From Repairs to Relationships: How Communicycle Helps Pine Valley’s Mission Thrive
- M Nyeholt
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
At Pine Valley Camp, summer is about more than just fun. It’s about creating spaces where kids from all backgrounds can feel safe, try new things, and experience the love of Jesus in action. For campers ages 8–12, that often looks like swimming, archery, campfires—and sometimes, a simple ride on two wheels. “Fun is a bridge to a child’s heart,” says the Kids Camp Program Director, Stephan Graham. “When kids are laughing and trying something new, they’re more open to building relationships, and that’s when deeper growth can happen.”
Biking is one of several activities campers try throughout the week. But campers don’t just ride around a small area—they learn bike safety, explore nearby trails at Brush Creek, and build confidence in themselves as they conquer new challenges. Some campers arrive saying, “I can’t do this.” But with encouragement from their counselors and cabinmates, many soon find themselves completing a two-mile loop together.
“It’s incredible to watch the shift,” Graham explains. “A camper who thought they couldn’t ride suddenly realizes they can—and that confidence spills into other parts of camp and life.” It’s moments like these that capture the heart of Pine Valley’s mission: “to rebuild broken lives through Jesus Christ.”
For counselors, too, it’s a growth opportunity. Many learn how to teach biking for the first time, gaining leadership skills they carry with them beyond the summer.
A Partnership that Keeps Wheels Turning
Behind every smooth bike ride is a lot of unseen work. For years, camp staff struggled to keep dozens of bikes in safe, working condition. Flat tires, broken chains, and maintenance challenges meant the biking station often teetered on the edge of shutting down.
That’s where Communicycle stepped in. Volunteers from a local church, Edgewood Church, made the connection between Pine Valley seven years ago, inviting Communicycle to help them repair their existing bikes. Since then, Communicycle has provided repairs, replacements, and ongoing support, ensuring bikes are more than a fun option—they are reliable and safe.
“Our partnership with Communicycle has been transformative,” Graham says. “They’ve taken on the massive task of keeping our bikes safe and ready. Without them, it’s hard to know if biking at camp could be an ongoing activity.”
Looking Ahead
The impact of this partnership continues to grow. From pedal carts to potential teen camp biking programs, new opportunities are always on the horizon. Graham also wants to find ways to connect campers to Communicycle beyond the summer—helping kids access bikes at home, where the freedom and joy of riding can continue year-round.
For now, though, he’s simply grateful. “What might look like a small act—fixing a bike—actually has a massive impact. It relieves our staff, protects the camper experience, and helps us live out our mission in powerful ways.”
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