The Kemp Mill Kangaroos and Joeys

Swim Buddies

The swim team again is offering tweens and teens (rising 6th graders through high school only) the opportunity to earn Student Service Learning hours as ‘Roo Swim Buddies to our Joeys on the Pre-Team and to the pool’s youngest swimmers participating in the group swim lessons. This is a county-certified SSL program.

Our highly successful Swim Buddies Program gives our older swimmers an opportunity to grow their leadership skills. The program’s mission is to emphasize intergenerational understanding, good sportsmanship, teamwork, and interpersonal growth for tweens and teens.

Swim Buddies assist the coaches by working one-on-one with the Joeys during their practices. Swim Buddies also are runners and timers at meets, help out at the Kangaroo Kafé, staff the mini-meet, help set up pep rallies, etc. All activities occur under the direct supervision of the coaches, the team reps, and the SSL program coordinator or adult designee(s).

To be eligible for the program, participants must be the correct age, know how to swim and be able to pass a coach-administered swim test, be at least 4 feet tall, and be capable of supporting a child in 4-feet of water. An enthusiastic, friendly, gentle manner also is needed. In short, you must be:

G enerous with your time
R esponsible about your commitment
E nthusiastic and
A thletic about the sport of swimming, and have a
T errific attitude about helping the younger team members to improve their skills in the water!

Swim Buddies must commit to spending a few hours at least three times a week working with the Joeys. There also are mandatory pre-season orientation and post-season debriefing meetings.

Finally, Swim Buddies need to complete an application, keep track of their hours on a timesheet, and file a community service verification form at the end of the season. The efforts of all Buddies will be recognized at the team’s awards banquet.

Your contact: Grace Eisenhuth, 301-754-0038.