“The Best Camp of the Whole Summer”—also known as the “Green Geckos” camp at Gateway Green—was our second camp this year. Designed as a progression from the earlier “Neo Newts,” we had 10 kids register. Two couldn’t attend, so we opened the wait list and added 3 more, for a total of 11. Three of these kids attended the first camp of the year, and 4 others had attended at least one camp in a previous year. Three kids were on their 3rd year with us! It’s always fun seeing the same kids, except taller! Everyone made great improvements and had a lot of fun.
All the kids worked on their body positions, braking, cornering, ratcheting, trail riding, and pumping. The more advanced kids worked on jumping as well. The best part about bringing a group of kids with mixed skills to Gateway Green is that there is a place for everyone to learn and challenge themselves as much as they are comfortable, and opportunities for progression. All the kids enjoyed the pump track and trails at their own level. Our goal wasn’t to create world-class mountain bikers but simply more confident kids who have fun on their bikes on surfaces other than pavement.
We worked on more advanced skills such as braking from higher speeds, had a skidding contest on the gravel road and explained why that isn’t good for the trails, learned track stands, enjoyed epic games of Foot Down and much more. There wasn’t a trail in the park that at least part of this crew rode, including the big jump line! Well, maybe the westernmost lines in the skills section we didn’t get to.
“This is the best camp of the whole summer!” said camper Enzo to his Dad on the last day, and indeed it was one of them. We coaches—Elaine, Myles, and Foster—think they are all the best camps of the summer! The kids supported each other, learned a lot, and had a great time. We miss them already and can’t wait for next year!