Things at the Pool are Going Swimmingly Well! by Alex Shapiro, Rosh Swim

This summer, we have had a great start to instructional swim. Campers were divided into different groups based on their ability and comfort in the water. Some groups are focusing on the basics, like floating and blowing bubbles. Others are refining their strokes and skills.  

On the first day of swimming, in the swim group that I teach, a camper told me that their body was “really sinkable” and they were scared to get in the water. They would only sit on the edge and kick their legs. This past class, the same camper confidently and joyfully jumped into the pool at the beginning of swim class! They recently learned that their body isn’t as “sinkable” as they thought, as they can almost do a back-float completely on their own. While they would originally kick holding on to the wall, they now use a kickboard confidently. 

Water skills are obviously important life skills, but on a personal level it has been exciting to watch our campers challenge themselves and learn every day. I can’t wait to see their progress at the end of the summer.