Water Activities

Description

This section is from the book "Camping Manual For Troop Scouters", by Boy Scouts of America. Also available from Amazon: Camping Manual For Troop Scouters.

Water Activities

OUTLINE FOR A SAFE TROOP CAMP SWIMMING PROGRAM should be made so as to include time for both instruction and play. Both are necessary, as each has its place in improving the swimming ability of everyone no matter how well he may perform.

Two swims only of not over 30 minutes duration each day. More than this is harmful. Safety is the theme ! Use "Buddy System" and develop a "Life-guard" among your Scouts.

Wait at least two hours after meals (or eating between meals) before entering water.

Devote morning period to teaching non-swimmers and coaching those that swim a little to swim better.

Put most effort on bringing boys up to a satisfactory level of performance. Too many Scouts swim in a ragged and dangerous form and think they can swim because they can keep their feet off the bottom for a short spasm of fighting the water ! Devote time to making them safe watermen.

Follow outline for teaching in the manual "Swimming, Water Sports and Safety", and for good form in swimming strokes see material in that book or in the Swimming Merit Badge pamphlet.

PLAY PROGRAM - for those who cannot swim at all or are now learning:

Running races in relay formation in water ankle and knee deep. Potato races using white pebbles on bottom for potatoes or small stones in pails.

Water battles, back to back and face to face, - three feet apart splash with hands. In back-to-back battle, it is possible to teach the idea of the crawl arm stroke better than in any other way known.