How to Prepare Your Child for Swimming Summer Camp

Preparing your child for Swimming Summer Camp doesn't have to be complicated. A little preparation before the first day can help your child understand what to expect, feel more comfortable around the water, and become familiar with the idea of swimming as part of a regular camp schedule.

The best place to start is with your child's current swimming ability and comfort level. Think about whether your child enjoys the water, needs more practice with basic skills, or already feels confident swimming. This gives you a useful starting point when discussing the camp program with your child.

How Parents Can Prepare Their Child for Swimming Summer Camp

Preparation should begin with a simple conversation. Explain that swimming will be one part of the camp day and that your child will have opportunities to learn, practice, and enjoy time in the water. Keeping the conversation positive can help children understand that they don't need to know everything before camp begins.

At Frogbridge Day Camp, children ages 3 through 15 participate in nine age based divisions. Each division has its own Division Leader, and the youngest campers have access to a separate pool for instructional and recreational swimming. Understanding your child's age group can help you explain what their camp experience may look like.

Talk to Your Child About Swimming Before Camp

Start by asking your child how they feel about swimming. Some children may be excited about spending time in the water, while others may feel unsure about joining a new group. Listening to those feelings can help you understand what kind of preparation your child may need before the camp season begins.

You can also explain that camp swimming includes both instruction and recreation. At Frogbridge, campers participate in swimming as part of their daily program. Talking about these two parts can help children understand that they will have time to learn swimming skills as well as time to enjoy being in the water.

Review Your Child's Current Swimming Skills

Before camp starts, think about what your child can already do in the water. You don't need to turn preparation into a formal test. Instead, consider whether your child is comfortable entering the water, moving through it, following instructions, and practicing basic swimming skills.

Knowing your child's current ability can also help you have a more useful conversation with the camp team. Frogbridge uses a six level American Red Cross swimming progression, moving from basic water skills through stroke development, stroke improvement, stroke refinement, and fitness swimming.

Help Your Child Become Comfortable With Water