Mini Groms Biking & Nature Camp

Getting ready for Mini Groms Biking & Nature

Everything you need to know before your little rider's first day. If something isn't answered here, send us an email and we'll sort it out.

Hours8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Ages5 to 8
WhereWestsyde Centennial Park
Must haveA helmet that fits and a bike with hand brakes
What it is Dates & location A typical day Drop-off & pick-up Bike & helmet What to pack What to wear Safety Camp rules Weather FAQs

What is Mini Groms Biking & Nature?

A full day camp that mixes coached biking, nature exploration and outdoor play. Part of the day is on the bike, building skills with games and obstacle courses. The rest is off the bike, exploring the park, playing and making things outside. Switching it up keeps little legs fresh and the fun level high all day.

How much time we spend on the bike each day depends on the weather and trail conditions.

Before you register: Your child must already pedal on their own on two wheels. Hand brakes are required. No training wheels or coaster brakes.

On the bike

Braking, balance, body position and riding over little bumps, all taught through games so it never feels like a lesson.

Off the bike

Nature play, exploring, short hikes, nature crafts and games. Time to rest the legs and follow their curiosity.

Spring Break 2027

Week 2: March 22 to 25

Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Westsyde Centennial Park

Your pre-camp email will have a Google Maps link to the exact meeting spot.

A typical day

Every day looks a little different depending on the weather and how the group is feeling. Here's roughly how it flows.

8:30Drop-off, sign-in, and a quick helmet and bike check
8:45Morning circle and a warm-up game, on or off the bike
9:15Bike skills and games
10:30Snack break
10:45Nature play and exploring
12:00Lunch
12:45Back on the bike for more riding and games
2:00Snack, then nature crafts or free play
2:40Clean up and closing circle
3:00Pick-up and sign-out
Washrooms: Coaches build in regular washroom breaks and kids can always ask. We use park washrooms when they're close by. When they aren't, we bring a portable toilet when needed and teach kids how to take a bathroom break in nature the respectful way.

Drop-off and pick-up

A parent or caregiver needs to sign your child in and out every day. It's also the best time to check in with the coach.

Drop-off

  • On day one, arrive 10 minutes early. We'll check helmets and bikes, go over allergies and medication, and answer any questions.
  • Stay for the first few minutes on day one if your child needs it.
  • After that, quick goodbyes help kids settle in faster and connect with their coach.

Pick-up

  • Please arrive right at 3:00 pm.
  • Park and walk over to connect with a coach. We won't release kids to anyone who stays in their vehicle.
  • If someone else is picking up, let us know ahead of time.
  • If you'll be more than 10 minutes late, a late pick-up fee applies. Details are in our cancellation policy.
  • Ask your coach how the day went. They love sharing the wins.

Bike and helmet

The right bike makes a huge difference. A bike that fits and works well is the fastest way to a confident rider.

Helmet checks

  • Coaches check every helmet on day one for fit and safety, and adjust it if needed.
  • Helmets need to be bike helmets, not ones made for other sports, with no cracks or visible damage.
  • Helmets should be less than 5 years old and never been in a crash. Check the date sticker inside.
  • If a helmet doesn't fit properly, we'll lend your child a loaner so you can replace theirs before the next day.
  • Helmets stay on any time your child is on their bike.

Bike check

  • Hand brakes that work and stop the bike. Hand brakes are required.
  • No coaster brakes (the kind where you pedal backward to stop), even if the bike has hand brakes too.
  • Tires are pumped up and hold air.
  • Handlebars and seat are tight and don't twist.
  • No broken parts or loose cables.
  • Two wheels, no training wheels.

Not sure? A quick stop at your local bike shop will do the trick.

Choosing the right size

Don't size up

Skip the bike they'll "grow into." A bike that's too big is harder to control and slows down learning.

Feet down

With the seat all the way down, they should be able to sit and put both feet flat on the ground. If they can't, size down.

Soft elbows

Holding the handlebars, their elbows should have a slight bend, not be locked straight.

What to pack

Your child carries their own bag, so pack it with them and make sure they can carry it comfortably. Label everything.

Every day

  • Bike and helmet
  • A backpack that fits well
  • Water bottle, at least 1 litre. We usually have a refill station. If we won't, we'll let you know to send two bottles.
  • A lunch and two snacks. Pack more than you think. Kids eat a lot outside. We're an allergy-aware camp.
  • Sunscreen and a hat for off the bike
  • A full change of clothes and extra socks in a plastic bag
  • Any medication your child needs, like an EpiPen or inhaler, clearly labelled

Nice to have

  • Bike gloves
  • A thermos with something warm on cold days

Leave at home

  • Phones, tablets and other electronics
  • Toys or anything you'd be sad to lose outside

What to wear

Send clothes that can get dusty or muddy. Spring in Kamloops means cold mornings and warm afternoons, so layers are everything.

  • A warm layer and a waterproof jacket
  • Pants that fit close, or loose pants tucked into socks so they don't catch in the chain
  • Closed-toe athletic shoes
  • A toque that fits under their helmet, and gloves for the mornings

Skip these

  • No camo clothing, at all.
  • Sandals, Crocs or open-toe shoes
  • Skirts, dresses or loose pants that aren't tucked in
  • Long scarves or loose drawstrings

How we keep kids safe

Learning to ride means a few tumbles along the way. We work hard to keep them small, and we set clear boundaries for off-bike play.

Coaches and first aid

One coach for every 6 kids. Our lead coach on site is a certified bike coach with current first aid, and every group carries a first aid kit and a phone to call for help.

Step by step

Skills are broken into small steps. Kids only try bigger things once they've shown they're ready, and never because they feel pushed.

Boundaries and buddies

Kids stay inside set boundaries and always have a buddy. On day one we teach whistle signals and what to do if they ever get separated.

Ticks

Spring is tick season in Kamloops. Coaches do tick checks during the day. Please do a full check at home every evening too, especially the hairline, behind the ears and waistband.

Wildlife

On day one we talk about the animals that live in the park and what to do if we see one. Groups stay together.

Allergies and medical

Tell us about allergies, medication or anything else we should know when you register, and remind your coach on day one. Kids with an EpiPen keep it on them.

Camp rules

We go over these together on the first morning. It helps a lot if you read them with your child before camp.

Respect others

No put-downs. Include everyone, cheer each other on, and keep language kind.

Know your limits

Ride within your abilities and try new things when you're ready.

Ride safe

Helmet on any time you're on your bike. Ride where the coach says, and stop when you hear the whistle.

Respect the park

Be gentle with plants and critters, leave no trace, and leave every spot as good as we found it.

If the rules aren't followed

Coaches always try to redirect first, and it almost never goes past step one.

  1. A warning, and we'll chat with you at pick-up.
  2. A phone call and a request to come pick up your child.
  3. Your child will be asked not to attend the rest of camp.

Weather

Biking each day depends on the weather and trail conditions. We head out in cool temperatures and light rain. When kids are dressed for it, they have a great time. If it's too wet to ride, we switch to skills and games on flat ground and spend more time on nature play. If conditions turn unsafe, like lightning or high winds, we adapt.

We do our best not to cancel, and we'll move camp indoors when we can. If we do have to cancel, we try to make the call the night before, and you'll always hear from us at least 1 hour before camp starts.

Wildfire smoke and extreme heat are covered in our cancellation policy. If a camp day is lost to smoke or heat, you'll get an 85% program credit.

Before day one

  • Waiver and photo release signed online when you registered
  • Allergies, medication and emergency contacts are up to date
  • Bike checked: hand brakes, no coaster brakes, tires, seat and handlebars
  • Helmet fits snugly, has no damage and is less than 5 years old
  • Bag packed, tried on and labelled
  • Camp rules read together

Questions parents ask

Does my child need to know how to ride already?

Yes. Your child needs to already pedal on their own on two wheels, with no training wheels. We take it from there.

What kind of bike does my child need?

A two-wheel bike that fits, with working hand brakes, no coaster brakes, tires that hold air and nothing loose or broken. It doesn't need to be fancy.

Does my child's helmet need to be new?

It needs to be a bike helmet, less than 5 years old, never been in a crash and free of cracks or damage. You'll usually find the date on a sticker inside. Coaches check every helmet on day one.

What if my child gets tired of biking?

That's why half the day is off the bike. Little riders get plenty of breaks for nature play and exploring.

What happens if it rains?

We still head out. Send a rain jacket and a change of clothes. If it's too wet to ride, we do skills and games on flat ground and more nature play. If conditions are unsafe, we adapt, and we move camp indoors when we can.

Is lunch provided?

No. Please pack a lunch and two snacks, plus more than you think they'll need. We're an allergy-aware camp.

Where exactly do we meet?

Your pre-camp email will have a Google Maps link to the exact location.

Can my child be in a group with their friend?

We do our best to put kids with their friends. Just let us know who.

My child has allergies or needs extra support. Can they come?

Yes. Tell us everything we need to know when you register so we can best support your child. If your child has extra support at school, has an IEP, or there's any other helpful information we can use to make camp exceptional for them, please share it.

Do you run Mini Groms camps in the summer?

Yes. Check out our Kamloops summer camps.

What if we need to cancel?

Everything you need to know is in our cancellation policy.

Still have a question?

We'd much rather you ask than wonder. Send us a note and we'll get back to you.

Email us Cancellation policy
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