Fundraisers

* Families are expected to participate in fundraisers that allow us to purchase new equipment and supplies for the swimmers. We have three primary fundraisers that serve as sources of income for the swim team organization. The fees paid directly to the YMCA are used to rent the facility, provide transportation for away meets, and pay the coaches. The swim team fundraisers also directly impact the swimmers. They are used for the Christmas Party and Banquet (including awards and team gift). They are also used for the purchase of equipment that is used in training and during the meets. We will continue to raise funds as we plan on purchasing new and replace old equipment.

The following three fundraisers are required for each family

• Cash Raffle More details to follow. Wawa coupons and cash donation will remain as options.

• Bake Table at Home Meets: At each home swim meet, we will set up a bake table. If you have a swimmer participating in the meet, we ask you to provide an item for the bake table (i.e. If you have a son or sons, you bring an item to the Boys home meets). Sign up sheets will be available on the pool door or bulletin board well in advance so you can select which type of item to bring (ex. hotdogs, soda, water, baked good, pasta salad, etc.). You can opt out of this fundraiser for $5/meet. This money will be used to purchase more expensive items for the bake table (gatorade, nachos, etc.).

• Winter Blast Invitational: Last, but not least, is the 6th Annual Winter Blast! This invitational meet will be held on Sunday, Dec.27th. This is our most lucrative fundraiser. Last year we made close to $5000 in just one day (not counting all the work to get ready for the meet!). We will also need a bake table donation for this meet. Parents of swimmers 12 and under will be expected to work at the meet (swimmers 12 and under will participate in the meet). Swimmers 13 and older are also expected to work the meet. We understand that this is right after Christmas and those who are traveling will be excused. However, we will still need a bake table item or $10 opt out.

• Other Fundraisers: Hey wait - you said three - true, I did - but we do have other fundraisers throughout the year. They are not mandatory, but are often very fun for the kids on the team. About twice a year we will have a Friendly's night. During this event, Friendly's donates 10% of the revenue from the store to our team! The kids enjoy seeing their friends at dinner. We also have occasional dodgeball tournamens, car washes, spaghetti dinners, pancake breakfasts, etc. Some of these fundraisers specifically support our National Swim Team, when they travel to Florida in April. All are a good time, and we hope you can join us and enjoy the chance to socialize with the swim team family.

Working the Swim Meets

Did you know that it takes over 30 volunteers to run a home swim meet? Did you know that we need about a dozen volunteers for an away meet? We all enjoy watching our kids swim, but organizing a meet is hard work. We have a variety of volunteer jobs available and will be happy to train you on any job you think you might enjoy. We want this to be fun for everyone! Some possibilities include: timing, officiating (we will pay for your training and certification), snack bar help, running the timing system and/or meet manager system, zookeeper (our term for the folks who help remind the kids about their events), scorekeeper, etc., etc.

Nutrition Info:

My boys were involved with many sports, but before we got involved in swimming, we never gave a thought to what they ate before, during and after an event. Parents of new swimmers will soon realize that this is a BIG topic at pool side. The following links may prove helpful.

Nutrition for swimmers
Swimming nutrition
USA Swimming Guide to Nutrition

Communication:

We encourage open communication between the parents, swimmers, coaches and parent organization. We hope that you will let us know if you see ways we can improve communication or operations (notes about things we are doing right are always appreciated also!). This works best if parents:

• Notify the coach of any schedule conflicts
• Volunteer to help run meets (volunteering at four meets is required)
• Bring items for bake table to our home meets
• Check the bulletin board and swimmer's file regularly
• Refrain from interrupting practice. Express concerns directly to coaches at an appropriate time (before or after practice, after a meet, set up an appointment, etc.)
• Encourage and support your swimmers

Swim Meet Packing List:

• Towels (2-3)
• Team suit or swim suit (pack an extra for last minute emergencies)
• Cap and goggles (again backups are helpful)
• Sweat suits to wear during the meet
• Dry clothes for the ride home
• A drink in a plastic container (no glass, no soda!)
• Snacks (fruit, crackers, dry cereal, veggies, granola bars, dry bagels, etc.)
• Cards or small games (keep in plastic zip lock bags)