Ready to roll
The children from the STAR (“Students Training as Role Models”) group arrived at Malibu Creek State Park on Saturday morning, March 20th, not really knowing what to expect. Some were excited, some were nervous and some were probably just happy to be in such a gorgeous park – an environment quite different than the urban neighborhoods they are so accustomed to. Officer Sue Shine of the City of Glendale Police Department leads this group of fantastic children who are trained and mentored to lead by example and to be role models for the other children (and quite possibly for some adults) in their communities. As this was the first Youth Adventure Ride with this group, the veteran MBU’ers were also a bit nervous (but always excited to ride with the children) – as it turns out, any nervousness was unwarranted as the youth ride was a huge success for both teams! The children, many of whom have never ridden a mountain bicycle on the trails, absolutely loved being out in the park and enjoying the trails on their CORBA provided mountain bikes. In addition, the youths seemed to hang on every word of the MBUer (her nickname is Kat) who provides the instructional mid-morning nature talks on the various animals and wildlife that abounds in the parks of the Santa Monica Mountain Range.
Kat provides the instructional mid-morning nature talks on the various animals and wildlife that abounds in the parks of the Santa Monica Mountain Range
Our MBU ride leaders commented on how much they enjoyed riding with these children – they were all up for the new challenge and did very well with big smiles and lots of focused energy. These children were so well behaved and actively listened to instruction – it is obvious that Office Shine, her Team and the STAR Program are having a tremendously positive impact on the lives of these children and no doubt their community too. We are already looking forward to having the STAR group back on the trails with us!
