Swimming is at the very center of a Banner summer. Banner campers receive daily, semi-private swim instruction. Swimming is taught by one of our over 60 Red Cross Lifeguard Certified pool staff members and trained group counselors. All instructors teach from the water so campers get constant interaction and support in the pool. Banner’s four heated pools have been built to accommodate swimmers of every age and skill level. Ranging in depths, and heated up to a warm comfortable temperature, campers enjoy both instructional and recreational swimming at least once every day – and often twice a day when the weather heats up.

Learning to swim is an important life skill. At Banner, water safety and swim instruction are fundamental parts of the camp experience. Our American Red Cross Lifeguard Certified pool staff have extensive experience in water safety and swim instruction techniques. With approximately three campers per swim instructor (and fewer at the youngest age levels) each child receives an unsurpassed level of individual attention. This highly personalized instruction allows campers to gain confidence and skills each day. Banner campers successfully navigate through the six levels of the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program, which Banner has modified into 15 smaller levels. This program allows campers to focus on each new skill in a manageable setting. It also fosters frequent measurable growth so campers feel success faster.

Younger campers focus on water comfort, floating, breathing and developing basic swim strokes. More advanced swimmers work on perfecting their strokes and building strength and endurance. Campers move at their own rate, with encouragement and positive reinforcement, never in a pressured environment. The Banner swim program assures that campers feel secure and supported at the pool. Pool Leadership Team members and supervisors add an additional layer of supervision. These individuals are on deck at all times to oversee all aspects of the swim program and are certified as American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors.

After instructional swim time, campers enjoy recreational swim. Campers have a blast playing with their friends and counselors in the pool, jumping from the diving boards and zooming down one of four waterslides. Each of Banner’s pools and waterslides cater to swimmers of a specific skill level. This assures that everyone can enjoy the water in a comfortable, safe setting. Younger campers benefit from a secure environment in our shallow pools. Pools depths begin with just a few inches of water. Ratios of two to three staff members per camper keep every child happy and safe. For added fun, campers who are ready may take a gentle zip down the frog slide, knowing a staff member will be there to catch them every time. More advanced swimmers love playing in Banner’s big kid sized pools. There they can make a splash zooming down one of the Banner waterslides, diving off the Banner boards and playing with friends and counselors.

During recreational swim, all pools are carefully guarded by Lifeguard certified pool staff, while trained counselors remain in the water with the campers. Lifeguards are also stationed at the bottom of every pool slide. On extra hot days, campers can beat the heat with two scheduled swims and other special water play activities throughout camp.

Parents will enjoy continuous communication regarding their camper’s swim progress. Throughout the summer, postcards will be sent home updating parents on their camper’s growth. These cards let parents know which skills their camper is currently learning. They also inform parents when their camper’s swim progress has been evaluated. Upon completion of each skill level, a postcard will be mailed home to congratulate campers and inform parents of swimming success. Banner swim buttons and American Red Cross swim cards are also awarded when campers complete certain swim levels. Swimming is at the heart of summertime fun at Banner. We love to see our camper’s learning, playing and making a splash!

Semi-private daily swim instruction
Daily recreational swim
Four heated swimming pools
Two waterslides and two pool slides
American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program
American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certified Leadership
American Red Cross Lifeguard Certified pool staff