What is the swim test?
We check your ability to swim and stay above water. The swim test is important because a lot of activities at camp are in and near the water. We want you to be safe, so if you are not a strong swimmer, the test lets us know how to help you improve..
There are three parts to the swim test:
- 5-Minute Swim: You will swim laps using any stroke, moving forward for five minutes.
- 10-Minute Tread: You will tread water, or float on your back, to keep your head above water for 10 minutes.
- Strokes: We ask you to show the Freestyle, Side Stroke, Back Stroke, and Breast Stroke in one of our shallow lanes.
If you complete all three parts, you will be a "Mini-Crick." This means you can do any water activity at camp without having to sign up for swimming lessions.
If you complete the 5-Minute Swim and the 10-Minute Tread, but your strokes need improvement, you will be a "Swimmer." This means you can do any water activity at camp, but we want to help you improve your swim strokes. Swimming will be one of your six daily activities.
If you cannot complete the 5-Minute Swim or the 10-Minute Tread, you will be a "non-swimmer." This means you will not be able to participate in any water activities at camp, but will take swimming lessons until you are able to complete the test.
Note: Junior Camp Campers have a modified version of the swim test because they do not go out-of-camp for trips. Their test is a 5-minute swim and a 5-minute tread, without the stroke evaluation. If a Junior Camper does not complete the swim test, he will be allowed to participate in swimming activities with a lifejacket.
Mom and Dad: A good way for your son to be successful is to practice before coming to camp. If your son knows the parts of the test, and has done them at home, then he will likely be more prepared and less nervous on the first day of camp.
