swimming lessons

[Melk]

So now that I have a few ideas for boating, I need some help with our swim lessons. Our Red water (the lowest swimming level) classes seem to get so boring for the kids. Expecally the oldest campers. What do you guys to to get the campers interested in learning how to swim?

[Dave]

I'm not completely clear on how the instructional swim system works at our camp, but I do know that after the kids reach certain levels they earn bracelets/bands, which they can wear during free swim. These bands allow them to do more things (at the pool we go to, it allows them to go on the slide that goes into the deep end, at the pool for the older kids they can get a band that allows them to go off the diving board). These are little incentives that can get the kids into reaching new goals so they can get the bands.

[camper]

for little kids, use games like fetching rings (on top of the water, floating ones, since these are lower level swimmers). you can make it into a relay race or however you want. allow 15 minutes at the end of your instruction period for them to choose what they want to do...using pool noodles or flippers or other toys if you have them, etc. also, if your camp would allow it, let them wear lifejackets in the deep water and use the toys you have in deep water if you have those. that would especially work for older kids who aren't great swimmers and are discouraged b/c all of their friends get to play w/the stuff and they don't.

[KiwiCRB]

I agree with what Camper said, most of our kids that can't swim love to put on life jackets and jump off the diving board or swim in the deep water. They also like the toys a lot, even the ones they have to dive for.

[Dave]

for little kids, use games like fetching rings (on top of the water, floating ones, since these are lower level swimmers). you can make it into a relay race or however you want. allow 15 minutes at the end of your instruction period for them to choose what they want to do...using pool noodles or flippers or other toys if you have them, etc. also, if your camp would allow it, let them wear lifejackets in the deep water and use the toys you have in deep water if you have those. that would especially work for older kids who aren't great swimmers and are discouraged b/c all of their friends get to play w/the stuff and they don't.
I forgot about fetching items. The kids at our camp like doing that too. They do both floating and the more experienced kids can go under water to get items.

[Melk]

what about the older kids? Most of the older kids are the ones who just dont want to get their hair wet. Then they end up sitting on the beach getting mad at the teacher cause the teacher is teaching the one kid who showed intrest in learning how to swim and the teacher gets condoned by a higher up (program director/ waterfront directior)

[CAMPFRIEND]

I think that you sould make them do rowboating for two skill periods. Give them the option. If they are in a boat they are doing somthing. For the kids that want to learn teach them. Then it looks like all of the kids are in a class not just doing nothing! That is what I did when I was the waterfront director!

[June Bug]

Your counselors need to be active and involved. I recommend splitting classes according to age, not just ability. That way you don't have a 12-year-old trying to blow bubbles with a 6-year-old. With my older beginners, it's more important to help along their sense of accomplishment. Ask them what *they* want to do (maybe their friends are advanced swimmers and get to take the boats out or do diving), but make sure they know that sitting out isn't an option. Older kids benefit from explanation. They want to know why certain techniques will work, not just that they will. Keep them moving in the water though. Turn the stroke drills into games. Relay races are fun for all ages.

For the kids worried about getting their hair wet, remind them that it will dry, and that everyone is getting wet, not just them. In the end, if they really won't do it, they won't do it, but your staff should emphasize that the kids must participate. Don't give them an option. And if they're sitting out just to chat with their friends, split them up, don't reward them for that. If the instructor can't get them to get in the water, go a level up. At my camp, all it takes is one word from me to get a kid in the water, with very few exceptions. Don't be afraid to pull in a higher authority figure.

This hasn't been a problem at my camp, so I don't know if any of this will help. When our older kids don't want to swim, it's usually because they're embarassed of their lack of skill, or because they're afraid of the lake. Both are relatively easy to move past with the right attitude and the right instructor.