Volunteers are needed during April Vacation Week to assist in a bike camp organized by Westford’s Emerson Hospital Center for Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies.
The camp, entitled “iCan Shine,” will take place in Groton from April 20-24 and is held in conjunction with Lawrence Academy, RJ Bradley Bike, Jamis Bikes, Hilton Garden Inn of Devins, CSA Graphics and Awards on Time.
“Riding a bike is one of the most exciting developmental milestones – it gives people a wonderful outlet for exercise and freedom and is an activity that families can enjoy together,” says Mary Evans, PT, Pediatric and Neurologic Specialist, Emerson Hospital. “Our volunteers will have an unforgettable experience as they play a key role in helping the children learn to ride on their own.”
Volunteers need to be at least sixteen years old and be available for one or two bike sessions each day Monday through Friday of school vacation week. All sessions are held at the hockey rink at Lawrence Academy, 26 Powder House Road, Groton, Massachusetts. The session times are: 8:30 am – 9:45 am; 10:05 am – 11:20 am; 11:40 am – 12:55 pm; and 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm. They must attend the same session(s) each day, and they will be trained by professional counselors. Volunteers will earn 10-20 hours of community service, a t-shirt and a certificate from Emerson Hospital.
The camp is run by iCan Shine, a national non-profit organization that teaches individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle through its iCan Bike program. Using adapted bicycle equipment, trained professionals, including pediatric physical therapists from Emerson, and volunteers work closely with each camper to help them meet their goals of biking independently. With 75 minutes of daily instruction over five consecutive days, more than 80 percent of campers learn to ride independently by the end of camp, and nearly all campers make great progress towards biking on their own.
For more information and to register as a volunteer, please visit: http://icanshine.org/ican-bike-groton-ma/ or email Mary Evans, PT at icanshinebike_rehab@emersonhosp.org.
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