National News

I learned that you sort of have to try stuff that you've never done before...I liked just being able to come out here and have a great experience.

– Max, age 13, Seattle, WA

Newsletter

Read the National News. The newsletter provides updates on what Trips For Kids chapters around the country have been doing and gives tips on improving your chapter of starting a new one. You can also read the press releases for Trips For Kids National.

Trips For Kids Helps Youth Turn the Corner

"We made it to the top! And I still can't believe that I did it!" – Angela, age 14, Oakland, CA

TFK knows that mountain biking can be a powerful tool to build self esteem, encourage teamwork, and offer a sense of accomplishment on trail that can change lives off trail. While we have always believed that the work we do is important, this story from one of our volunteers offers proof positive!

While on a ride on Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, California, a TFK volunteer, David Klinger, ran into two "tough, streetwise" Latino teenagers. David noticed that one of them had many tattoos, the markings of having been a member of a gang, and what looked like cigarette burns on his body... On talking to them the youth said that he had been into a "heavy" scene; he even had scars all over his back as proof. The young man went on to mention that he would be "dead by now" were it not for this group called Trips For Kids. He had been on one of our rides a couple years ago and said it had made a big difference in his life to discover a viable alternative and to know that there are people who care. That day he had brought a friend with him to share his new-found love of mountain biking. All we could say was WOW...TFK's work really does make a difference!

TFK Chapters: So Many Different Shapes and Sizes

After the first long down hill, John says, "This is great! I've always dreamed of doing this, but I never had the chance until now." age 19, from an assistance program for homeless youth, Denver, CO

While some Trips For Kids chapters are started by an individual as did TFK founder Marilyn Price, other chapters have been started by organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Boys Scouts of America. Still more have evolved out of public and private agencies committed to serving underprivileged youth such as charter schools, public health agencies, non-profit organizations, and bike clubs. If you volunteer or work for a bike club, agency, school or other organization, read on to find out how Trips For Kids has become a fantastic and fun component of the programs below. Consider starting a chapter in your own organization or community!

Mountain bike club: TFK SORBA is run by the Gainesville Southern Off Road Bicycle Association. The chapter has been operating since 1999 and works primarily with after-school programs in the Gainesville, GA area. Currently the only TFK chapter run by a mountain bike club, TFK SORBA has an enthusiastic crew of committed volunteer mountain bikers who ensure that local kids get to experience the outdoors from the seat of a bike, participate in races and engage with the larger bike community in the Gainesville region.

Non-profit youth organization: TFK Dunkirk is a program of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County in Dunkirk, New York. The club’s mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Their TFK chapter is one of many in house activities that attract and hold youth to the Club and teach the tools needed to build positive lives, attitudes, and behavior. TFK Dunkirk takes youth on 4 to 5 co-ed rides each week throughout the summer months to enjoy the wonders along the shores of Lake Erie.

Volunteer program: TFK Seattle was founded in 2002 by Kat Sweet, inspired by her own career in mountain bike racing and outdoor sports. Mountain biking excursions form the foundation of the program, providing the perfect opportunity to combine physical activity with lessons in personal responsibility, achievement and environmental awareness. TFK Seattle is also developing a winter program to include athletic alternatives such as snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and indoor rock climbing. Other future plans include a recycled bike shop modeled after the one created by Trips For Kids Marin where kids from the community can work on and earn bikes.

Community learning center: TFK 21st Century is a program of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) in Northampton, Massachusetts. The 21st CCLC runs after school programs at twelve middle schools and two elementary schools. The programs provide academic tutoring, enrichment activities, and recreational opportunities. 21st CCLC firmly believes that true learning and growth does not have to take place in a classroom. Through its TFK ride program, 21st CCLC encourages kids to explore their natural surroundings and learn about themselves and their world in a meaningful way.

Community health organization: TFK Project Transformation became a chapter in July 2003. Project Transformation is a non-profit agency that serves over 400 kids each year by promoting health maintenance, environmental education, and team building. This TFK chapter is part of Project Transformation's Smart Bodies programming and gives volunteers the opportunity to build relationships with children in a unique setting.

Counseling and treatment center: TFK East Tennessee is one of the many programs offered by the Life Development Center of Oak Ridge, TN. The Life Development Center's mission is to provide opportunities for personal growth through adventure by focusing on goal setting, problem solving, communication, trust, and improved self-concept. The Life Development Center is one of seven programs of the Anderson County Health Council, serving youth and adults in drug and alcohol treatment programs as well as school based groups including alternative learning centers. As it just so happens, the facility is located in Haw Ridge Park — the premier mountain bike trail system in the Knoxville metro area! Those lucky kids!

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