How to Prepare Your Child for Swimming Summer Camp

If your child feels nervous around water, give them time to become comfortable rather than making the experience stressful. Simple conversations about swimming can help. If your child already enjoys the water, you can focus more on helping them understand the new environment and daily camp routine.

Frogbridge's youngest division, Tadpole Village, serves Pre K and kindergarten campers ages 3 to 5. These campers have access to a separate pool for instructional and recreational swimming, along with age appropriate facilities. This provides parents with specific information they can discuss with younger children before camp begins.

Explain That Swimming Skills Develop Over Time

Children don't all learn swimming skills at the same speed. Some may progress quickly, while others need additional practice with particular skills. Parents can prepare children by explaining that learning is a process and that they should listen to their instructors and keep practicing.

Frogbridge evaluates campers when they arrive and during instructional swim. Parents receive progress reports every two weeks identifying their child's swimming level and progress. This gives families information about development during the summer and provides a way to follow changes in their child's swimming abilities.

Practice Following Swimming Instructions

Listening is an important part of any swimming program. Before camp begins, remind your child to listen carefully when instructors or counselors give directions. They should understand that following instructions is part of participating safely and successfully in group swimming activities.

You can make this preparation simple at home. Practice asking your child to stop, listen, and follow one instruction at a time. This doesn't need to become a formal lesson. The goal is simply to help your child become comfortable listening when an adult gives directions during an activity.

Prepare Your Child for Different Swimming Periods

Children may enjoy swimming more when they know that every pool period isn't necessarily the same. Parents can explain that a camp schedule may include instruction at one time and recreation at another. This helps children understand why they may participate in different types of swimming during the day.

Frogbridge's swimming program includes two daily swim periods. One is instructional swimming, while the other is free swim and water activities. This gives campers separate opportunities to work on swimming skills and enjoy recreational time in the water as part of their camp experience.

Explain the Importance of Listening to Staff