Brown County Bikes Youth Mountain Bike Camp Recap
June 8-12, 2026
What a week!
From the moment campers arrived on Monday morning until certificates were handed out on Friday afternoon, our riders brought energy, enthusiasm, determination, and a whole lot of fun to Brown County Bikes Youth Mountain Bike Camp.
We couldn't be prouder of everything they accomplished.
Monday: New Friends, New Skills, New Adventures
The week kicked off with campers creating fun name plates, meeting their coaches and assistant coaches, and getting to know their riding groups. We spent time learning about our bikes, practicing foundational skills, and building confidence as everyone settled into camp.
By the end of the first day, new friendships were already forming and riders were excited for the week ahead.
Tuesday: Bike Maintenance Day
Great riders know how to take care of their bikes!
Tuesday was all about bike maintenance. Campers learned how to properly lube their chains, check tire pressure, identify the parts of their bikes, and understand the basics of keeping their bikes trail-ready.
These are skills they'll be able to use every time they ride.
Wednesday: Water Balloon Day!
Wednesday brought the heat, making it the perfect day for one of our favorite camp traditions, the annual water balloon party!
After a warm day of riding and skills practice, campers cooled off with plenty of laughs, splashes, and friendly competition.
It was also our final day using the Upper Shelter area for skills and riding activities before heading to a new location later in the week.
Thursday: New Trails and New Challenges
Thursday brought a change of scenery as we met at Hoosier's Nest.
Our groups explored new trails, worked on improving the skills they had been practicing all week, and challenged themselves on new terrain. Campers also had the opportunity to climb the beautiful Fire Tower and take in some incredible views of Brown County.
A few groups even participated in trail maintenance alongside a volunteer from the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association, the nonprofit organization that helps maintain the trails we all enjoy. It was a great opportunity for campers to learn how much work goes into caring for our trail system and how they can help give back to the riding community.
Friday: Snakes, Shredding, and Racing
Friday was packed with fun.
We welcomed a special guest from Brown County State Park, Eli the Naturalist, who shared an interactive snake program with our campers. Riders had the chance to learn about local wildlife and get up close with some fascinating reptiles.
We also held our annual mock race, where campers put their skills to the test in a fun and supportive environment. Parents who were able to watch got to see firsthand how much their riders had improved throughout the week.
The excitement, sportsmanship, and encouragement from fellow campers made the race one of the highlights of the week.
More Than Just Riding
Throughout the week, campers participated in group games, team-building activities, and small-group challenges that helped strengthen friendships and create lasting memories.
Mountain biking is about much more than riding bikes. It's about building confidence, learning resilience, supporting others, and having fun outdoors.
Our campers did all of that and more.
Born to Ride. Built to Shred.
On Friday, everyone proudly wore their camp shirts featuring this year's camp slogan:
Born to Ride. Built to Shred.
We gathered for our group photo, presented campers with their Certified Shredder certificates, and awarded medals from the mock race.
It was the perfect way to celebrate an incredible week.
Thank You
To our campers: Thank you for showing up ready to learn, work hard, encourage your teammates, and have fun. We watched you tackle challenges, develop new skills, and grow more confident every day. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you.
To the parents, grandparents, babysitters, and family members who got riders to camp each day, thank you. We know it takes a team, and we're grateful for your support.
We loved spending the week with your kids and can't wait to see them continue riding, exploring, and growing on two wheels.
Until next year...
Keep riding!
Kate & Danielle
Brown County Bikes
Reminders: If your kids are going into 5th grade and up get involved with your local NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) League. Brown County has our own team and it's super fun! Email info@indianamtb.org for more info!