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NYPUM RODEO:
A unique feature of the NYPUM program is the NYPUM Rodeo, which is held three times each year - - in the Northeast, Southwest and the Midwest. Lasting two to three days, they are fundamentally the same although each reflects the character and culture of its region. NYPUM Rodeos are filled with activities that include overnight camping, free time and events using the minibike.
Hosted by youth camps throughout the country, the Rodeos bring kids from different programs together and provide the chance to make new friends, practice sportsmanship, celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity, and have fun. Rodeos provide a wonderful way of rewarding kids for their achievements at home, school and with treatment goals.
In addition to the fun and excitement of a new experience, the young participants realize the commonness of their issues, which can lessen a sense of isolation and offer additional hope. Kids often leave with a new understanding and appreciation for others, in addition to memories of an experience that will last forever.
Youth learn how to ride as part of a group. NYPUM's curriculum for teaching riding follows the guidelines of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), specialists in the field of off-road motorcycle instruction.
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Learning starts in a classroom where youth learn lessons like how to prepare for a trail ride and how to share trails responsibly in an environmentally-friendly manner. |
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Next, groups are taught NYPUM's twenty-one off-road riding excercises which teach riders the principles and behaviors of safe and responsible minibike riding. |
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Groups then go track or trail-riding under the supervision of their instructors. |
Groups usually meet to ride once a week, however, individual NYPUM programs have the flexibility to set their own schedules so frequency of riding and length of youth participation varies program to program.
One of the reasons why the program has been successful for so long is because
NYPUM is safe. The following measures have contributed to our success:
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NYPUM's riding curriculum follows Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) guidelines. |
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Only Certified NYPUM Instructors are allowed to teach minibike riding. |
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Representatives from the NYPUM's national office conduct annual on-site quality improvement visits to all programs. |
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Programs are hosted by well-respected and established non-profit or municipal agencies that provide youth services. |
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All programs are required to maintain liability insurance for minibike activities. This insurance is available through a group program with national NYPUM. |
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