The Kemp Mill Kangaroos and Joeys

Swim Buddies

The swim team is again offering middle (including rising 6th graders) and high school students the opportunity to earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours as ‘Roo Swim Buddies to our Pre-Team Joeys and the youngest swimmers on the swim team. 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 Kafe, 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,
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 working with Joeys for one hour an average of three times per week. There are also mandatory pre-season orientation and post-season debriefing meetings. Parents support their Swim Buddies by ensuring that their children are on time and ready to volunteer.

Interested students must complete an application for consideration. Applications will be reviewed by coaches and parent coordinators in the order in which they are received. Once review is complete, applicants will be notified. Swim buddies will record hours on a timesheet and file a community Student Service Learning verification form at the end of the season. The effort of all Buddies will be recognized at the team’s awards banquet. If you are interested, please contact:

Joanne Bryson at (cell) 301-980-8977