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TFK Shiprock |
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Contact Info |
Trips for Kids Shiprock began as an attempt to combine the efforts of various groups and projects interested in working with kids and bikes in Shiprock. The first bikes and kids program was begun in 1997 by Steve Etter, the local 4-H Cooperative Extension Agent. Called the Hike and Bike Project, it was a 26-week program that included a nutrition and fitness curriculum, as well as weekly biking, hiking or rafting outings. The program was targeted toward kids aged 7 to 13 who were identified as being at risk of developing diabetes or health problems due to obesity or poor fitness. The success of this project led Steve to consider enlisting the help of other community members to create a program that would include all community children. With the help of others living and working in the community, Steve and Nelson Branco, a pediatrician working at the hospital in Shiprock, planned the Shiprock Free Bike Clinic in April of 1999. The day was an unqualified success: over 150 bikes were repaired. In addition, 50 bike helmets were given away and fitted, the kids participated in a bike safety rodeo, a 5-mile fun ride and watched BMX displays. In the summer of 1999, Nell Branco (Nelson's wife), working for the Health Promotions department at the hospital, joined up with Steve to put on a 3-day mountain bike camp for 23 kids aged 12 to 17. Again there were helmet giveaways and fittings, and the kids learned about bike repair, nutrition, safety, and mountain biking techniques. They also participated in two rides - one local, the other in Cortez, Colorado, a 45 minute drive from Shiprock. These programs were a big hit with the kids who participated, as well as the adults who volunteered their time and energy to make them happen. A group of mountain bikers had begun riding every Wednesday evening. Knowing that this group, as well as others in the community would lend their support to a biking project, Steve and Nelson began to think about ways to make it happen. Seeing an ad for Trips for Kids' national program, they realized this would be the perfect opportunity.
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