are available for all campers for the duration of their week at camp. All campers are required to wear helmets any time we are on bikes.
Food: Breakfast and lunch are available through the City of Newport’s summer food program. If you prefer or your child has special dietary needs you can pack them with a lunch. There is no camper access to refrigerators on site.
FAQ
What are the dates and times for the camps?
Each one-week session will run Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm.
- July 13-17
- July 20-24
- July 27-31 (Gretchen’s Blooms – Girls Bike Camp)
Where is the camp located?
The Big Blue Bike Barn, 20 Sunset Blvd, Newport RI 02840
How much does it cost?
Our camp programs are offered at no cost to participants thanks to generous supporters of Bike Newport – LISC Growing Communities and the Bazarsky Family Foundation.
If you are able to, we welcome donations to help cover costs.
What if I register and find out later that I can’t make the camp?
We understand things come up and registered campers sometimes need to change their plans. Please give us a minimum of one week notice so we can fill the spot.
What do I need to bring to eat?
If you would like to send your child with a snack please feel free to do so. However, it is not necessary. All food and water will be provided. Be sure to let us know about any allergies and food restrictions in the registration form.
How much supervision is there?
Camps are supervised by professional educators with significant experience working with young people and bikes. Attendees are never left completely unattended. There is always at least a minimum of 1:4 campers out on rides, and at our facility.
A Typical Week of Camp
- First day: We start the week with dealing with some essential paperwork, camp introductions, Bike Camp rules and a bike safety pre-test. We do helmet checks, a bike fit, an ABC quick check all before lunch. In the afternoon we practice riding skills like starting and stopping, a short group ride to give us a sense of the group’s abilities and then we follow up with a review of the day. The first day tends to be a light riding day, as the group sets expectations, learns new skills, and gets to know each other.
- Midweek: During the middle of the week, we will continue to learn and practice safe riding techniques and rules of the road, play games in parks, check out fun destinations, and learn a little basic maintenance. Activities will vary based on the age group and the theme of the camp.
- Last day: After an obstacle course and a bike safety post-test we will have a ride, a scavenger hunt, lock lesson and a wrap up.
Every day includes garden time and fun activities.
What is your teaching/learning philosophy: Bike Newport’s Summer Bike Camp’s mission is to broaden access to bicycling and all its benefits. This includes access to the outdoors, environmental stewardship, and enhanced livability. We believe hands-on learning allows children to gain skills, knowledge and confidence, and the interpersonal skills of decision-making and problem-solving that prepare them to be healthy, active, and engaged citizens. Our instructor to camper ratio is minimum 1:4 for all camps. We emphasize cooperative learning in a team environment. If your child has specific goals, please contact us in order to ensure that they are in the best camp.
Will my child ride all day non-stop in Newport heat and humidity? Absolutely not! We always schedule our day so our campers get plenty of rest breaks, shade and water.
Dropping your child off- Please reserve a little extra time on the first day to fill out any required forms that you have not completed. All other days, please arrive at 9:00am so we can make a prompt start.
Contact: Director of Education: Clare Woodhead (401) 200-0850 or email: clare@bikenewportri.org
Bike Newport