FAq page

As our program has grown, we noticed our values and strengths emerge.  Something that makes YewFlow summer camps unique is our mixture of structured and unstructured time as well as creating an inclusive, play-based environment that’s fun for all the kids regardless of age or experience level.  By offering camps for a wider age range and inviting more Junior Coaches into the mix, we have loved witnessing the peer mentorship and natural mixed-age play that has taken place.   The core elements of camp remain the same - focused time on the bike learning skills, time in nature to swim, play, or explore, and access to incredible coaches.  The new structure with flow groups (as breakout groups) allows us to provide the same customization you signed up for in the past without limiting which weeks you kids can come to a YewFlow camp.  Moving to this model allows us to design each week around the riders who are actually enrolled, rather than fitting kids into pre-set categories. This creates more flexibility, better group dynamics, and a more responsive experience for each camper.

YewFlow Summer camp registration is non-refundable.  We are a small startup and are unable to accommodate refund requests.  We also know LIFE HAPPENS and you might want to change your camp dates... If your child is unable to attend the camp dates you have already paid for, we may be able to transfer your credit to another camp date.  Changing camp dates is not a guarantee but if you’d like to try and switch your dates, please email sarah@yewflow.com and Andrew@yewflow.com ASAP.  Camp transfers are not transferable to the next year.  You are welcome to apply summer camp credit to Fall Programing or private lessons, if space allows.

We have designed our summer camps and field trips for riders of various skill and experience level for a reason.  We want your kid to have as much fun as possible and the best riding experience as possible.  Part of striking that balance is creating experiences for riders of similar experience levels.  Please read the following Rider Level descriptions and if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to give me a call or shoot an email.  I’d be more than happy to chat about the best fit for your kid!  

• Level 1- Level 1 riders are beginner riders looking to enjoy the bike and riding with new friends just for fun!  Grouping bike riders in the appropriate skill level, we can create a non-competitive environment that meets your child where they are at and keeps the bike a fun and casual part of your kids life.  Level 1 riders specifically looking to improve upon their riding fundamentals will find a home in our summer camps before progressing with private lessons or moving up to the more advanced groups. Your rider should be able to ride their bike comfortably, sitting and standing on the pedals. Comfortable using both brakes to stop. Riders should also be able to start and stoping with slight gradient and is able to make turns on the bike.

• Level 2- Level 2 riders are moderate to experienced riders looking to push themselves and develop new skills on the bike!  Level 2 riders are comfortable with bike handling and have the baseline skills down.  These riders are looking to progress in a somewhat competitive and action sports oriented environment with the guidance of a hands on coach.  Level 2 riders should have the following riding fundamentals down before moving up from the beginner level 1 group: Your rider should be very comfortable on the bike, capable of front and rear wheel lifts, bunny hops and is able to maintain high speeds. Rider can start and stop comfortably with grade, is able to make a bike-body separation, and corner with speed. Jumping skills are a plus but we will actively work on jumping in the Skillz Camps.

• Level 3- Level 3 riders are experienced riders looking to go to the next level!  Level 3 riders are confident racers or freeriders who want to narrow in on a specific skillset, step up their game with a private lesson or dig into personalized goals with a Coach. We can make a plan to tackle any goal on the bike! Style, Flips, Spins, Specific air tricks, more speed on downhill races, strength, agility or proprioception training.  We also specialize in connecting the mind and body for riders looking for an edge. These tools truly are what set us apart at a competitive level.

Yes, when space is available.  To inquire about drop in availability, email Andrew one week or less before the desired date. andrew@yewflow.com 

8:30 - 9:30 - Drop off and settle in or explore the camp zone

9:30 - 10:30 -  Break into smaller flow groups to do get to know everyone through icebreaker activities, games, stretching and body/breath movement

10:30 - 12:00 - Structured bike skills drills by age and experience level with coaches.  Freeride mountain biking fundamentals with a focus on individual’s goals and objectives on the bike.

12:00 -1:00 - Community lunch and free play

1:00 - 3:00 - Break into Flow groups for the afternoon.  Riding groups or "extracurricular activities" will be based upon the flow group you signed up for.  We will also use this time block for group trail rides, swimming or ice cream missions.

3:00 - 3:30 - wind down and camper pickup

**This is one version of how our camp days will go but we have various flows depending upon the group and location!**

Yes. We offer two age-based registration categories and then kids will be grouped even further based upon their specific age, experience level, and flow group.  Registration age bands:

• Ages 5–7
• Ages 8–12 

That’s exactly why we moved to this model. Because we design groups based on who is enrolled each week, we can create beginner, intermediate, and advanced coaching groups as needed. Our goal is for every rider to feel both supported and appropriately challenged, regardless of starting point.

Each week we host 20-30 campers total.  When we break into smaller flow groups, your kids can expect to be with 10 or less kids of a similar age and ability level.

Pricing is based on support needs and staffing ratios, not skill level.  Because YewFlow camps are rooted in developing a strong foundation for freeride mountain biking, we don't just hire camp counselors, we hire PIMBA certified bike coaches with the experience necessary to send your kids home with a whole new skillset on the bike.

Our younger riders (ages 5–7) require smaller group sizes and more hands-on coaching, so we aim for a 5-to-1 ratio of riders to coaches.  Our older riders move more independently through skill-based training and we aim for a 6-to-1 ratio of rider to coaches.  All campers receive high-level instruction and a thoughtfully designed experience tailored to their interests and needs.  For more information about our coaches and our junior mentorship program, visit our about page.

Yes. This model allows us to provide more precise instruction, not less. Because groups are formed intentionally and can evolve, riders receive coaching that matches where they are — physically, emotionally, and skill-wise — rather than being locked into a single label for the week.

Flow groups are our new “breakout groups” that customize your kid’s YewFlow camp experience to their interests.  Everyone coming to camp for the week will get to do bike skills drills based upon their age and experience level, unstructured free play and time in nature, swimming and ice cream adventures. The Flow groups are small breakout groups that allow kids to connect with others the same age and interest level while balancing their camp day out with unique activities.  Here are the different flow groups we offer:

Girls art Club  (for girls 7-12) basically girls bike and create camp as you remember it!  Each week we will provide different art supplies and guidance for artmaking in the outdoors: watercolor painting, charcoal, colored pencils, cyanotype nature printing, and flower pressing.

Forest Flow (for kids 5-7 or 8-12)  ground down with restful mind-body activities in nature - from crafting with found objects, mindful movement, stretching and yoga, and immersive nature experiences.

Game on! (ages 5-7 or 8-12) A high-energy mix of classic camp games, team challenges, and bike rodeo skills. Kids build balance, coordination, and confidence through tag, relays, scavenger hunts, foot-down competitions, slalom courses, and other playful challenges that keep them engaged and trying new things.

Advanced freeride skills training (for kids 7-12) this flow group is designed for the kids most focused on the bike and pushing themselves in their freeride skills training.  Get extra time with the coaches in small groups to work on specific high level skills - jumping, technical maneuvers, shuttled downhill rides, descending natural or man-made terrain, and occasional access to the air bag.  6 year olds invited on a case by case basis.

We understand it might be hard to choose just one flow group for the week.  Movement between flow groups is a normal and healthy part of the experience- just communicate those changes to the coach at pick up/drop off.