Camp Dates:
Monday, July 14-Friday, July 18 2025
Session Times:
Session 1: 9:00 am-9:45 am (ages 3-7)
Session 2: 10:15 am-11:00 am (ages 3-7)
Session 3: 11:30 am-12:30 pm (ages 8-12)
Session 4: 1:45 pm-2:45 pm (ages 8-12)
Session 5: 3:15 pm-4:15 pm (ages 13 & older)
Camp Fee:
$150 per swimmer
Camp Overview:
iCan Shine's iCan Swim program is designed to teach individuals with disabilities ages 3 and older the foundation of safely enjoying aquatic environments and promoting as much independent movement in the water as possible! Each swimmer participating in iCan Swim has their unique goals. Goals will range from an introduction to water exploration, learning water safety in aquatic environments, learning to swim, and/or skill refinement in preparation to join a Special Olympics, Paralympic or other swim team. These goals are accomplished in a safe, supportive, inclusive and fun environment with the assistance of volunteers.
Swimmers attend the same 45-minute or 60-minute session each day for five consecutive days (M-F) depending on their age. They will learn to swim and safely navigate aquatic environments while accompanied and encouraged by volunteers. Over the course of the 5-day camp, the individual is gradually introduced to new concepts and challenges as they discover the skill and joy of swimming.
Swimmer Requirements:
• have a disability (this camp is also open to swimmers outside the Down syndrome community)
• be at least 3 years of age at the start of swim camp
• individuals with a tracheostomy are not eligible
• if swimmer has a G-tube, the stoma should be at least two months old
Registration:
Registration for iCan Swim - Dallas, TX will open in April 2025. To be added to the interest list and receive information when the program opens, please email Hannah@downsyndromedallas.org.
Refund Policy:
Please note, refunds are not available once your registration is confirmed unless there is a waiting list for your session. Refund requests will not be accepted after July 8, 2025, as there will be limited time to fill the spot with another swimmer.
If you have any questions, please contact Hannah Fredette (Hannah@downsyndromedallas.org).
Volunteer Opportunities:
iCan Swim needs over 30 volunteers to help campers in the water. Volunteers give emotional and physical support to participants. Volunteers must:
Be at least 15 years old
Be physically fit
Feel comfortable helping someone in the water
Each swimmer needs one volunteer, and swimmers can’t go in the water without one. It’s best if volunteers can commit to all 5 days of camp so they can stay with the same swimmer all week. Volunteers can help with one or more sessions each day.
No experience working with people with disabilities is required, but it’s helpful. Training and support are provided all week. Volunteers must also attend a required training session on Sunday, July 13.