Shifting Into High Gear at Kids Building Bikes Camp
Throughout 2 sessions, students gathered at both Margaret Mary Health in Batesville and Weber Sports in Aurora to inflate their minds with the intricate mechanics of bicycles. Huddled around the frames of the bikes, students pieced together the various parts of their newly acquired mode of transportation. Every piece was added with delicate precision, ensuring the stability of the machine. From applying brakes to adjusting their seat, each student saw their bike go from an amalgamation of parts to a complex, intuitive device that is the basis for all wheeled transportation.
Over the course of camp, students learned about the parts of bicycles, how bicycles work, how to perform routine maintenance, the tools required, and the history of bicycles. Students witnessed firsthand how gears operate and how pedaling propels them forward. Along with the history of bicycles, those in attendance learned how the bicycle served as a base for other wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles and cars. By learning the basics of bicycle kinetics, the campers not only gained a deeper understanding of how their bicycle is powered, but also how all vehicles function.
After providing the students with this crucial foundation, the young mechanics were then ready to construct their own bicycle! Starting from a prebuilt frame, students added gears, the chain, handlebars, brakes, seat, and wheels. Through this assembly, campers gained practical experience in mechanics, while also deepening their understanding of engineering principles. When assembling their bikes, the students were able to use the tools necessary for bicycle construction and maintenance. This familiarizes the campers with tools they may not have used otherwize, while also showing them how proper preparation is crucial to easing the process of assembly.
The engineering aspect of the camp sparked great curiosity and interest from the students. When asked about what part of camp struck him the most, Tim Weber, owner of Weber Sports, stated, “What really stood out to me was how excited the kids were about building the bike as much as riding it. A few of the kids told me that they had no clue how the bike worked or what went into building one and that they loved learning about it. I greatly enjoyed seeing the love for learning and willingness to interact with what is in front of them.”
In addition to engineering concepts, the students were introduced to the financial aspects of bicycles. Each camper was given a folder containing a budget sheet, replica money, and a cost sheet that outlined prices for each part of the bicycle. Students were responsible for using the replica money given to them to pay for the parts of their bike and mark the amount spent in their budget sheet. Over the course of camp, students were given the opportunity to earn money to be able to afford other parts. This teaches the students responsibility and resourcefulness. By giving them the financial and custodial responsibility of their bicycle, the students gained a deeper understanding into the importance of taking care of their possessions.
At the conclusion of camp, the students were able to test out their newly constructed bicycle through a bike ride! During the first session, students toured Batesville, riding through the various subdivisions and neighborhoods. During the second session, the students rode the riverfront trails in Aurora, stopping to take in the picturesque views of the Ohio River.
By commemorating camp with the celebratory bike ride, the students gain a sense of pride. This is shown in a quote from Drew Nobbe, incoming 8th grader at Batesville Middle School, when he stated, “My favorite part of camp was the bike ride because it helped me to better understand why people like building this with their hands. Seeing our bikes work perfectly made me proud to say that we built them and can now explain how they work.” Kids Building Bikes Camp allows students to build a working object that they are able to use everyday. The ability to see something they have built allows them to be proud of the work they’ve done, while also giving them a constant reminder of the amazing work they have done.
Genesis: Pathways to Success would like to thank Margaret Mary Health for allowing us to host camp at their facility. We would also like to thank Weber Sports and Nine13Sports for partnering with us to bring Kids Building Bikes Camp to Southeast Indiana. Through their partnerships and endless dedication to encourage learning and cycling in students, Genesis is able to provide unique, hands-on learning opportunities to students across Southeast Indiana. Genesis looks forward to hosting Kids Building Bikes again in the summer of 2025.
