Volunteers Needed for Special Needs Camp

The second week of August may be like any other week in a Bucks County summer for most people, but kids attending Lose the Training Wheels could see a change that lasts a lifetime.

The camp, to be held from Aug. 8 to 12 at Holland Middle School, attempts to give children with disabilities the valuable skill of riding a bike.

"It's very heartwarming because most of these kids have been waiting and have been struggling, been watching siblings pass them by," event organizer Marisa Pigeon said. "Now it’s their turn."

Camp organizers need volunteers to serve as spotters for the riders while they learn. Ideally, volunteers would be 16 years or older and be comfortable walking/jogging for 75 minutes with breaks. They also must commit to the same two-hour shift, Monday through Friday. However, there is some flexibility with the age and the shift requirements.

Volunteers can expect that they’ll be working with children who have diagnosed disorders that inhibit their coordination. A volunteer will need to serve as a spotter and a motivator, Pigeon said.

"It can be very emotional at times to watch these kids do something that many people said they will never do," she said. "It's great for them to acheive this milestone."

Lose the Training Wheels camps are held nationwide throughout the year, and the camps' mission is "to teach individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two wheel bicycle and become lifelong independent riders," according to the website.

If interested, download a participant application at www.buckscountypeds.com or for more information please contact Marisa Pigeon at lttwbucks@gmail.com. There are also still a few spots open for the camps.