BMX camps sometimes all seem the same. I would know, because my brothers, friends, wife, teammates, and I have all been teaching in them for over 15 years. Whether it is a Race camp, Clinic, or full-on BMX camp at some super-big, and super-expensive, skatepark facility, we have taught them all. We know how it goes.
Ah, the supercamps at huge, awesome facilities. You know the ones. Whether located in PA, CA, OH, or any other place around the country, they are large, in charge, and super-fun to go too. They have all the latest ramps and equipment, tons of Pros, perfect ramps, jumps and tracks, and everybody wants to go there. I have been fortunate to be able to teach and visit these places many times. Unfortunately, most riders have to pay to go there, and pay BIG TIME. Two weeks at some of these places is as much as a good, solid, used car. Add in the fact that most of the time, they are packed to the brim, and riding always seems to be at a premium, meaning it is hard to get in a run... Also add in the fact that with that many campers... you get bullies, attitudes, and kids NOT having a good time. It happens, I have had to deal with it.
One-day BMX clinics are fun, whether they are at a skatepark or a race track, and you can pick up some good tips... but you would get more training at a longer camp... Clinics can ONLY hit the basics. They are excellent for beginning riders to get some tips, hang with pros, and they don't cost much, most of the time. But if you're looking for all-around fun, and skills, and some good buddy riding and summer great times... a Clinic is just too short.
With race camps at BMX tracks, you're stuck in your uniform all day, riding the same track, for 2-5 days. Either you drive each day, which is more expensive and complicated, or you stay in a hotel room. Either way, you have extra expense or inconvenience. Usually, the instructors and the campers eventually get bored, and the parents sometimes don't think the kids are getting what they, the parents, have paid for.... complete BMX racing excellence. Guess what parents, the kids and instructors also wanna have fun, that IS what it's all about, right?
It seems like the best times I have ever had riding my bike are hanging with a few BMX friends, no matter how old they are, talking BMX, watching BMX movies, and riding our bikes. Not to train, not to show each other up, just having a good time on our bikes. Yet at the same time, going away to camp is fun also... or going away to a new place, making new friends, and riding bikes in new places is REALLY fun.
This got me to thinking. Why not have a "Camp" without the negatives of high prices, boredom of the same place, large crowds, or too short of a time? Why not have a place to experience the FUN times, new places to ride, relaxed atomosphere of home, experienced teaching, riding as much as you want, Low Prices, home cooking, and feel of a small group of friends, yet in a supervised manner?
Hence an idea was born. The Nate Strieby BMX Summer Camps.
If you come to camp, these are the things I wil be striving to get you:
You are guaranteed to be in a group of 10 or less campers.
You are guaranteed to be able to ride with at least 3 Pro riders, Race and Freestyle.
You are guaranteed to be able to ride at least 6 different places.
You will stay at Nate and Martha Strieby's personal homestead, complete with trails, track, and ramps.
You are guaranteed to not be bored. Unless you actually wanted to go to, say, ballerina camp.... in which case maybe ya shouldn't be here... haha.
Interested? Keep on looking.