Kai Nitschke, 12, gives a thumbs-up to his new bike. Several campers received brand new bikes. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – On July 30, close to 20 children learned how to safely ride a bike, keep a bike in good condition, and keep their bodies healthy so they can enjoy riding. They were participating in Bike Safety Camp which was hosted by the Park District of Ottawa County at Hopfinger Zimmerman Memorial Park. It was the second camp that park staff offered this summer. The first was held in Genoa in June.

“Genoa was great. That was the first time we had camp in Genoa. We wanted to reach the western end of the county,” said Administrative Specialist Sara Hill. “The Genoa Police Department helped and were great, and the Friends of Ottawa County Parks donated ice cream vouchers for the Big Dipper. Th camp was well-attended.”

A camper learns how to pump air into her bike tires at Bike Safety Camp. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

The July 30 camp was also popular. Capt. Aaron Leist of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department taught the kids how to safely ride bikes on the road, and Ottawa County Health Department Health Educator Melanie Herron talked to campers about exercise and nutrition. Ottawa County Park District Executive Director Jannah Wilson and park board member Judy Indorf provided hands-on lessons on bike maintenance.

“They taught them how to do things like check air, lube the chain, and put a belt on,” Hill said.

The highlight of camp was free bikes. Any camper who didn’t have a bike was given a bike for free thanks to a grant from Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF). The grant, which was written by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks, was originally obtained for the 2024 camp, but because money was left over, OCCF allowed the funds to be utilized to purchase bikes this year, too.

Campers practice road safety at Bike Safety Camp. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Friends member, Linda Amos, said there was money left over from last year because the community was generous with discounts and donations, defraying camp costs.

“Because the community has been so helpful, the money went further than we expected,” Amos said.

That community support continued this year. Ottawa County Sheriff Stephen Levorchick and Bassett’s Market donated box lunches for the camp, and Kona Ice of Lake Erie Shores & Islands visited the camp and donated Kona Ice for the campers. Jack and Lorraine Zimmerman donated the use of Hopfinger Zimmerman Memorial Park, as they have for the camp every year.

Ottawa County Sheriff’s Captain Aaron Leist helps a young camper who took a tumble on her bike. She fell, bloodied her knee, and never stopped smiling. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“That’s one of the great things about the camp – the community participation,” Amos said.

Camper Kai Nitschke, 12, said the camp was fun, and he learned a lot.

“I learned to always look twice both ways and to turn slowly and stay on the outside of the road,” he said. “It was fun because I have been able to learn stuff I didn’t know and get a new bike.”

Nitschke said he “really likes” his bike.

“The best part is the brakes because on my last one, the brakes were not safe,” he said.