Swimming
What better place to teach swimming to children than in the pristine waters of Lake George! Adirondack Camp has four unique natural areas where campers swim daily. Campers may take the wooded trail along the lake to Spider Rock, a large granite outcrop where campers practice diving and sunbathing! Senior Point is another favorite spot, with the flag snapping crisply in the constant breeze. Playing on the floating slide nearby Intermediate Dock is a reward after a busy swim class and the calm water of Junior Cove with the shallow, sandy bottom, is just the perfect depth and temperature for our beginning swimmers. Canoe dock, on the other side of the peninsula, is the take off point for the Big Triangle Swim.
Swimming is the only required activity at Adirondack Camp -- until you reach an advanced proficiency. Why? Waterfront activities are at the heart of Camp. A good swim stroke makes common sense when you live in a place surrounded by water. There are certain activities, as well, that require minimum proficiencies in swimming. And, besides, knowing how to swim well will serve you well, forever. If you give us a few hours a week, we’ll make it fun and you’ll be amazed how far you can take these skills.
Our swim program is based on the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program, which ranges from introductory lessons for new swimmers to pre-lifeguarding skills and special Red Cross lifesaving for advanced swimmers. Every swim level emphasizes personal safety as well as stroke refinement. We are always delighted when a camper meets the requirements of a swim level and can be moved up to the next class! The program is closely supervised by experienced American Red Cross Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors; we actually exceed the number of lifeguards required by the American Camping Association and the state of New York.
In addition to daily swimming lessons, campers may choose to take a refreshing recreational swim twice daily and, some warmer days even more often. Swimming awards include the John Burton Fiery Award as well as recognition for swimming the Big Triangle, a 1.8 mile open water challenge swim that is a prized Camp tradition. We also offer an annual intra-camp Blue/White Swim Meet during the summer, with competitive events for every level of swimmer.
