By Casey Parker-Bell
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Once school lets out for the summer, many kids spend their time hanging out at the pool.
The University of Kentucky is giving kids another opportunity to go to the pool with its 2014 Splash Camp this month.
Margo Greeman, the director of operations for the UK swimming and diving team, said the camp is “the perfect mixture of gaining experience and then also training at UK facilities with UK coaches.”
The camp is split into two water sessions, one in the morning and another after lunch. According to Greeman the first session will focus on teaching technique and skill instruction, and the afternoon session would be the “fun” session, where campers can play games, use the diving board and run obstacle courses.
Greeman said that the camp is split into two water sessions because of how difficult it is to stay in the water all day. “When playing soccer you can run around and kick the ball 10 hours a day. You can’t swim for eight hours a day,” said Greeman.
Cassie Brueckbauer, a recent UK graduate and former swim team member, said she is looking forward to the camp. “I didn’t get to do (the camp) last year because I was swimming. I think it will be exciting.”
The first session of the camp is June 16-20, the second session from June 23-27. Participants in the camp must be between 6 and 14 years old, and must meet a 40-inch minimum height requirement. The camp will be from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. every day and is held at the Lancaster Aquatic Center on the University of Kentucky campus.
“For working parents it allows a good outlet for the kids,” said Greeman.
One session of the camp will cost $450. Campers will receive a free lunch, t-shirt and water bottle.
The swimming and diving team will open their season with its Blue-White scrimmage on October 3, 2014.