The idea is ingenious: combine hobby and family life. On a holiday together, for example. Organisers offer numerous formats for this: Family Weekend, Parent-Child Race or Father&Son Camp. There seems to be a suitable programme for every constellation.
In some formats, certain parents are even deliberately not wanted, such as at the Father&Son camp in Nauders (photo above). Although fathers are allowed to bring their daughters, mothers are not wanted. "Of course I've had to listen to criticism. Some even accused me of sexism," says organiser Holger Meyer. But it's all about giving it a try, says Meyer.
120 fathers and their children met for the third time in the summer. The feedback was positive, according to Meyer. Father and participant Richie Thomas took his daughter with him. "At twelve, she's still too young to take part in a youth camp without her parents," he says.
The youngest participants in the camp were seven years old, the oldest 17. Paediatric therapist Bettina Arndt advises sending children aged twelve and over to youth bike camps without a parent. "Especially at this age, it is important for children and young people to gain experience - without parental supervision," says Arndt.
Bike destinations are keen to organise such family events. Of course, there is also the economic aspect. Tourism expert Manuel Baldauf from Nauders knows that the summer season is becoming increasingly important. "It now accounts for 45 per cent of our guest arrivals each year." Trend: rising.
Family events and MTB camps for children and young people are all the rage. Organisers, agencies and destinations have already specialised in them, some for many years. With the legendary Ghost BIKE Cross Country Camp, BIKE also has its own youth development project in its programme. Here our Family event tips 2022:
Six family events in 2022
Father & Son Days (5.8.-7.8.22)
Youth camp with Rob (31.7.-6.8.22 and 7.8.-13.8.22)
Rookie Camp SFL (15.8.-21.8.22)
Family bike vibes (5.8.-7.8.22)
Family Bike Derby (17.6.-19.6.22)
Ghost BIKE Youth Camp (October 2022)
