The goal of UCP-OC’s Bike Camp is simple but life-changing: to teach children with special needs how to ride a two-wheeled bicycle.

From Monday, August 5th, to Friday, August 9th, UCP-OC and the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County will hold Bike Camp 2019, a fun and hope-building community event that will draw around 40 families of children with disabilities and nearly twice as many passionate community volunteers.

Children with special needs are often defined by the things they “cannot do” and because of this, end up with activities avoided and experiences denied. UCP-OC’s Bike Camp works to roll back this thinking. Bike Camp gives children the opportunity to learn a skill that demonstrates their ability to live independently and is proven to have lifelong mental and physical benefits.

Learning to ride a bike opens the door for a child to increase their self-esteem, confidence, and socialization skills. Furthermore, riding is associated with increased muscle strength, bone development, and motor planning for children with disabilities, who often spend a majority of their time sitting or laying down. Bike Camp is an awesome event because of the awesome children we will see ride a bike for the very first time—a proud and unforgettable moment for any child.

Bike Camp 2019 will take place at Soka University over five days during daily riding sessions. Each child will be placed in a “camper group” and paired with one or two trained volunteers who will teach them how to ride a bicycle. UCP-OC’s staff and volunteers are highly-qualified in their ability to care for our kids and provide them with a safe, fun, and exciting opportunity to learn and create friendships.

UCP-OC would be thrilled to partner with the Foundation to deliver Bike Camp 2019. A grant award could be recognized at the event and in UCP-OC’s newsletter. Additionally, the Awesome Foundation would be printed on the Bike Camp t-shirt worn by all of our incredible campers and volunteers.