Spring | Scout | 5-Week Progression

Myra-Bellevue (Crawford) in Kelowna, British Columbia, is the backdrop for a five-week Scout progression that turns nervous first-time trail riders into confident young mountain bikers. Across five Tuesday evenings from 5:00–7:00 PM starting June 2, the program focuses on core skills—body position, braking, and reading the notorious chunder and rock slabs common to these Okanagan trails. The School of MTB coaches run small, consistent groups capped at six riders so instruction is tailored and progress is measurable.

Sessions alternate between technical climbs and slab sections at Crawford and flowy berms and ripable singletrack at Smith Creek, giving riders a balanced curriculum of challenge and confidence-building. Coaches are certified professionals who use drills, line choice practice, and short guided laps to keep repetition productive and fun. Trail features here are characterful: exposed metamorphic and volcanic rock ledges, punchy climbs through mixed pine and sagebrush, and dusty, packed singletrack that rewards good weight distribution.

The term “chunder” describes the loose broken rock riders will learn to pick clean lines through; mastering it is a rite of passage on these slopes. Wildlife sightings can include chipmunks, raptors on thermal days, and the occasional deer at dawn or dusk. Logistics are straightforward.

Meeting point is Myra-Bellevue (Crawford) with weekly email confirmations for exact pick-up locations such as Stewart Road East or the Smith Creek lot. Minimum age is eight, maximum eleven, and the program requires at least three participants to run. Riders need a mountain bike in good working order (disc brakes, functioning gears, and at least front suspension), a properly fitted helmet, and closed-toe shoes.

Knee and elbow protection and a hydration pack are recommended, and a signed waiver must be submitted before the first session. The program runs rain or shine—coaches cancel only for lightning, dangerous winds, or extreme trail saturation—so bring layered weather protection for variable spring conditions. Because this is progressive, attendance across all five sessions is strongly recommended to build sequential skills.

For families visiting Kelowna or locals looking to level up a young rider, this Scout series delivers focused coaching, small-group attention, and the exact trail diversity kids need to move from cautious to confident. It’s a practical, friendly way into mountain biking on some of the Okanagan’s most instructive trails. Coaches emphasize safe risk-taking and celebrate small wins: spotting proper cornering, rewarding clean rollovers on slab sections, and teaching emergency stop drills.

Parents can expect weekly progress notes, specific skills goals, and suggested at-home drills to reinforce lessons between sessions. Helmets are checked each week and basic bike maintenance tips are covered so young riders leave not only stronger on the trail but more responsible with their equipment. Register early; spots fill quickly for local youth programs.