Greetings Swim Families!

So good to see so many of you at practice these last two days, even in the chilly temperatures! Fingers crossed that the weather changes to our favor next week and we can get in the pool!

We have decided to reinstitute a version of the Buddy Program this year. If you have been around for a while, you will know that Big Buddies/Little Buddies have had various attributes through the years.

Below is a explanation of how things will proceed this year:

The “Buddy Family” is meant to build relationships and team spirit between the age groups of the Cherry Knolls Swim Team. Being a good participant is part of being a good teammate. Additionally it is to help younger swimmers transition into becoming Neptunes and to help them and their parents navigate swim meets. Each “Buddy Family” will have one 13 & Up swimmer as the Captain who mentors. If we need more Captains, we will resource from the 12 yr olds. Within each Buddy Family will be approximately one child from the each of the age groups- so the groups will be comprised of 4-6 swimmers.

Swimmers are encouraged to get to know their “Buddy Family” at Kick-Off Dinner on May 28th and by cheering for each other at swim meets. Friendship and encouragement is what is most important and there will be an opportunity each week to make a poster/card for your buddies and swim team will provide those supplies. 

Buddy Family groupings will be posted at the pool bulletin board Tuesday, May 28th.

The Neptune Buddy Family is not about gifts - it is about being a supportive teammate! Below are a few ideas of what it means to be a good family member/Captain:

• Be Creative - Write your “brother/sister” a note, draw a picture, or make a friendship bracelet! Use your talents to inspire your Buddy to swim fast and psych them up for a great meet!
• Find out what races your “brother/sister” is swimming and be there to cheer them on.
• Determines Little Buddy events and heats, and writes that info on Little Buddy's arm
• If possible, gets Little Buddy ready for each race – brings them to the blocks to stage, ensuring their caps and goggles are on
• Cheer - Watch your brother/sister swim at meets! Give them a high five, smile or hug.
• Congratulate - After your brother/sister’s race, be there to tell them how great they swam!
• If the Captain is unable to attend a certain meet, they are encouraged to find a sub and let the Little Buddy know about the change.
• If possible, let your Family know when you are going to miss a meet.After you sign-up, you will be assigned a Family who is counting on you.

If for any reason you are no longer able to participate, please let Laura Smith, Rita Fitzpatrick or Janette Hoskinson know as soon as possible.

Practice squad is not part of the Buddy Family program, since they do not participate in swim meets.

If your practice squad swimmer would like a buddy we encourage you to coordinate on your own with another practice squad family to set up a partnership.

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What to do now? Please respond to this email if your 13+ swimmer would like to be a committed and encouraging Captain.  Captains will have the opportunity to make posters, etc for their "families" before Twilight Practices on Wednesdays. Again, supplies will be provided by the team. And please let us know if you have any questions.

The 2019 Parent Reps & Coaches