ICanBike Camp for Disabled Children

I didn’t know much about Down syndrome; all I knew was that people with Down syndrome had an extra chromosome. Then I signed up to volunteer at the iCan Bike Program. This week-long camp was for kids with Down syndrome and the goal was to get them riding a bike by the end of the week. This camp taught me a lot about Down syndrome and more importantly, about how to handle challenges in life.

I knew going into the camp that it was going to be a challenge. I had never worked with someone with disabilities, and I didn’t know what to expect. Then Sam walked in. She had bleach blond hair, pink glasses, and perfect crystal blue, almond-shaped eyes. She was shy and hid behind her mom. I walked over, introduced myself and brought her to the helmet rack; she chose the pink helmet with glitter. She started to open up to me about how excited she was to be here and how badly she wanted to be able to ride her bike. I wonder If she knew I was as nervous as she was.

When Sam first got on her bike, she was unsteady and scared. Sam was focusing too hard on the mechanics and not enjoying herself. I had to come up with a game to help keep her head up. The game was simple. Sam would be the “boss” and give us instructions. She had to watch us to see if we followed them. I was up first. Sam wanted me to run around the entire track to catch up to her. I sprinted as fast as I could, and the entire time, Sam kept her eyes on me. Despite the fact that this game was an intense workout, it helped Sam, and it taught me to look for an out-of-the-box solution to even the simplest problems. I learned instead of focusing on what a person cannot do, why not put our energy into what they can do. The possibilities are endless!

Sam was a natural on her bike. Looking at her, I didn’t see a child with a disability, I saw an amazing little girl with the potential to achieve great things in life. She was remarkable. Yes there were still many challenges we faced. Sam had trouble communicating. She mumbled often and it was very hard for me to understand her. She also wasn’t very good with names, so she would get many of us confused and become frustrated. To fix this, Sam gave everyone a nickname. My nickname was “Mom,” and I loved it. Sam would call me over all the time and I couldn’t get enough of her. She would tell me stories as she was biking along the track. Sam and I formed a connection as the week went on, and by the last day, Sam and I were incredibly close. I am also very proud to say that Sam was the first camper to be riding a two-wheeled bike independently.

After knowing Sam for only one week, I realized what her rare genetic disability really is, it amazing; , it is pure and it is love. It is determination, drive, and power. I am blessed to have had Sam as my camper; she completely changed me and taught me so much. I am grateful to have worked with such an amazing and special girl.

I have now started my own nonprofit iCan Bike camp. March 18 - 23 ,2018 with the tremendous support of Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton FL, where the camp will be hosted. There was great  need in Florida, with only ONE camp in the entire state. At this camp, we will focus on what the kids with disabilities CAN do, and help them become successful riders. I hope to bring this independence to other children, and relive the incredible joy that can be seen when a child learns to “fly” on their own bike.
Sam showed me how I can teach others and be inspired by them at the same time.