A swimming experience

May not add too much to the discussion but I'll just
relate my son's experience.

1st year summer camp. Deathly afraid
of lake. Classified as
non-swimmer. He played some in
the shallow lake water and
watched his buddies out on
the float in deeper water.
2nd year summer camp. Made it to beginner. Now
he was with more of his buddies.
This was at a camp with a pool.
We also did some simple water
related campouts (shallow stuff).
3rd year summer camp. Took one-on-one lessons before camp
from a college student at the local
indoor college swimming pool. At
camp this year he passed
the test and became a swimmer.
He was with his buddies in the
deep end! WANTED to go the lake to
jump on the blob, canoe, rowboat, etc.
A VERY proud and happy camper that year.
4th year summer camp. Swimmer and earned the swimming merit badge.
Even more pride.
5th year summer camp. Swimmer with ease. Took on new challenge, COPE
(with a high ropes option). He was afraid of
heights.

What am I saying? Only that it may take time (4 years!) but I am glad
we never waved off swimming because of a fear. He
fought the fear, and wanted to be with his friends.
Peer pressure can be a good thing. A challenge is a
good thing. The bigger it is, the better he will feel
when he overcomes it. Support, encouragement, and
patience will work wonders.

Ted Mahler

P.S. You know this is one great aspect of being a leader, I was there
to see him accomplish all this. I have seen other boys overcome
fears on campouts or at summercamp. Their parents
missed a rare moment in their sons life. Not me!

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