"Everybody look to the left!" And sure enough, the 2011 Camp GEARS gang looked to the left ...

Some Camp GEARS attendees even get fed! It's true.

In Sedalia, Camp GEARS will have its own building.

GEAR up for Camp in 2012

By Scott and Nancy Koeneman, Camp GEARS Chairs

Last year you might have seen the pink flamingos and inflatable palm trees in a designated camping area and the kids in red T-shirts volunteering around the grounds, listening in at seminars or hanging out at the rally. That was Camp GEARS (Gaining Early Advanced Riding Skills) and those were the Camp GEARS kids who came to the rally two days early to learn about riding and meet other riders. Last year's group was 24, the largest ever.

If there's a young person in your life-son, daughter, grandchild, relative or friend with an interest in riding and age 16-26, mark your calendar and bring them to the BMW MOA International Rally a couple of days early to join Camp GEARS. The two-days of learning, with some great hands-on experiences, are Tuesday, July 17, and Wednesday, July 18, immediately preceding the rally, which is July 19-22, 2012 at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia.

Last year's agenda included hands-on experience in accident scene management, field games, trip planning and mapping, information on helmet safety and safe riding gear, and SMARTrainer sessions. Camp GEARS is a fun, educational camp for young riders of any brand motorcycle and is sponsored by the BMW MOA Foundation. Young riders who complete Camp GEARS receive two free days of training, a few meals, and also free admission to the BMW MOA Rally.

Knowledge and experience are two of our greatest assets in motorcycling. Camp GEARS can help give young riders some of that, plus introduces them to the BMW MOA community in hopes they'll make a connection with other riders and the organization. This effort is supported by gifts to the BMW MOA Foundation. You can help keep young riders safe and continue the traditions of the BMW MOA by supporting Camp GEARS and the Foundation. Please send your tax-deductible contribution to BMW MOA, P.O. Box 3982, Ballwin, MO 63022. Even a small donation can make a difference in the lives of these young riders.

For more information, contact Scott and Nancy Koeneman:   or 217-722-0794. You will find additional information about the BMW MOA Foundation at http://www.bmwmoafoundation.org. Get a young rider to Camp GEARS. They are the future of BMW MOA.