Name
Away Camp
Core Skill
Streamline, backstroke, freestyle, and body awareness.
Who
Swimmers of all levels who can perform basic streamline and swim short distances (25–50 yards).
What
A game played a little like Dungeons and Dragons. The coach tells a story of what the swimmers do and they get choices. Draw out a map with a central lodge, bunks (top right), a lake with different activities (kayak, rowboat, canoe, paddleboard), archery range, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a fireplace. Each location has an associated swimming activity. Paths connecting locations are broken up and labeled with distances (e.g., from bunk beds to firepit is 2 half-laps = 50 free). Moving between locations is done by “walking” (swimming free or back). Choose distances appropriate to your group.
How
Swimmers arrive at camp and meet the camp director at the lodge/cafeteria. They then go to their dark forest bunk, which is infested with animals. Only bunk beds are available. The bottom bunk is clean; the top bunk has an owl nesting on it. Triple bunks can have mice crumbs and stuff.
Walk back to the lodge. Choose 1 activity for the afternoon:
After 1 activity, all walk (swim) to the fireplace. Recite the 3 things for streamline, position 11, and better swimming—like chanting around a campfire. Introduce the bear.
Walk back to bunk. At bunk, go to sleep. Top bunk must clear out the owl. Bottom bunk does 2 x streamline on back plus put hands behind head like sleeping. Top bunk does 2 x streamline on back plus swat the owl away above water with arms, then put hands behind head like sleeping. If they fail, they don’t rest and must do 10 situps or 10 pushups to simulate being tired.
Go to breakfast at the lodge. Walk/swim there. Eat breakfast: 2 x streamline + 11, eat, 11. Pick 2 activities for the day. Do them. Return to lodge for dinner: 2 x streamline + 11, eat, 11.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Keeping the story engaging while managing multiple swimmers can be challenging. Ensure each swimmer gets a turn to choose an activity and that the distances are appropriate for their skill level. The game may require extra time for setup and explanation, so plan accordingly.