Recent South Lake Dolphins ‘fun camp' at Nanga has shown dedication to innovative and attractive development program for swimmers aged between 8 and 16.

The 2008 Mini Olympics camp was held at Nanga, Dwellingup and it proved to be an instant hit. 50 swimmers from South Lake Dolphins and City of Perth swimming clubs came together, preparing for a weekend of sport, fun and adventure.

Nanga is a short 1.5 hours drive from home, where SLD swimmers have been camping for a number of years. This year we decided to make it even more interesting and fun! We invited our swimmer-friends from the City of Perth swimming club, giving everyone a chance to do a variety of activities, learn something new, and meet new friends.

We arrived at the campground Friday 28th September around 6.00pm after encountering occasional rain along the way. Kids settled in, picked their rooms and then were given tasks by Coach Stacey (SLD) and Coach Tahira Bhatti (COP). Each team had to design and create flags representing a designated country in preparation for the weekend of fun and sporting activities. There were colours from all over the world - India, Germany, England, Mexico, Switzerland, Australia, China and Italy.

All activities were designed to promote:

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Motivation
• Confidence
• Safety
• FUN!
  

These included basketball, ping-pong, bush-walking, abseiling, flying fox, river-rafting, canoeing (even swimming for some!), running, gymnastics, dancing and cooking! Each country had to prepare and present a traditional dish on Saturday night. Yummmmmmm!!

Looking back over the photos you can't find a child without a smile on his or her face. All who attended are still talking about the great time which was had by all and we have received fantastic feedback.

Nanga photos - September 2008

Coach Stacey was very positive about the camp - "You hear a lot about kids mucking up on camps, but I think we showed that if you keep them busy and well supervised, you eliminate chance of any negatives. In all honesty I was surprised by just how polite, tidy and well-behaved the kids were. It was a great example of when you get kids together with a common interest and provide stimulation, they form bonds, respect one another and try their best. I can tell you there were a lot of new friendships by the end of the camp."

Congratulations Stacey, you organised a fantastic camping experience for everyone! Thank you to all parents and volunteers who assisted over the three-day camp. Thank you to City of Perth Swim Club for joining Southlake Dolphins at Nanga, and well done to all swimmers for showing respect and discipline towards your fellow team members, activity coordinators, coaches and parents whilst at camp!