Send Kids Biking and help them move forward in life!

Trips for Kids Vancouver is a member of Trips for Kids^® International (www.tripsforkids.org) a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Marin County, California. Founded in 1988 and now operating in over 80 locations throughout the United States, Canada and Israel, Trips for Kids (TFK^®)  International has opened the world of cycling to over 100,000 at-risk youth through guided mountain bike rides and job training/earn-a-bike programs.  All TFK chapters, modeled on the foundation of the original TFK Marin program, are managed and operated independently at the local level but share a common goal. Their mission is to use bicycles as a vehicle for lessons in confidence building, achievement, health, fitness and environmental awareness through the development of practical skills and the simple act of having fun.

Trips for Kids Vancouver is a registered non-profit society dedicated to getting youth with barriers out on the trails.

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About Trips For Kids Vancouver

     

At Trips For Kids we believe that the unique sport of mountain biking teaches many valuable lessons that expand further than just bike skills. Trips for Kids Vancouver (TFK) aims to create a positive impact on the way children and youth in Vancouver view their community, the environment, and themselves while being active and having a lot of fun. The beautiful vast array of forests and mountains surrounding Vancouver offer the perfect opportunity for our mountain biking adventures that introduce young people to a natural world they may not have the opportunity to explore. Our free day-long mountain bike trips incorporate off-road cycling skills, trail etiquette, and environmental education and stewardship in a fun and active atmosphere. Through this unique opportunity we use biking as a tool to build self confidence, social responsibility and promote positive behaviour in all youth.

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Mission + Vision

The natural environment should be accessible to everyone. We provide mountain biking adventures to youth with barriers to participating in outdoor recreation. Educational and fun, our trips stive to connect with nature, community and themselves.

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History

In 2001, Trips for Kids Vancouver became the first Canadian chapter of the TFK organization started in 1986 by Marilyn Price in California. Knowing that Vancouver would be an ideal setting for a similar program, Dana Starritt, Guy Patterson and Darcy Carroll engaged a committed group of young professionals to serve as directors and began the process of creating a registered non-profit society, with the Grandview Community Centre Association acting as the sponsor for charitable status.

When TFK Vancouver became a reality for the summer of 2001, Downtown Eastside community centers and youth agencies were enthusiastic and supportive, and our new rides calendar quickly filled up. Since 2001, over 1800 children and youth have participated and been enriched by getting out side on mountain bikes.In the spring and summer of 2011, TFK Vancouver will operate it’s eleventh consecutive Summer Rides Program.

We would not be able to do the work we do without the generous support of our Trips for Kids International Sponsors (www.tripsforkids.org/national/sponsors.htm) and are proud to be working in partnership with these companies. Please join us in saying thank you by patronizing their business whenever possible!

 

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Who We Are

Trips For Kids Vancouver is governed by a Board of Directors that set policies, oversee financial management, consider recommendations and provide direction to staff and volunteers. Our coordinators design, organize and implement Trips For Kids summer rides programs and initiatives to Vancouver youth.

COORDINATORS 2013

• Program Coordinator: Laura Kean (604-961-5304)
• Ride Coordinator: Nick McCue (604-358-7665)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2010

• Chairperson: Mark Lavigne
• Secretary: Jonathan Turner
• Treasurer: Andre Perret
• Directors: Darcy Carroll, Jamie Houssian,  Scott Meadows
• Honorary Board Member: Ryan Leech