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SLDC Aquatics
A Swim Camp within a Camp
Swimming at SLDC is the cornerstone of our daily program for all of our campers. Learning how to swim, and swim well, is a life skill that we should all know how to do. We consider ourselves to be a “Swim Camp within a Camp” and our seven period day has both instructional and free swim. (Half day campers will have one instructional period of swim each day).
SLDC understands the importance of a state of the art swim facility in order to offer our campers a top quality, progressive swim program. Our 40,000 square foot heated pool complex is perfectly designed with water depths to accommodate all swim levels, from shallow to deep water swim. Our youngest campers can always feel safe, standing in the water while having swim lessons, and because we offer 25 meter pools, we are also able to train and improve the endurance for our high level swimmers. Daily swim instruction is offered in small swim groups in age appropriate pool areas, which promote personalized instruction, encouragement and ongoing skills assessments. Campers are evaluated on their first day of camp and placed into swim groups according to their comfort and ability. They progress to the next level of the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program once they complete the skills necessary for each swim level. Parents receive regular swim reports so they are apprised of their camper’s progress in the water, but can always call at any time during the summer for an update. Campers who pass our Deep Water Challenge are identified with a green wristband and can choose to swim in the several deep water areas of our pool complex.
It is during their afternoon free swim that our campers get to enjoy water play with friends, practice their skills and participate in our amazing choice of pools, slides and Wibit inflatable obstacle course. All campers are required to swim within an arm’s length of their buddy, with buddy checks being done several times during the free swim period.
SLDC is an authorized provider for the American Red Cross, following the American Camp Association and American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Safety Swim Program as our guide for swim levels and skills assessment. Our facility offers lifeguard certification classes as well as staff training and orientation before the camp season so that our camp can recruit and hire over 50 highly trained and certified lifeguards and instructors.
SLDC also has its own natural 5 acre spring fed lake where campers can experience a wide range of lake-related activities, including boating, fishing and zipping over the lake. Our lake staff helps campers put on life jackets and instructs them how to safely and effectively utilize the different boating apparatuses. Campers are supervised by the lake staff while they enjoy our bumper boats area, as well as our paddle boats, kayaks, corcls, paddle boards, canoes and surf bikes. Boating under the fountain in the center of our lake is the highlight of every boating period.
We are fortunate to have Elyse Schrier, who is highly skilled and experienced, to serve as our Aquatics Director. Elyse, together with Jaime Openden (Junior Camp Aquatics Supervisor), Maddie Stout (Big Pool Aquatics Supervisor), and our Lakefront Co-Supervisors, Ian Lowenfels and Josh Schaffer, supervise our aquatics staff and oversee all aspects of our swim and boating programs. With the combination of outstanding supervision and well-trained aquatics staff to oversee our pool complex and lake, we ensure quality water safety as well as a very low camper to instructor ratio per swim instruction group.
Our Aquatics Director and Assistants are always available at 973-831-9000 for questions and concerns and to discuss campers’ swim progress. We look forward each summer to all of our campers making a splash in our pools and lake!
For use of the camp facility for private events, visit
