Professional Swimming Instruction for Any Skill Level at Camp

Professional swimming instruction is one of the most important components of a good sleepaway camp. And, since overnight summer camps are usually centered around lakes and pools, the sport of swimming takes on a whole new dimension of fun, from swimming the length of the lake to morning polar bear swims and just-for-fun races.

Knowing how to swim is not only a lifelong skill and pleasure, but also keeps your child safe around the water wherever he or she may be, whether boating, at the beach or simply walking down a dock. Everyone should know how to swim, and kids at sleepaway camp have a lot of fun learning in a safe and friendly environment. With plenty of patience, perseverance and of course practice, any youngster can be a good swimmer.

Lakes are an amazing center of fun at camp, offering incredible varieties of water sports, so it's especially important that youngsters are safe around the water. Campers may learn to swim in lake waters, but many camps prefer using heated pools to take the chill off that early morning swim class. Most sleepaway camps use the traditional standards of the American Red Cross to encourage kids to have a good time in the water and learn to swim using proper techniques.

Generally, camp swimming classes are divided into groups based on ability, from beginners to advanced, giving kids the confidence-building opportunity of moving up in the ranks. Small class sizes are a great way for campers to learn more quickly, and earning a spot in the next level is always a thrilling moment. For many kids, the first time they swim the length of the pool without touching the bottom or stopping at the side is a big moment!

All kids, even returning swimmers, are usually tested at the beginning of camp, as swimming skills may have changed during the year. After an assessment, kids are placed in one of the camp's established swim levels and allowed to progress at their own pace. Tell your child not to be upset if he or she is moved "down" a level at the beginning of camp in order to review some skills. The review may be considered necessary in order to help your camper get more confident and better prepared to move to the next level. Often, campers are also tested at camp's start for safety in deep water. Classes not only teach new skills and refine old ones, but they can also help young swimmers eliminate bad habits that slow down progress at later stages.

Most basic skills would include water adjustment and pre-stroke skills for beginners. Kids then progress through basic stroke instruction, stroke development, stroke refinement and skill proficiency. When they reach upper levels, more of an emphasis is placed on technique and competition. Kids can also learn advanced water safety and self-rescue.

Safety is the number one priority of most overnight summer camp swimming programs, and instructors strive to consistently create a safe, confidence-building environment for every skill level of swimmer. Most camp swim instructors are certified lifeguards with CPR training.

When it comes to swimming safety comes first in summer camp. Your kids can enjoy the benefits of sleepaway summer camp at Camp Walt Whitman in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Learn more at http://www.campwalt.com