Thank you for your interest in the Camp Chikopi swim program.
Established in 1920 as the world’s first competitive swimming camp, our program’s emphasis is on individualized instruction in stroke mechanics, improving speed, and building self-confidence to excel in every effort. We do this with a staff of experienced coaches and a group of visiting coaches on the Olympic, national, university and high school levels.
Our in-the-lake pool offer swimmers a refreshing change in their swimming, as it gets them out of the chlorinated pool and into a clean-water lake. Additionally world-class, open-water, training, smoothes out strokes and provides for great endurance training.
Our swimmers have the opportunity to be in the water three times daily. Pre breakfast for an open water endurance swim. The morning class concentrates on stroke technique, starts, turns and drills, and our afternoon practices provide an opportunity to work against the clock or on a more individual basis with the coach, concentrating on anaerobic training.
When not in the water, our blend of sports, camping and traditional camp experiences provides the setting for campers to improve self-confidence and to think more positively in every challenge that arises. We supplement our swimming workouts with over 25 different sports. Our water sports range from our world class swimming and canoeing programs to sailing, windsurfing, and water polo. On land, we have sports ranging from team handball, lacrosse, mountain biking, and basketball, to soccer, baseball, wrestling, tennis and golf. Your son does not have to be good in any of the sports to participate. We give each camper the leadership, guidance, and coaching to do his best. We stress improvement of strokes, race strategy and conditioning. Having fun is always a by-product of striving to reach your goals. That is what summer camp is all about.
One of our many highlights is our canoe trip, which every camper experiences. We are in the canoe tripping region of Ontario, and the scenery is spectacular. The trips can be a fun, challenging and a resourceful part of camp. Paddling muscles and swimming muscles are one in the same, a good strength builder. Swimmers get stronger, faster.
We’re a safe place to be. Moreover, with a 3-to-1 camper-to-staff ratio, constant supervision and individualized attention are guaranteed. Our Lake is quiet and clean and with few, but ideal neighbor-cottages.
We do something of everything each day. No day is routine. Special events include tubing in the rapids, participating in sailing regattas, and having get-togethers with our sister camp, Camp Ak-o-Mak. Of course, there are the campfires, cookouts and other activities that truly epitomize the summer camp experience. One really has to live the experience to know what the Chikopi traditions entail. And all this is built around our competitive swimming program. Swimming against the rapids is like swimming in your own flume.
Boys attend our camp from all over the world, and friendships made last forever. Home-cooked meals, cabin living, live-in leadership and a beautiful setting mean there is never a dull moment. Spirits are high and campers will do things they never thought they could. Chikopi provides the type of experience every boy should have at least once in his lifetime.
Choosing the right summer camp for your son is a careful and planned decision. In addition to the printed information we have provided, we are easily accessible for questions or concerns. Just give us a call. We also have numerous current and past camper-parents with whom we can put you in touch with to discuss camp. They are usually our best representatives, and their kids the best testament to all we do at Chikopi. We look forward to hearing from you soon, and having your son join in the exciting Chikopi experience this summer.
Chikopi’s Nick Thoman, (1999-2002), stands on the podium with Michael Phelps (L) and Aarron Peirsol (C), after the Men’s 100m Backstroke final during the Charlotte Ultra Swim at the Charlotte Aquatic Center on May 16, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America
