Instructional &
Free Swim

Swimming is at the core of the Black Bear Lake program.  Our staff focuses on building confidence while teaching skills.  Pre-K – 4^th grade campers swim in one of our 3 heated pools for both instructional swim in the morning and “free” swim in the afternoon.  5^th – 10^th grade campers have free swim each afternoon with the option of taking instructional swim as an elective choice.  Our pool complex is designed to accommodate a wide range of ages and skill levels.

We are known as “the camp where everyone learns to swim,” and we take that reputation very seriously. We believe that swimming is a “life skill” as well as a sport. We help children develop confidence and competence in the water. While learning to swim well is tough, nothing feels better to a kid than working hard and feeling a sense of pride in their new skills and accomplishments!

Campers are placed in small groups based on comfort and skill levels. Whether working on learning basic skills in shallow water or perfecting challenging deep-water techniques, campers will progress through the Black Bear Lake Swim Levels.

We are acutely aware that some campers have a fear of water, and our staff is always caring and patient creating a learning environment comfortable for all campers. Swim instructors teach in the water to ensure contact interaction and support for each camper.

We have designed a unique swim program specifically designed to create a positive and healthy learning environment. The Black Bear Lake “fish” program breaks down the Red Cross swim levels into a format which is easier for instructors to teach and more fun for campers to learn! As campers pass each level, we present them with a certificate at camp. Our campers love to share their certificates with parents and parents love to celebrate their child’s success! Campers who pass our Deep-Water Challenge are identified with a green wristband and can choose to swim in the several deep-water areas of our pool complex.

2023 Swim Levels