Skills Camp Information
Our camp is designed to give young riders confidence, skills, and an unforgettable trail experience.
Our coaches ride, race, and work on bikes.
Improved Bike Handling – Improve cornering, braking, jumping, and technical riding.
Increased Confidence – Learn new skills in a supportive and fun environment.
Stronger Trail Awareness – Understand line choice, traction control, and safety.
Personalized Coaching – Small groups ensure each rider gets focused instruction.
Bike Maintenance Knowledge – Learn how to check and care for their bike.
New Friendships & Community – Ride, challenge, and progress with like-minded riders.
Fun & Adventure! – Experience exciting trails, learn new things, and play classic summer camp games!
By the end of camp, riders will feel more in control, ride with style, and be ready to tackle new challenges independently! 🚵♂️🔥
The Diffrence
Biking Levels
The McgeeCycle Summer Camp is designed for kids aged 12-16 with previous mountain biking experience.
Please select the level that best suits your child at registration. This will not lock your child into a specific program or group; rather, it will help our staff determine the range of skills needed to plan the best activities for each group. Please note that most of our riding is on single-track trails. These narrow trails have rocks and roots, which differ greatly from gravel roads or other recreational trails.
On the first day of camp, staff will assess riding levels and check in with each camper about their riding experience, comfort and goals to set everyone up for a successful time at camp.
Please note that if your child does not meet the requirements after our day one assessment, we will offer a full refund. If you have any questions about requirements please reach out.
If your child does not meet the age or skill requirements for Camp, we offer alternative programming including private & group mountain bike lessons.
Level 1
Level 1 riders have previous trail riding experience and are comfortable riding on green and blue trails. They are comfortable changing gears when appropriate, and can ride up and down hills.
They are looking to build skills by exploring more technical terrain.
Focus on skill development will include learning about trail etiquette & safe riding practices and positioning, increasing comfort riding in a group, improving steering control and gearing timing on more challenging terrain, avoiding obstacles, navigating over rocks and roots, learning how to go downhill safely and climb uphill while exploring a variety of different trails!
Level 2
Level 2 riders will have significantly more riding experience, they will be able to ride a range of trails and want to continue to build on their skills by learning and practicing on more technical terrain. Level two riders will learn how to safely assess risk and approach technical terrain with confidence under the guidance of our experienced instructors. Level two riders will be pushed to focus on refining skills and challenging themselves for their personal best through weekly challenges.
Both level one and two riders will be introduced to aspects of competitive cycling through fun and friendly weekly challenges. Learning how to work in a group and encourage others to achieve personal bests and overcome challenges will be part of a successful week at camp.
CAMPER SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
The McgeeCycle Skills Camp is unsuitable for beginners
Camp is for kids 12-16 years old, participating children must be born in 2013 or earlier.
To create a fun and safe environment for all, we ask that all campers meet the following skill requirements:
Able to ride at least 3–4 hours per day
Confident and able to fully use brakes and gears
Able to confidently ride green and blue trails
Motivated to learn skills and techniques
Must love riding bikes all day!
Contact us with any questions
REQUIRED PACKING LIST:
A bike and helmet!
Cycling Gloves, preferably full finger.
Knee pads and elbows are recommended.
NUT FREE lunch and 2+ healthy snacks
Hydration pack, for water and snacks along with other personal requirements.
Closed-toed running shoes
Sunscreen (some might also bring bug repellant)
Comfortable lightweight clothes you can move around in and get dirty
Rain Jacket
Knapsack to contain lunch and personal belongings
No technology, please
Contact us with any questions
BIKE SPEC. REQUIREMENTS
All campers must have a mountain bike with the following features in order to safety participate in our program:
Brakes that work well. (disc brakes strongly recommended)
Gearing for climbing hills, things tend to get steep!
Knobby trail tires for cornering and safe traction.
Bike must have at least a front suspension fork.
A bell that works.
Pedals with sufficient grip.
All labor costs to fix problems with the bikes throughout the camp will be free
Contact us with any questions
More about Camp
Kids will spend their summer days outside in nature, getting dirty and having a blast navigating the trails in Kelowna BC
Our camp days offer a great variety of on and off-bike activities
Riders will improve their skills on terrain suited to their skill level, develop better bike handling skills, and learn how to navigate roots and rocks. They will learn about trail etiquette and basic bike maintenance.
Days will also include skills and tactics, outdoor sports and exploring the local wildlife. Kids will thrive in our fun-filled summer days!
Our program is structured to flexibly adapt to the weather, group energy level and needs so that each camper gets the most out of each day.
We aim to offer programming for kids with previous mountain biking experience. Our goal is to build on an already existing foundation allowing for individual and team development.
On the first day of Camp, kids will be assigned to one of two riding levels based on their comfort, experience and goals.
Kids may spend time riding with both groups on any given day. Groups come together for lunch and other team-building activities.
Where Camp Takes Place
Each location in Kelowna offers unique benefits for young riders, helping them progress safely, confidently, and with a sense of adventure.
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Knox Mountain: Conveniently located within Kelowna, Knox Mountain provides accessible and diverse trails suited for all skill levels. The beginner-friendly routes combined with more advanced trails allow instructors to easily tailor rides to individual skill levels. Its proximity and incredible views of Kelowna make this an enjoyable spot for children to ride and build confidence.
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Crawford Trails: This network offers a fantastic mix of smooth-flow trails and manageable technical sections, making it ideal for building fundamental skills in young riders. The beautiful forest setting and panoramic views provide an engaging and inspiring environment for kids to learn and grow their confidence on the bike.
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Gillard: For intermediate and advanced young riders ready to tackle more challenging terrain, Gillard's downhill and freeride trails offer excellent opportunities for skill development. The area’s varied features, including steep sections, jumps, and technical terrain, help kids safely progress their riding abilities while learning trail etiquette and advanced techniques.
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Lake Country Dirt Jumps: These purpose-built jumps and pump tracks provide a dedicated space for young riders to practice and refine their jumping skills in a controlled environment. Suitable for various skill levels, it's perfect for kids looking to develop their airborne abilities safely, under expert guidance.
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Smith Creek: Known for its fun and flowing trails, Smith Creek is ideal for riders looking to build endurance and refine their trail-riding techniques. Its network of trails offers varying levels of difficulty, allowing young riders to safely challenge themselves while enjoying the area's beautiful natural setting.
Common Questions
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Mountain Bike – In good working condition (recently serviced if needed).
Helmet – A properly fitted, certified helmet is required.
Gloves – Recommended for grip and protection.
Knee & Elbow Pads – Optional but encouraged for extra safety.
Water Bottle or Hydration Pack – Staying hydrated is key.
Snacks & Lunch – Nutritious food to keep energy levels up.Clothing & Extras:
Comfortable Riding Clothes – Weather-appropriate, breathable gear.
Extra Layer/Rain Jacket – Just in case of changing weather.
Sunscreen – To protect from sun exposure.
Small Backpack – To carry essentials like water, snacks, and an extra layer -
We do not provide rental equipment.
If informed two or more weeks before your camp date we will help source the proper equipment needed for the participant
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Weather Policy:
We will continue as planned in bad weather, with only small adjustments if conditions become too severe. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the forecast to stay warm and dry.
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Skill Assessment Criteria
🔹 Bike Control & Balance – Can they ride confidently in a straight line, stand on the pedals, and maintain balance over uneven terrain?
🔹 Braking Technique – Do they know how to use both front and rear brakes properly without skidding or losing control?
🔹 Shifting & Cadence – Are they able to shift gears smoothly and maintain an efficient pedaling rhythm?
🔹 Cornering & Body Positioning – Can they lean into corners, control their bike through turns, and maintain traction?
🔹 Obstacle Handling – How do they navigate over small roots, rocks, and bumps on the trail?
🔹 Jumping & Bunny Hops – Can they lift their front and rear wheel off the ground, clear small obstacles, or confidently ride jumps?Group Breakdown
🔵 Level One (Beginner to Intermediate)
✅ Learning proper body positioning and balance.
✅ Practicing controlled braking and shifting.
✅ Gaining confidence on small berms, corners, and obstacles.
✅ Introduction to jumps, drops, and line choice.🔴 Level Two (Intermediate to Advanced)
✅ Confident with braking, shifting, and technical sections.
✅ Smooth, controlled cornering with speed.
✅ Ability to bunny hop and safely approach jumps.
✅ Refining line choice and increasing flow on trails.
✅ Comfortable on drops, jumps, and technical features.Throughout the camp, riders may move between groups based on their progress and confidence. Our goal is to challenge them while ensuring they feel safe and supported in their learning.
