3rd Grade Swim
3rd Grade Swim With Chelsey Hatch
Q. What was your role for 3rd Grade Swim this year?
A. I planned and coordinated all the 3rd Grade Swim (3GS) program from start to finish. That included working with 33 elementary schools, tracking permission slips, creating rosters for each of week, building out the invoices, and reserving the pool space.
Q. What are some of your favorite moments from 3GS?
A. My favorite moment was watching everyone in the community and the Kroc Center work together. We had everyone, from directors to the Advisory Board, marketing, and even my neighbor volunteered.
Q. What do you see are the major benefits of 3GS for participants, employees, and volunteers?
A. It goes without saying that 3rd Grade Swim is a powerful tool that we use to teach third grade students not only how to swim, but also how to be safe in and around the water. This year, we had confident swimmers to the not-so-confident swimmers. From children who are afraid to put their faces int the water one day, to seeing those same kids floating on their backs and swimming by the end of the week. 3rd Grade Swim is also about educating the community on the importance of swim lessons in a community surrounded by lakes, rivers, and streams.
Q. How many employees and volunteers participated this year?
A. We had roughly 21 volunteers and 27 staff members participate this year. The program heavily relies on volunteers and Kroc Staff participation.
Q. What was the total number of participating schools and students?
A. 33 schools and about 1,850 students participated in 3rd Grade Swim this year.
Q. Are we looking to grow the program next year? If so, by how much?
A. We want to get the word out about 3rd Grade Swim for homeschoolers and include the week that it is offered. This year we had about 10 homeschoolers, but that’s only because they called in about the program.
Q. Have you been a part of other programs like 3GS?
A. At my old center, we offered free swim lessons. It wasn’t 3rd Grade Swim, but we had two weeks of free swim lessons available for the community.
Q. What makes 3GS special or different from other programs?
A. We break down all the barriers for participants. From covering transportation costs to adjusting the price of the program for schools and families who may not be able to afford the program otherwise; We make sure to not turn anyone away.
Q. Is there anything else you would like people to know about 3GS?
A. 3rd Grade Swim is a great program. We have fantastic instructors and volunteers. If anyone is interested in knowing more about becoming a volunteer, please reach out to me, Chelsey Hatch at [email protected] or call me at 208-667-1865.