The national group Losing the Training Wheels is teaming up with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas to put on a Losing the Training Wheels Camp next week at the Crockett Center. The organization seeks to teach children with disabilities how to ride a bike without training wheels.
They are in need of volunteers to help put on the camp and put out this volunteer call on Craig’s List:
Volunteers Needed – Lose the Training Wheels Camp!
The Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas is seeking volunteers to assist at our Lose the Training Wheels camp for children with disabilities. This camp teaches the skills needed to ride a bicycle without training wheels. Using modified bicycles that have rollers instead of training wheels, the course teaches the techniques to overcome three main obstacles to riding a bicycle: impaired balance, limited coordination and fear. The rollers provide greater stability and improved balance and are phased out over time until the child can use regular tires. Volunteers provide encouragement and support while serving as spotters as they run along next to the children.
“Lose the Training Wheels Camp will be held at the Crockett Center in Austin, Texas from Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21, 2009 from 8AM-5PM. Volunteers are needed for 1hr 45 minute slots. We ask you to commit to all 5 days for the session(s) you select. Campers bond with their volunteers and rely on the same person to be there each day to help them learn to ride.” If you cannot commit to all five days– reply anyhow– we will work something out!!
Time Slots are as follows:
Session I: 7:45-9:30
Session II: 9:15-11:00
Session III: 10:45-12:30
Session IV: 1:00-2:45
Session V: 2:30-4:15
Volunteers must be 16 years or older. Permission from a parent or guardian is required for volunteers under 18.
To volunteer or for more information, please reply and indicate which session(s) you are available. Our volunteer coordinator will confirm your shift assignment.
Skills needed:
Patience, kindness, dedication, reliability, ability to run and sense of humor.
on Aug 11th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Most of us take for granted the ability to jump on a bike a ride it. That is not the case for many children with disabilities.
The Lose the Training Wheels Bike Camp will include children with all different disabilities. By the end of the week, 85% of them will be able to balance and ride a 2-wheel bicycle. In addition, they will: experience increased self-esteem and self-confidence; improve their health, recreational opportunities, and quality of life; have a means of independent transportation; and be included with their peers and community.
Thank you for volunteering and improving the lives of these kids!
Lori Tullos Barta
President, Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas
http://www.dsact.com
on Aug 11th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Just wanted to let everyone know that we are no longer requiring our volunteers to commit to all 5 days; even if you can only help out for one session on one day – your help would be greatly appreciated and valued.
Also, just to clarify, the camp is from Monday the 17th-Friday the 21st; not on Saturday.
on Aug 11th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
[...] Volunteer Call: Losing the Training Wheels | Austin On Two Wheels by elliott The Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas is seeking volunteers to assist at our Lose the Training Wheels camp for children with disabilities. This camp teaches the skills needed to ride a bicycle without training wheels. … [...]