When we lived on Camp Pendleton in the late 90s, the older two boys started swimming lessons...but I think we only did about 3 sessions total. It was hard with a toddler and a baby in tow. But when the kids were a little older (ages 3-8) we started doing every.single.session of swim lessons the Miramar pool had to offer each Summer (I think that was 5 or 6 sessions) and most days we'd stay for "free swim" afterward. The program was pretty awesome, but always full, so you had about 6 kids in a class. Still, their skills improved and they all did remarkably well in the water.
Troy, age 13..circa 2005, MCAS Miramar pool
(He started diving head first off of the high dive later that summer and looked pretty good, I must say!)
Troy, age 15...circa 2007, NAF El Centro pool
Then we moved out to El Centro, and while in some respects it felt like exile...there were MANY positive aspects about living there. Not the least of which...their swim program. It rocks!
Since it is such a small facility, it was not uncommon for our kids to be the only ones in their level (we had Troy and Patrick together, and then Coree and Jake in the next lowest level together). This was like having private lessons. The coaches were great and the kids' skills just took off. The older boys completed level 7 and the younger two, level 6 while we were there. Pretty sweet!
This week, Troy started lifeguard training on Camp Foster, where he hopes to gain employment for this Summer (and for the next year while he takes college classes and prepares for his mission call).
Hard to believe that little boy will be the one in the chair!
Good luck, Troy...we know you can do it!
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