Youth Program Details
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Payments: Camps can always be paid in full or we offer payment plans for summer camps!
Reserved Registration: When you add a camp to your cart and hit “continue,” your registration spot is secured. Feel free to take your time responding to our registration questions—there's no need to rush! Your spot will be securely held unless your computer is left unattended for 15 minutes or more.
Level 6 Students Who Are 9 Years Old: If you have a dynamic 9-year-old who has reached Level 6, please note that there are no Level 6 Dirt Shredder camps. However, we have alternatives tailored to different preferences.
Dirt Shredders Level 5: Your child will be with less advanced riders with this option. Perfect for kids who enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere focused on having fun.
Gravity Academy Level 6: Ideal for the ambitious rider seeking the challenge of riding and jumping with older kids.
If your young rider falls into the latter category and is keen on Gravity Academy Level 6, please reach out to Kira at connect@sweetlines.com before registration begins. If we have the numbers, we may offer a week specific to younger Level 6+ riders!
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INCLUSIVITY
Inclusivity has always been a core value for Sweetlines. Kat Sweet began her mission with hope to bring more women and girls to the sport and quickly evolved to include people of all gender identities who are looking to learn the sport a different way.
Inclusivity is at the core of Sweetlines’ mission; we strive to deliver inclusive and accessible camps for all. We are working towards a future where everyone – no matter their background, age, cultural identity, national origin, religious identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical abilities – can learn to ride mountain bikes and be part of our community.
We recognize and acknowledge the intersection of multiple identities and it is our intention to provide programming that is inclusive and accessible for all. We are always trying to improve our practice so please share your expertise, feedback, and comments with us. For participants who may need accommodations, please give advance notice to ensure that we can provide an optimal experience. connect@sweetlines.com
Gender Inclusivity
At Sweetlines, we’re committed to creating an inclusive community that welcomes people of all gender identities. Our programs Gravity Girls, Shred Sisters, and adult women’s lessons, are open to all individuals who identify as girls or women, without regard to their gender assigned at birth or past gender identities. We welcome trans women/girls, cis women/girls, and nonbinary individuals who feel comfortable participating in programs primarily consisting of individuals who identify as women/girls.
Our programs Dirt Shredders, Shred Camp, and Gravity Academy are open to all individuals of all gender identities. Everyone is welcome and valued in our community!
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We recommend buying gear for Sweetlines camps and events through Ride Bicycles, a local bike shop in Issaquah. Shop online through the link below:
BUY RECOMMENDED GEAR WITH RIDE BICYCLES
NORCO BIKE RENTALS:
Students who need a rental bike for camp can reserve one at www.ridebicycles.com
MOUNTAIN BIKE
In good working order
Gears recommended
Front Suspension recommended
Hand brakes are mandatory (no coaster brakes, no backpedaling brakes)
No training wheels
No kickstands (dangerous for riding trails)
PLEASE DO AN A, B, C, QUICK CHECK BEFORE CAMP STARTS!***
A = AIR – 20+ PSI MINIMUM
B = BRAKES – BE SURE BRAKES WORK
C = CHAIN – SHOULD BE LUBED AT LEAST 1X/ WEEK TO PREVENT RUSTING
QUICK = QUICK RELEASES – SNUG
HELMET
Must be a CPSC certified bike helmet
Full-face helmet strongly recommended for advanced levels 5-8
FLAT PEDALS
No clip in pedals
SHOES
Closed-toed, flat soled shoes
Skate style work better than running shoes
PADS
Knee and elbow pads are mandatory
We will have a couple of pairs to borrow if needed
GLOVES
Gloves are mandatory
Full finger gloves are recommended, especially for winter
HYDRATION PACK / WATER BOTTLE
A hydration pack or water bottle is also recommended
Electrolyte drink recommended
LUNCH & SNACKS
Snack bars available
Camps:
Students must ride their own lunch packs into the park
Please use a zippered or close-able bag so the crows and squirrels don't steal your lunch
Please pack extra food and snacks - kids get extra hungry riding all day
COLD WEATHER
Layers: long johns, leggings, and base layers recommended
Rain or waterproof jacket
Toe warmers: can fit on top of toes in shoes and fit well in gloves on the top of the hand
OTHER ITEMS
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
MEDICAL (AS NEEDED)
EPI pen – must be carried by rider at all times
Inhaler – must be carried by rider at all times
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SAFETY POLICIES
All coaches are professionally trained
All coaches are certified in First Aid and CPR
Sweetlines has a “challenge by choice” policy
Kat Sweet has been running kids bike programs since 2003
CANCELLATION POLICY
As long as you cancel at least two weeks (14 days) prior to the program start date, you will be refunded the full amount of your registration minus a $40 processing fee. Sweetlines will not issue a refund for any reason for canceling within two weeks of the program start date.
If you are concerned about needing to cancel within two weeks of the program start date, we recommend purchasing the Active cancellation insurance. Active will refund the full amount of your registration up to 48 hours before the program start date. There will be no refunds for any reason within 48 hours of the program start.
Signing up for the wrong level:
We understand that students may grow their mountain bike skills, or have a crash/injury that diminishes their mountain bike skills, between signing up for camps in February and attending camps in the summer. However, there are some situations in which a student has abilities far outside the description of the level they were signed up for and cannot be safely accommodated. In these situations, the student will be unable to attend camp and will not receive a refund. It is essential that parents thoroughly review the level descriptions before signing their child up for camp to ensure they pick the correct level.
Weather-related cancellations:
Programs happen rain or shine, but we may cancel if there is extreme weather (refer to heat and other weather policies below). If we have to cancel due to extreme weather, there will be no refunds.
ILLNESS POLICIES
Please do not send your child to Sweetlines programs or events if they have symptoms of any illness (unless these symptoms are consistent with a non-communicable chronic condition your child has). Sweetlines students must go 24 hours free of severe symptoms (fever, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea) before they may attend Sweetlines programs or events.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to kat@sweetlines.com.
Thank you for helping keep our Sweetlines community safe!
HEAT AND OTHER WEATHER POLICIES
Heat(High of 95 degrees to 99 degrees): If weather predictions list the high temperature of the day to be 95 degrees to 99 degrees, camp for the day will be moved earlier by 2 hours. This allows most of the riding to be done in the cool hours of the morning and reduces the risk of heat illness in our coaches and campers. For example, Dirt Shredders, normally scheduled to be 10:00-3:30, will be moved to 8:00-1:30, Shred Camp, Shred Sisters and Gravity Academy, normally scheduled to be 9:30-4, will be moved to 7:30-2.
Severe Heat(High of 100 degrees or higher): If weather predictions list the high temperature of the day to be 100 degrees or higher, camp for the day will be canceled.
Smoke and other air pollutants(AQI): If the air quality index is green or yellow (0-100), camp will continue as normal. If the air quality index is orange (100-150), camp will continue but may be shortened and the amount of riding during camp will be limited. If the air quality index is red or purple (150 or higher), camp will be canceled. This is in accordance with CDC guidelines for childcare, which can be found here: LINK HERE.
Rain and cold: Sweetlines programs are very unlikely to be canceled due to rain or cold. Instead, decisions will be made on an individual case-by-case basis. If a child is too wet, cold, or uncomfortable at a program parents or guardians will be contacted for early pick-up. We encourage parents to pack lots of warm and waterproof layers for their child on cold and rainy days! (Pro Tip: toe warmers work great in gloves and on top of toes in shoes.)
Lightning: Sweetlines programs will be canceled if a thunderstorm is in the forecast. If a thunderstorm rolls in unexpectedly, safety measures will be taken at camp and parents may be called for early pick-up.
CELL PHONE POLICY
Cell phones at programs may only be used to take videos of riding or for contacting parents. If a student uses their cell phone for any other reason, they will not be permitted to bring it to the program.
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Sweetlines Cougar Protocol for Duthie
SPCA BC: https://spca.bc.ca/faqs/what-do-you-do-if-you-see-a-cougar/
Cougar Brochure: https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/cougar_brochure.pdf
Preventative:
Sweetlines coaches have gone through training for what to do if they encounter a cougar
Cougars generally come out between dusk and dawn.
Coaches keep groups close to us at all times.
We make lots of noise riding down the trails.
Our lead coaches have bear spray and know how to use it. (Spray in a “Z” shape to create a wall from the ground up.)
If you see or smell a dead animal, back away and radio it in.
If a coach and a group of students encounter a cougar:
Make loud noise, yell, blow a whistle
Get in front of the kids and between them and the cougar, remind them not to run, “stay behind me.” Pick up or hold onto small kids or ones who are panicking.
Use your bike as a shield
Radio for back up: “Code Red: Cougar, (trail name), (where on the trail)”
Make yourself big, raise your bike over your head
Maintain eye contact
Very slowly back away, never turn your back to it
If it comes at you, hold your ground, step towards it, not away
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View the full SWEETLINES RIDER LEVELS here!
SIGNING UP FOR THE WRONG LEVEL
We understand that students may grow their mountain bike skills, or have a crash/injury that diminishes their mountain bike skills, between signing up for camps in February and attending camps in the summer. However, there are some situations in which a student has abilities far outside the description of the level they were signed up for and cannot be safely accommodated. In these situations, the student will be unable to attend camp and will not receive a refund. It is essential that parents thoroughly review the level descriptions before signing their child up for camp to ensure they pick the correct level.
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All participants in Sweetlines programming must have a signed and completed waiver. Use the link below.
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If your family is in need of financial assistance to come to our programs for any reason, please fill out this application before registration opens and we will contact you to find out how we can help make that happen.
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Please support the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance who make Duthie and all of our amazing PNW trails possible! Become a member if you haven’t already!
Tax Info: EIN – 82-1550878