Summer Kids Camp '25 – Cycle Oregon

“Today is the most fun day of camp ever! Besides yesterday.”

– Camper

Cycle Oregon’s first ever Summer Kids Camp is in the books; campers, parents and staff agree that it was a success. And lots of fun. Thanks to generous donations made to the Cycle Oregon Foundation, eight kids attended the camp on full scholarships where they spent the week, (Mon-Fri), under the guidance of Cycle Oregon Jump Start program staffers and Summer Kids Camp Leaders Becky Newman and Shawne Martinez.

“We had a great group of kids that got along with each other, showed safe bicycling skills and, most of all, HAD FUN!”

– Shawne Martinez

We believe every child should experience the joy and independence of riding a bike. At Summer Kids Camp, campers learn signaling, wayfinding, and navigating bike infrastructure. Through real-world rides to parks and picnics, they gain confidence, see bikes as powerful tools for exploration, and grow into capable, self-assured riders.

Building off the curriculum of our popular Jump Start program at schools across the state, Summer Kids Camp rolled into Day 1 with the fundamentals of bicycle operation, basic riding tips and instruction in riding on the road. Working from the safe confines of Portland Community College’s Killingsworth Campus, campers developed skills before rolling out into city streets. During the week, campers pedaled 35.33 miles total throughout Portland including one trip of just over 11-miles! Not counted in this total are the laugh-filled loops and laps around campus each day learning new skills and just being kids on two wheels in the summer sun.

“On Day 2 we pulled onto the protected bike lane on Rosa Parks Blvd. and the camper behind me said, ‘Why isn’t there a bike lane on EVERY street?’. I said, ‘That’s a good question, do you like riding where there’s a bike lane?’. He replied, ‘Yeah, bike lanes make me feel safer!’.”

– Becky Newman

“The kids were constantly shouting WAYFINDING! when we passed by a wayfinding sign. They would get a sticker if they saw it first. They now have the knowledge and skills to safely navigate their neighborhoods by bike.“

– Shawne Martinez

Campers enjoyed a hands-on clinic on Day 3 where they learned all about bicycle parts and pieces and how to perform routine maintenance including flat tire repair. Following the session, camp leaders reported that campers were “pumped up” about what they’d learned. 🙂

“This was a wonderful experience that provided a much needed life skill to ride confidently and safely around Portland. Even though we’ve been on family bike rides, she has not had enough time riding to feel confident. Thank you for providing such an accessible and amazing opportunity for her.“

– Parent

Summer Kids Camp wrapped up on Day 5 with another ride around Portland but this time with a special stop. Tri-Met, the transportation agency serving metropolitan Portland, sent representatives to meet with campers at a MAX light rail station. Here, campers were instructed on how to board, ride and disembark the train with their bikes which gives them the ability to use their bikes for even bigger trips around town. As a special surprise, each camper was presented with a complimentary transit pass and goodie bag from the agency. Thanks, Tri-Met!

Campers we’re a bit sad to say goodbye at the end of camp (and we were, too) but everyone was happy to ride into the summer with new skills, new friends, and a great big world to explore on two wheels.