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A camp for young children with autism to learn to simply ride a bike. Never having much experience at all with autistic children I didn't know what to expect during this week of service. The team pulls up to our destination, looks like a deserted circus or fair area. We walk inside and we are in a huge, empty warehouse building with tables sat up in 3 corners. Phew... we weren't going to have to be outside the entire time on the asphalt in 100 degree heat! The bikes were so cool looking too! a handle for guided support and an extra wheel on either side of the bike tire for balance.
Before the campers arrived, the team and the various other volunteers were split up into small teams and assigned our camper! I was teamed up with a Wells Fargo employee volunteer who was super nice. Our camper, Ty, seemed almost excited to ride his bike, but only at first! Once waiting to hop on his specially made bike the grinning and excited hops in place began!
There was lots of running, sweating, quick reflexes, and some chasing throughout the course of the week but seeing the grinning and laughing and excitement on those young kids faces made the entire week a joy to experience. One story that was shared amongst the team made my heart sing... One boy, successfully accomplishing riding his regular two-wheeled bike by Friday, told one of my teammates that he could now ride his bike with his neighborhood friends. It's just cool to think that we helped teach these children a simple skill that can truly brighten up a child's day. The week was exhausting but oh so rewarding!
Before the campers arrived, the team and the various other volunteers were split up into small teams and assigned our camper! I was teamed up with a Wells Fargo employee volunteer who was super nice. Our camper, Ty, seemed almost excited to ride his bike, but only at first! Once waiting to hop on his specially made bike the grinning and excited hops in place began!
There was lots of running, sweating, quick reflexes, and some chasing throughout the course of the week but seeing the grinning and laughing and excitement on those young kids faces made the entire week a joy to experience. One story that was shared amongst the team made my heart sing... One boy, successfully accomplishing riding his regular two-wheeled bike by Friday, told one of my teammates that he could now ride his bike with his neighborhood friends. It's just cool to think that we helped teach these children a simple skill that can truly brighten up a child's day. The week was exhausting but oh so rewarding!