Bike Camp
It’s a pedal-powered adventure where every camper can ride, play, and roll into biking awesomeness!
Camp Locations – click to open map
ORLEANS
St. Peter Catholic High School,
750 Charlemagne Blvd,
Orleans, Ontario,
K4A 3M4
KANATA
Earl of March Secondary School,
4 The Parkway,
Kanata, Ontario
K2K 2B6
BARRHAVEN
Longfields-Davidson Secondary School,
149 Berrigan Dr,
Nepean, Ontario,
K2J 5C6
Camp Details
Ages
Boys and girls ages 5 to 12 years
Dates and Rates
Dates and Rates
Staff Ratio
This camp has a Camper to Staff ratio of 3:1
Each group of 6 campers includes one Counselor and one or two CITs or Certified Volunteers
Description
At the time of registration, you’ll be asked to choose which level (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced) best suits your child. See descriptions below.
Campers will learn biking skills in the morning and participate in swimming or on-site activities in the afternoon. See sample schedule below.
Our aim is to teach riders of all abilities how to ride a bike safely and follow the rules of the road. At each level, we’ll teach proper helmet fit, bike fit, road rules, hand signals and bike spacing. To further enhance and practice our skills, there will be a bike rodeo, including an obstacle course, and bike decorating, on Friday of each week.
Bikes can be left on site each day in our locked space.
Don’t stress if you don’t know which level to choose.
Each camper will be assessed on their first day at camp so we’ll move riders (if need be) from one level to another based on their riding skills and the safety of all campers.
Beginner
Recommended Ages: 5 and 7 year olds
The perfect level for bikers still rocking their training wheels or ones just starting to get the hang of biking without them!
At this level, we’ll teach them the tricks of gliding, balancing, and picking up speed on their bikes. Imagine playing classic games like “Simon Says” and “Red Light, Green Light” while cruising on two wheels. We’ll even spice things up by creating cool obstacle courses with cones and chalk to amp up their skills. Weather permitting, we’ll go on rides close to the camp (less than 500m) for a “picnic-style” morning snack.
It’s not just a camp; it’s a pedal-powered adventure where every kid can ride, play, and roll into biking awesomeness!
Bike Requirements:
Most bikes will have training wheels, single gears, foot brakes or one hand brake. We cannot guarantee that campers will be ready to remove training wheels after one week of camp. However, if you come equipped with the tools to remove your child’s training wheels, we will gladly do it when we think it’s time to do so.
Where We’ll Ride:
This group will ride mainly in a designated paths near the camp location, but will go on short (less than 500 m) “trail rides” to practice their group-riding abilities.
There is no road riding at this level.
Intermediate
Recommended Ages: 7 to 9 year olds
Our Intermediate Bike Camp is tailored for campers who can confidently navigate local bike paths and possess basic knowledge regarding safe riding (ex. using correct hand signals). At this level, campers should also be adept at changing gears and stopping appropriately, ensuring readiness for the upcoming bike rides.
During on-site sessions, campers engage in lively games like “Pool Noodle Tag”, “Fruit Salad”, “Catch the Counselor” and tackle challenging obstacle courses. As we venture off-site for bike rides, campers have the chance to apply their skills. This involves mastering the art of maintaining a safe distance between riders, dismounting at intersections for crossings, and using proper signaling and communication techniques to prevent accidents. Weather permitting, we’ll go on rides to a nearby park or field for a “picnic-style” morning snack.
It’s not just about riding; it’s about honing a range of essential skills for a safer and more enjoyable biking experience.
Bike Requirements:
All bikes at this level must be equipped with multi-gear changers and hand brakes. No training wheels are permitted at this level.
Where We’ll Ride:
This pack of cyclists will ride mainly around the camp premises. Depending on individual abilities and evaluations by our Bike Camp counselors, some campers might get the nod for excursions along local bike paths. These rides will stay close, within a 5-kilometer radius of our camp site.
There is minimal road riding at this level. Some campers may be invited to ride off-site based on the assessment of their skills by their camp counselor.
Advanced
Recommended Ages: 9 to 12 year olds
Our Advanced Level Bike Camp is tailored for campers who can handle longer rides on both bike paths and calm residential streets/sidewalks. At this stage, expectations are up a notch; campers are not only expected to have mastered skills from previous levels but are also expected to take on a leadership role, setting an example for our beginner and intermediate riders.
Even though these bikers are more advanced, the fun never stops. They still dive into the excitement of games like “Pool Noodle Tag”, “Catch the Counselor”, and obstacle courses when we’re hanging out on-site. Weather permitting, we’ll go on rides to a nearby park or field for a “picnic-style” morning snack.
It’s all about keeping the thrill alive while advancing those biking skills.
Bike Requirements:
It is mandatory for all bikes at this level to have functioning front and back brakes as well as multi-gear changers. No single brakes or gears are permitted in this level.
Where We’ll Ride:
This awesome group of cyclists will enjoy cruising around the camp location and venturing out on longer rides along paths and quiet residential streets. These rides won’t stretch beyond an 8-kilometer radius from our camp sites. This radius is carefully set to ensure everyone’s safe proximity to the camp and to establish a reasonable time limit for the rides, preventing exhaustion.
At this level, riders will explore bike paths and residential streets daily, within a 5 to 8-kilometer range from the camp sites, striking the perfect balance between adventure and well-being.
Campers must bring the following mandatory equipment to participate in this camp:
1. An appropriately-sized bike in good working order with a bell and a properly adjusted seat height.
2. A properly-sized certified bike helmet. Skateboard helmets are not permitted. They do not provide the same level of protection as bike helmets for high-speed impacts and are not as aerodynamic or ventilated.
3. Closed-toe running shoes. No sandals, Crocs or flip-flops are permitted. Shoes should be tied firmly so they done come undone during our bike rides.
4. A water bottle attached to a holder on their bike.
5. Please bring a seater and/or jacket and a change of clothes in case of inclement weather.
Bikes must be in good working order:
We suggest taking the time to take your child’s bike to your local bike shop and get it tuned up ready for the summer. Bike shops are very busy at the start of summer so make sure you leave plenty of time to get this done before your child starts riding.
Things to check for before coming to Bike Camp:
Brakes: Are working well. Your child should be able to operate the brakes easily to bring the bike to a complete stop when traveling at speed. This is very important to check up on to avoid accidents while at camp. A brake test will be done with campers on their first day.
Chain: is oiled and is free of rust.
Tires: are not bald, have lots of tread left and are pumped up firmly. Treads and tire inflation will be checked on your child’s first day of camp.
Bolts: all bolts and nuts should be tight and secure.
If you forget the mandatory equipment or if your bike is deemed not safe, you will not be able to participate in our Bike Camps. Campers will instead join our Multisport Camp until the issue is resolved.
Preparing for camp
On the Thursday before each week of camp you'll receive an email from us reminding you that you're registered for camp for the upcoming week. At that time, we'll also remind you to download this week's "Gator Tales". Gator Tales is our weekly publication which includes: a packing list, emergency contact information, afternoon outings schedule, lunch menu, theme day schedule and more.
Camp Hours
There is no additional cost to pre and post camp supervision hours. Supervision is provided in classrooms where campers can choose between 2 classrooms: one for quiet activities like reading and listening to music and the other for watching kids cartoons or Disney kids movies on TV.
| 7:30am to 8:00am |
Pre-camp: Supervision only. Pre-camp hours do not include camp programming or open gym time. |
| 8:00am to 5:00pm |
Camp hours: Please arrive no later than 8:30am so we can do attendance and get our busy day started. |
| 5:00pm to 5:30pm |
Post-camp: Supervision only. Post-camp hours do not include camp programming or open gym time. |
Sample Daily Schedule
Each day is packed with special activities and every day and every week is different to accommodate campers who are with us for several weeks throughout the summer.
All of our camps are scheduled the same:
The Specialty Camp of your choice (Arts, Bike, Horseback, Multisport, Swim Lesson Camp, etc.) runs every morning, followed by lunch as an entire camp, followed by our afternoon activities.
| 7:30 to 8:00am |
Pre-Camp - DROP OFF (free of charge) The Gymnasium is closed. Supervision is provided in classrooms where campers can choose between 2 classrooms: one for quiet activities like reading and listening to music and the other for watching kids cartoons or Disney kids movies on TV. |
| 8:00 to 8:30am | The Gymnasium is now open. Campers choose between Open Gym or Classroom Supervision provided in classrooms where campers can choose between 2 classrooms: one for quiet activities like reading and listening to music and the other for watching kids cartoons or Disney kids movies on TV. |
| 8:30 to 8:45 am | Large Group Game: this helps the kids warm up before we take attendance. |
| 8:45 to 9:00 am | Attendance |
| 9:00 am sharp | Campers going off-site depart by school bus (eg. swim camp, horseback camp). On-site camps remain at the school. |
| 9:00 to 9:40 am |
ROTATION 1: Scatter: kids are divided into their specialty camps and start programming with their counselors. |
| 9:40 to 10:20am |
ROTATION 2: Specialty Camp Time (as chosen weekly) |
| 10:20 to 10:50 am | Snack Break (please send drinks/snacks with campers) |
| 10:50 to 11:30 am |
ROTATION 3: Specialty Camp Time (as chosen weekly) |
| 11:30 to 12:00 PM | Daily Optional Time: campers participate in gym activities of their choice to play with counselors. |
|
12:00 to 12:30pm
|
Lunch (optional lunch plan available for a fee) Buses return from off-site camp locations |
|
12:30 to 1:30pm
|
Flagpole (camp dance, singsong, jokes) and prepare for afternoon activities. |
|
1:30 to 4:00pm
|
Whole-camp activities: see schedule below (typically public swims or splash pad, no lessons provided) |
|
4:00 to 4:30pm
|
Snack (please send drinks/snacks with campers, cash snack bar available) |
|
4:30 to 5:00pm
|
The Gymnasium is now open. Campers choose between Open Gym or Classroom Supervision provided in classrooms where campers can choose between 2 classrooms: one for quiet activities like reading and listening to music and the other for watching kids cartoons or Disney kids movies on TV. |
| 5:00 to 5:30pm |
Post-Camp - PICK UP (free of charge) The Gymnasium is closed. Supervision is provided in classrooms where campers can choose between 2 classrooms: one for quiet activities like reading and listening to music and the other for watching kids cartoons or Disney kids movies on TV. |
Weekly themes
For a more detailed look at our weekly themes, emergency phone numbers, etc. please check out our Gator Tales
Afternoon Schedule by Camp Location
5 and 6 year olds
DO NOT ATTEND OUR AFTERNOON SWIMS. They will instead visit local splash pads every afternoon except Friday when they will take part in our Gator Games (activities at the camp location).
7 to 12 year olds
will travel by school bus or walk (where applicable) to some local City of Ottawa swimming pools. See the Afternoon Schedule below.
| MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | |
|
ORLEANS St Peter Catholic HS
|
SWIM - Bearbrook Pool | SWIM - Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex | SWIM - Bearbrook Pool | SWIM - Ray Friel Wave Pool | Gator Games (at camp) |
|
KANATA Earl of March SS
|
SWIM - Beaverbrook or Walter Baker Pool | SWIM - Kanata Wave Pool | SWIM - Walter Baker Pool | SWIM - Beaverbrook or Walter Baker Pool | Gator Games (at camp) |
|
BARRHAVEN Longfields-Davidson
|
SWIM - General Burns Swim | SWIM - Walter Baker Pool | SWIM - Kanata Wave Pool | SWIM - General Burns Swim | Gator Games (at camp) |
Swim Rules
Safety is our number one concern.
We understand your concern for the safety of young swimmers.
Please be sure to read our complete swim safety rules and policies
Quest for the Gator Cup
One of the traditions we are most proud of is our weekly "Quest for the Gator Cup". Since 1996, this fierce, but friendly, competition has pit our Safari friends (Iguanas, Parrots, Treefrogs, Cheetahs, Elephants, and Gators) against one another in a week-long competition that we call the "Quest for the Gator Cup". Each team consists of campers of all ages and from all Specialty Camps and their counselors. At the end of each week, every camper receives a commemorative ribbon celebrating their participation in this one-of-a-kind event.
The Gator Cup is sure to be the highlight of every camper's week and something they will remember for years to come.
Dates and Rates
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