Pedalheads is a pioneering instructional camp renowned for its innovative approach to teaching children essential skills in biking, swimming and trail riding. Founded with the mission to empower children through physical activity, Pedalheads has become a trusted name for parents seeking high-quality, engaging and safe programs for their kids.

Established in Vancouver, Canada initially as a swim company in 1986 (formerly called Atlantis Programs). In the late 1980s, Pedalheads quickly expanded due to its unique methodology and positive outcomes. The camp’s philosophy centers on fun, safety and skill development, ensuring that children not only learn but also enjoy the process. Pedalheads aims to inspire a lifelong love for physical activity by fostering a supportive and encouraging environment.

Pedalheads has over 250+ locations in 5 different provinces in Canada and 7 US states and has become increasingly popular in recent years as a Leader in Instructional Camps.

Award-winning SEAD Program

Pedalheads has successfully taught thousands of children how to bike and swim, with many parents praising the program for its effectiveness and the enthusiasm it instils in their kids. The camp’s proven track record of transforming hesitant beginners into confident, skilled participants highlights its significant impact on children’s physical development and self-esteem.

Known for transitioning kids from training wheels to independent riding, Pedalheads provides small class ratios, individualized attention and an award-winning SEAD (Social, Emotional and Academic Development) program focused on holistic growth.

The camp is deeply committed to inclusivity, celebrating diversity and ensuring every child feels welcome. This is reflected in their detailed policies on helmet safety, behavioral management, and more. The main highlight is its dedication to a safe learning environment. The staff is integral to the camp experience. They undergo comprehensive training to deliver exceptional learning outcomes while fostering a nurturing atmosphere.

Industry Trailblazer

The integration of technology in pre- and post-camp planning streamlines various processes covering all digital marketing and the use of proprietary software for class lists. This aligns with the camp’s mission of promoting outdoor activities. The Pedalheads+ Charitable Arm offers no-cost camps for children who lack the opportunity, providing them with new bikes, helmets and locks along with fundraising efforts integrated into camp activities.

At Pedalheads, special themed days and a focus on building confidence and skills ensure that campers not only learn, but also enjoy their time there. With a commitment to evolving with children’s educational needs and fostering a love for the outdoors, Pedalheads stands out as a premier choice for families seeking a comprehensive and enriching camp experience.

Pedalheads: Fun & Skill Development

Pedalheads has been teaching kids how to ride a bike since 1995. It focuses on teaching kids how to use and ride a bike, proper safety techniques and gaining the confidence to ride without fear. It offers a progression of levels taught in small groups with instruction, practice and play.

Pedalheads incorporates safety, fun and skill development in its programs. Whether it is the bike, swim, or trail program, Pedalheads offers a fully developed curriculum designed to equip children with lifelong skills.

Pedalheads is best known for helping children transition from training wheels to riding independently on two wheels. With small class ratios, clearly defined learning outcomes and exceptional staff, the camp provides a program for which parents choose to register their children year after year.

Pedalheads Curriculum Driven Program

Pedalheads swim lessons begin as a parent and TOT Program for children as young as four months old, while the bike camps cater to children aged 2-12. Levels structure the curriculum-driven program to accommodate varied ages and skill levels. On the first day, each child undergoes an assessment to determine the most suitable class or group, ensuring they receive the best experience.

Whether a child has never been on a bike or is an experienced rider with limited road exposure, a level option is available. The camp’s goals are to encourage more biking and swimming, recognizing that each child is at a different point in their journey. Pedalheads aims to be a part of each child’s progression in these activities.

Guide for the Ride

A typical start at bike camp will have parents check in and drop off their children with their instructor at a designated cone. The instructor meets the parents, answers any questions they may have and then takes over for the day. The session starts with a ‘Get Going Game’ to get the kids moving and having fun.

The camp then proceeds with structured bike-related games and stations designed to build the children’s skills, which vary depending on the class level. There are breaks for snacks and lunch (for all-day camps) and off-bike activities such as road sign recognition throughout the day.

The camp focuses on skill progression, including riding on two wheels, braking and using hand signals while ensuring that the experience is enjoyable and fun for the children. At the end of the week, the kids participate in a bike parade to showcase their newly developed biking skills, cheered on by their parents.

Pedalheads has several detailed policies that include but are not limited to Food Safety, Inclusion, Weather (air quality), Helmet Safety, Helmet Checks, Child Protection, Behaviour Management, Sunscreen Application, and Bathroom Policy. Keeping campers safe is of the utmost importance and is taken very seriously at the camp, ensuring a fun and secure learning environment for everyone.

Bike and Trail Programs

Pedalheads exposes children to the outdoors and encourages them to enjoy taking their bikes out and exploring nature. The trail program allows kids to enjoy the outdoors in their local parks and through dirt and urban terrain.

It  also teaches the importance of respecting the trails and the surrounding environment. In the bike program, children ride to different locations, allowing them to explore and enjoy various areas in their neighborhood.

Many campers at Pedalheads gain lifelong skills and often develop a love for biking or swimming that stays with them as they get older. These skills are valuable assets that they carry into adulthood.

Additionally, the camp’s programs build confidence, positively impacting other areas of their lives. It’s not uncommon for campers to progress from participating in the program to becoming volunteers and instructors and, in some cases, securing full-time corporate positions at Pedalheads.

Fostering a Sense of Community

Pedalheads ensures small student-to-instructor ratios in their classes and offers private lessons for those seeking one-on-one attention. Recognizing that some children may require extra support, the camp may request the presence of an aide or caregiver to ensure the best possible experience for all campers.

Each camp location fosters a strong sense of community, where staff members become familiar with each other and often see many of the same campers throughout the summer, enhancing the camaraderie and overall camp experience.

Pedalheads is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment. The presence of diverse voices and perspectives enriches the camps and programs, a principle deeply embedded in Pedalheads’ mission, vision and values. Celebrating all individuals is a core tenet of the organization.

Exceptional Staff

The staff at Pedalheads is integral to the camp experience and is considered the most important part of any camp. Each staff member undergoes a comprehensive training program to ensure they are well-prepared to teach at Pedalheads. They meticulously work through their lesson plans to ensure each day provides an exceptional learning environment for the children in their classes.

Pedalheads utilize various technology components in pre- and post-planning their camps. This includes the marketing team’s strong focus on digital promotion, the use of automated tools to streamline communication, an online process for booking registrations, and the creation of class lists using proprietary software.

As the business scales, Pedalheads continues to find ways to streamline processes with technology while maintaining the core mission of promoting outdoor activity and an appreciation of the natural surroundings.

Themed Days & Philanthropy in Action

At the end of each week, Pedalheads hosts special themed days where children and counselors come dressed according to the theme, which could be a beach day, superheroes, or traffic colors.

Pedalheads also has a charitable arm called Pedalheads+, which provides no-cost camps, including a new bike, helmet and lock, for children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend. During camp, there is a designated Pedalheads+ day to help raise funds for this program, allowing Pedalheads to offer more camps to families in various neighborhoods.

The staff at Pedalheads does an outstanding job of creating a caring and nurturing environment for all campers. The games and stations help maintain a strong focus on biking. Although Pedalheads operates as a day camp, meaning the children spend less time there than at an overnight camp, the connections that instructors make with the campers are invaluable. These connections significantly help ease the initial anxiety some children may feel when attending camp for the first time.

Creating Lasting Impact

Pedalheads stands out for its exceptional biking and swimming programs and its commitment to creating a nurturing, inclusive and community-oriented environment. With dedicated staff, carefully designed lesson plans and a focus on skill development and fun, Pedalheads ensures every camper leaves with newfound confidence and abilities.

The unique themed days and the charitable efforts through Pedalheads+ further enrich the experience, fostering a sense of community and generosity among campers and their families. As Pedalheads continues to grow and innovate, it remains dedicated to promoting outdoor activity, lifelong skills and environmental appreciation.

For parents looking for a camp that combines education, fun and a supportive atmosphere, Pedalheads is the perfect choice. It’s a place where children learn to ride and swim and build lasting memories and friendships.

Join Pedalheads and be part of a community that values growth, inclusivity and the joy of outdoor adventures!