Polar Bear Swim Club: Registration and Information for 2011-2012
Hello everyone,
I hope you’re all enjoying summer! Here is some information about scheduling, registration, equipment, and fundraising, so that you can plan for next season.
This information is also available on the Club website, at www.ykpbsc.nt.ca
SCHEDULES and REGISTRATION
Swim Schedules
There are no changes to the Weekly Swim Schedules. Groups will swim the same days and times as last season (2010-2011).
RETURNING Swimmer Registration
Returning swimmer’s deadline to reserve a place: SEPTEMBER 10th.
Registration packages are available online. Completed registrations (with cheques) can be dropped off at Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy counter (c/o Cindy Dolynny).
NEW Swimmer Registration
New swimmers are always welcome!
First preference will be given to siblings of current member families, group space permitting, and based on returning swimmer numbers.
Registration packages are available online. Completed registrations (with cheques) can be dropped off at Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy counter (c/o Cindy Dolynny).
START OF SEASON CAMPS
Returning Swimmer Camp
Monday, September 19th - 4:30 - 6:30
This is for returning swimmers only. Coaches will assess current level, and confirm group placement. A lot can happen over a summer, especially to growing swimmers!
Returning swimmers should have submitted a registration package already (Sept 10th deadline); any needed adjustments to the package can be made at this time (i.e., swimmer changes groups after all).
Rookie Swimmer Camp
Wednesday, September 21st – 4:30 - 6:30
Tell your friends! Coaches will meet and assess potential members, and determine placement based on ability and available group spaces.
Friday September 23rd is GEAR SWAP NIGHT 4:30 - 6:30. Swimming canceled this night. (GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE Swimmers are invited to come for a warm-up swim Friday September 23rd while the gear swap is on.)
Family Fun Night
Monday September 26, 4:30 - 6:30
Fun free-swim. Open to all members and their families – meet the coaches, the board members, and your fellow parent volunteers. Have fun!
Regular program starts Wednesday September 28th.
EQUIPMENT
Swim Equipment
A big Welcome to our new Equipment Manager, Kate Hearn. If you have any questions or wish to place an order for next season, please email Kate at: woodynkate@netkaster.ca
Even if you currently have the gear on the list below, please check the fit of fins AND paddles, as hands and feet grow in the off-season.
There’s no obligation to buy training equipment from the club, but part of the cost does contribute to the operational funds.
All swimmers (Developmental and Competitive) require cap and goggles, in addition to suits.
Competitive swimmers (Cubs to Gold) should have a club logo cap; travelling competitive swimmers also require a club suit.
Thank you again to the sponsors who provided team ‘Dare To Be Bear’ t-shirts to all swimmers and coaches last season: Konge Construction Ltd., Northern Canada Ventures Corp., SSI Micro, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
In addition, the following groups require:
Dolphins I and I
Enthusiasm!
Dolphins III, Belugas
Kickboard, fins, and string gear bag
Sharks, Cubs
Kickboard, fins, pull buoy, paddles, water bottle, string gear bag
Bronze, Silver, Gold
Drag suit, Kickboard, fins, pull buoy, paddles, swim snorkel (with cap for Gold), water bottle, string gear bag
There will be a Gear Swap Meet at the start of season Friday Family Fun Night, so be sure to bring your swimmer’s outgrown fins and/or paddles, and pick up some new ones!
FUNDRAISING
Fundraising
First, a very big “Thank You” to all members who participated in fundraising last season, and those who have already committed to events contributing to next year. Not only do you contribute to the continuation of the club, working together contributes to the total team atmosphere and sets a great example for the swimmers. Swimming is often seen as an individual sport, but it takes a team – both in the water and out – to make fast swims happen, and fundraising is part of that effort. And we can have fun doing it!
Second, just a reminder that fundraising is distinct from volunteering on deck at swim events (or other assistance that doesn’t bring in funds). A swim meet or time trial needs a lot of support to happen. Fortunately, none of it is complicated, and timers get front row seats for the action! On-deck training provided. The detailed fundraising policy is available on the website, at: www.ykpbsc.nt.ca
This season, fundraising hour updates will be provided periodically, so families can ensure they’re on track throughout the season.
You can also ‘donate’ any extra fundraising hours you may have to another club member of your choice. Now that’s team work!
Swim-a-thon
Every November. This is the easiest way to fulfill your fundraising obligation AND boost the club. Rather than by the hour, this is a dollar-for-dollar fundraiser. Especially useful for those with more than one swimmer in the club, and a great source of pride for the swimmers. Prizes for group and individual fundraising, and a fun event in itself!
TIPS:
- go door to door with your swimmer to collect pledges, and let the swimmer identify themselves and make the request.
- Maximize ‘the cute factor’ – older swimmers, go around with a little swimmer buddy; it contributes to team building, and you’ll get more pledges.
- Let sponsors know their pledge is going directly to the club (only $15 per swimmer goes to Swim AB registration), and we are not-for-profit.
- Remember you are Ambassadors for the Club, and thank everyone – even those who don’t sponsor you.
FROM THE POOL DECK
Training Continues
Even though it’s the off season for most of us, Coaches Jane and John are on deck, training the majority of Team NWT for the Western Canada Games, August 10 -14, in Kelowna, B.C. Our Jane is Head Coach for Team NWT. Go, Team!
Coaches Jane and John have also produced two Age Group National Polar Bears this season, who are also still in training: Cassey Mooney and Tanner Dolynny. Stephen Giovannetto has also had a successful season with the University of Alberta, maintaining and improving his Age Group National times as well. Go Bears!
Dolphin Coach Wanted
With the departure of Cassey Mooney to university in the fall, the club will miss her as a coach as well as swimmer. If you are interested in becoming part of the Dolphin’s coaching team (or know someone who might be), please contact Jane at themooneys@theedge.ca . Dolphins focus on the “Fun-damental” skills of swimming, and thrive on enthusiasm and movement; coaching training is provided, and a current criminal records check is required for all coaching staff.
FROM THE BOARD
There have been some additions, deletions and role shifts among the Club’s Board membership, which will be posted shortly on the website. The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13th, at 7:00pm.
Thank you for your time, have a safe and happy summer, and please feel free to email me with any questions you may have, at jenninch@ssimicro.com
Jennifer Inch
YKPBSC Board member – Communications
jenninch@ssimicro.com
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