What are your fondest summer memories? For many, they involve being in or on the water. From swimming to sailing, meaningful memories are created for many. As we anticipate summer and especially the opportunities our child may have at camp, it’s time to get ready to make a splash.
Some children seem to be naturally comfortable in the water while others take more time to be at ease. Wherever your child is in this skill development, there is no doubt there are benefits to supporting them in finding joy in or on the water.
Why water?
Whether you have experienced it personally or watched others, there is much joy to be found through water adventures. From the physical fitness benefits including building core strength, to fueling brain health, to being a relaxing form of exercise, the benefits are seemingly endless. Additionally, there are few more pleasant ways to cool down on a summer’s day.
Fostering independence, encouraging connections to the great outdoors and providing new ways to socialize with others, water provides excellent opportunities. Want to find a way for your child to have fun without being in front of a screen? Water is a perfect solution.
What types of water activities may be at camp?
As you prepare for your child’s camp experience, consider the multitude of water adventures the camp offers. These include activities in the water and around the water.
Activities offered at camp will be offered by skill level or age. For instance, a camp may offer younger campers an opportunity to ride on a sailboat while older campers may learn how to sail.
Activities like water skiing, white-water rafting, and waterpark trips may be offered for teens, while younger campers find first time water adventures in tubing and paddleboarding.
Of course, all campers may have opportunities for pool activities and swimming.
Activities like fishing may provide campers with time to be around the water without being in it.
What if my child doesn’t know how to swim?
With so many water excursions offered at camp, as a parent you may be feeling more anxious than excited. This is especially true if your child isn’t proficient in water.
First, don’t panic about your child’s swimming ability, or lack thereof. Quality camps prepare their staff and provide programs designed to support children’s varied development.
Some children are natural born swimmers and are confident and skilled from the youngest age. Others may have fears or challenges that might have them ready for camp but still learning to swim. As you prepare for camp, be sure to discuss any questions you have about safety and swim skill support. Quality camps will recognize developmental and personality differences, and many will offer swimming instruction.
Be prepared. Know that camps often assess children early in their arrival in terms of their swimming ability. This may include a swimming test where children will be asked to swim a distance in a pool and possibly demonstrate other skills (i.e. treading water).
Camps design water activities for various levels of skill and often provide opportunities to develop skills while at camp. New friends and experiences at camp may provide the best way to learn. Acknowledge your child’s fears and questions, but also encourage and support your child, rooting them on in developing new skills.
As a parent, ensure you understand the safety protocols of water activities at camp. Who supervises kids in the pool or lake and what is their training? What types of life jackets are provided?
This spring is still a great time to introduce and support your child in acquiring swim skills. In addition to group instruction, some children can benefit from individualized lessons.
Here’s to summer fun and your child making a splash at camp.
