Special-needs kids learn to bike at week-long Delco camp

DELAWARE COUNTY

Special-needs kids learn to ride

a bike at camp

VILLANOVA Children with special needs next week are getting the chance to learn to ride a bike - a nearly quintessential childhood activity but one that often gets pushed aside in families with a special-needs member.

The lessons are part of a camp run by ICan Shine, a national nonprofit organization that teaches children with disabilities how to ride a two-wheel bike over the course of five days. The camp is to be hosted at the Academy of Notre Dame in Villanova from Monday through next Friday.

"It's important for these children to feel like they can fit in with and do what a lot of kids do at their age," said Maggie McHugh, the camp director for the Academy of Notre Dame site. "It builds their confidence, and it spills into so many other parts of their lives."

Children are paired with trained professionals who help them master the skills and confidence they need. By the end of the program, more than 80 percent of children can bike without assistance, the organization said.

Next week's camp is at capacity, McHugh said, but slots are available for a second session to be held in Philadelphia later this summer. The second camp will be hosted at St. Joseph's University the week of Aug. 17.

To enroll, children must be at least 8, have a disability, and be able to walk without an assistive device, such as a walker or cane. The cost is $225 per rider.

Those interested in volunteering or registering a child for the August session can e-mail icanshinephiladelphia@gmail.com. - Caitlin McCabe