The Mike Adam Recreation Centre staff members have prided themselves on delivering quality services for quite some time. While healthy and active living are counted among the priorities of any recreational centre, important life’s lessons can be acquired there as well.
Tuesday, Aug. 17 marked the start date of swim camps to be held at the pool. Suzanne Reid, Aquatics Director enjoys the wide variety of water programming offered to people of all ages at the Complex.
“Each summer following the last session when nothing else runs,” said Reid, “we fill up the time slots with camps to suit students of all interest levels.”
From now until the end of August, children ages seven and up will have an opportunity to put many of their skills acquired through swimming lessons to the test through a variety of fun and physical activities.
Survival camp disappointment
Of particular interest to Reid was the Survival Camp. She expressed disappointment and some surprise that it did not go ahead as scheduled.
“It’s been offered for a number of years now,” she noted, “and the last time it was offered, registration was full.”
She figured the low enrolment of two students this time around was due to the number of families who are out of town.
In an area where lakes are abundant and passages on the frozen bodies of water are frequent in winter, the development of the camp was inspired by regular course offerings. “Through our swimming sessions, there is a safety component,” she explained. “We decided it would be effective to open it up to those not involved in regular swim sessions.”
In addition to basic water safety, part of the camp would require students to jump into the pool while wearing full skidoo gear and attempt to get out of the water.
“It gives them a good idea of what it would be like to fall into the water with clothes on and how much weight it adds.” With a smile she added, “Double that for cold water.”
Integral skills
Rather than viewing the skills learned at Survival Camp as simple exercises, Reid stressed what an integral skill it is for people to learn – especially for skidoo season.
Despite the cancellation, Reid is pleased that reception for additional camps has been positive – with registrations being filled for most and starting dates in the coming week. She has not let the recent cancellation of the Survival Camp mar her interest. “It is one that will be offered again. And based on interest, there is potential for the course to be offered to adults.”
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