Where To Get Your Swim On This Winter: Indoor Pools

If you enjoy swimming, you may find the winter months quite boring. With colder temperatures, there is no way you can enjoy your favorite outdoor swimming pools. However, you do have the option to visit indoor swimming pools in your area. Enjoy a swim and even sign your children up for indoor swimming classes for kids. Your children will have fun swimming during the winter months and build skills that will last a lifetime, keeping them safe in the water. But where do you go to enjoy swimming when it is cold outside? Check out a few options below! 

Public Pool

Recreation centers in your area may offer indoor swimming pools along with outdoor ones. You can use the indoor pools in the winter months to avoid the cold temperatures but still enjoy swimming. Such facilities can also offer private swimming classes for kids to help your child practice their skills. Do a little research on the recreation facilities in your area or nearby towns to see if indoor swimming pools are offered for you to use. 

Consider the Classes Available

When you are interested in finding classes for your child to take during the winter months to learn the art of swimming, you will find several options available to you. Such programs as those offered by Zodiac Swim School can help your child progress in their swimming skills. Children can start out in the programs offered to toddlers to learn the basics and then move on to more intricate swimming details. As the child becomes comfortable with basic skills, they can then focus on drills that include distance. Your little swimmer will be active in the water and be safe wherever you go swimming or are near the water.

Programs start out for children three years and up to teach the basic skills including breathing, submersion, floats and glides, jumping into shallow water and more. Moving up in the class will help the child apply these skills to be able to swim a short distance without assistance. Skills are built upon as the child moves up a level so that they are comfortable in the water by themselves, having fun but staying safe at the same time. 

Parents should take a look at such options as listed above in the local community. By doing a little research, you can find out if there are indoor swimming pools in your community that can be used for recreation as well as teaching your child to swim. Make a list of the options you have including any cost or restrictions. This way, you can make the best choice as to which indoor facility you will like to use. 

Zodiac Swim School is one option for indoor swimming, offering lessons for children of all ages. Learn more about special swimming programs and lesson opportunities by contacting Zodiac today. Help your child develop their swimming skills and be safe in the water year after year. Zodiac Swim School will help your child gain valuable skills that will last a lifetime.

Fall & Winter Is A Great Time For Swim Classes

When the cooler seasons of fall and winter arrive, outdoor water activity ceases. It is during this time that parents can take their children to indoor facilities to continue with children swimming classes. Kids who go through the numerous seasons without continuing with lessons can easily forget strokes or fall behind. It is important to continue with such activities so children are prepared for the summer months, at a lower risk for drowning and are able to enjoy the water with ease. 

Reducing the Risk of Drowning

Swimming for children is an activity that is fun and exciting. However, it is something that can be very dangerous. Children who do not have basic swimming skills can easily drown, in deep or shallow water. Children need to be protected from injury and death by learning from qualified and certified swimming instructors. 

Formal swimming lessons help to reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88% or more for children who are 1 to 4 years of age. It is this age range that is at the most risk of drowning. With swimming lessons, even the youngest of children can learn how to swim and protect themselves in the water. Small children learn how to float so if they were to fall in deep water they can roll onto their back and be safe until help arrives. 

Promote Healthy Habits

By learning to swim at an early age, children are developing healthy habits. The exercise from swimming can promote a boosted immune system as well as a healthy body. Children are able to build muscle, avoid sickness and just feel good from the exercise that is done during swimming. By swimming in the winter months, children continue with regular exercise and expend pent-up energy. Children easily get bored during the fall and winter and need something physical to do. Swimming is the perfect activity to get your child moving, with added benefits such as a healthy body! 

Time with Friends

An added bonus to swimming lessons in the fall and winter is time spent with friends. It is often hard to spend time outdoors doing a physical activity with friends when the temperatures are too cold. With swimming lessons, children are able to spend time with friends having fun. If your child is new to the swimming class, encourage them to speak to the other kids and make friends. 

These are just a few benefits from swimming lessons during the colder months of the year. Continue the swimming education of your child by enrolling them in the swimming lessons provided by Zodiac Swim School. Such swimming lessons will provide your child with an outlet for exercise as well as help them learn the proper techniques for enjoying the water safely. You will be able to be at ease when your child is in a swimming pool as they will know the way to stay safe and while they are still having fun. Learn more about the many swimming programs available by contacting Zodiac today.

3 Reasons To Take Your Kids Swimming This Winter

Winter swimming may not seem like a good idea to most parents but it can have many benefits for your child. Despite the cold weather  during the winter months, children can benefit from the exercise as well as fun that swimming provides. Children learn to swim quite well during the winter months and these skills can be applied during the summer months during family vacations, birthday parties and other swimming events. Read on to learn the top three reasons to take your kids swimming this winter. 

Fight Winter Boredom

The winter months can be dark and dreary, with children quickly becoming bored. With swimming lessons, children have an activity to look forward to. The activity is something fun and exciting, and a way for kids to be safe in the water. Along with becoming bored and disengaged, the winter can also be a time frame when something known as the winter blues takes place. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a condition that mainly affects adults but can affect children as well. One of the best ways to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder is to have your child enjoy something fun. Being able to learn to swim, children enjoy themselves and feel happy in the process. Watch as your child beats the blues and enjoys the time in the water each time a lesson takes place! 

Time With Friends

In the summer months, children are able to enjoy plenty of playtime with their friends outside. In the winter months, children are spending more time indoors and are not with their friends as often as they like. Socialization is important, so by signing your child up for swimming lessons, they are able to socialize with other kids they know or make new friends. Group lessons provide the child with ways to enjoy time with friends as well as learn how to be safe in the water. Children are provided with lessons in groups of their own peers so the kids taking part are the same age, helping your child to be comfortable and find new friends with similar interests. 

Build a Stronger Immune System

Many parents feel that a child will catch a cold from being wet and cold after swimming. However, this is not so. Your child can actually build a stronger immune system during the winter months with swimming lessons to be able to fight infections and avoid being sick. Your child will be exercising regularly and building up their immune system which will make them less susceptible to catching illness that occurs during the winter months. Simply dress warmly on arrival and departure for swimming lessons to be comfortable and allow your child to build a healthy immune system. 

To learn more about swimming lessons and how your child can thrive with a group of their peers, contact Zodiac Swim School. Zodiac offers quality swimming lessons for children of all ages by certified instructors to help assist with learning the skill as well as making friends and having fun in the process! 

How To Prepare Your Child For Day Camps

Children need to be active and stimulated. A great way to provide your child with constant activity is summer camp or day camps for kids. Children can enjoy sports, arts and crafts, as well as making friends with children their own age during camp. For parents, the first time a child goes to camp can be difficult. Whether the child is going to be away for a few hours each day or several days in a row, having your child away from home can be stressful or worrisome. Learn how to prepare your child for day camps so they can be ready for the experience as well as yourself! 

Plan the Goodbye Ahead of Time

Be ready to say goodbye to your child ahead of time. This will help with the drop-off. If your child is catching a bus to summer camp, say goodbye in the home. Hug your child and let them know they will have so much fun at camp. If your child is going for a few hours, say goodbye outside of the camp so they can enter and be ready to begin. Avoid a long drawn-out goodbye so your child will not feel any need to hang back or cry when you leave. 

Talk about the First Day

As you prepare for the first day of camp, talk to your child about what will take place. Discuss drop off and what activities will be offered. If you have the option to get a schedule of activities ahead of time, do so. Show your child the schedule and talk about what they will be able to do. Talk about the first day frequently and help your child be positive and excited for the first day. 

Visit Camp Ahead of Time

A great way to prepare your child is to visit ahead of time. Take your child to the facility so they can see where they will be able to go and have fun during camp. A child can be scared to go somewhere that they have never been or have never seen. By visiting camp, meeting counselors and seeing the camp space, your child will be better prepared to attend. 

Avoid Projecting Anxiety

As a parent, you are most likely anxious about your child attending camp. If your child has never been away from home before you may be feeling stressed out or anxious. These feelings can be projected to your child which can lead to similar feelings within your child. You want to see your child excited about camp, and not anxious. Avoid projecting any anxiety you have towards your child. Only talk positively about camp and keep your anxious feelings to yourself. This will help your child feel good about being away from home. 

Zodiac Day Camps can help you feel more at ease by providing quality day camps for your child to enjoy. Learn more about the different camp options available by visiting http://www.zodiackids.ca/.

How To Choose The Right Day Camp For Your Kids

Day camps for kids are a great way to provide a summer activity for your child. If you are looking into a day camp for your child you want to make sure you find the right camp that he or she will enjoy. Every child is different so choosing the right option for the individual is key to a successful camp experience. Check out the tips below to ensure you choose the right day camp for your child.


What Does Your Child Enjoy?
To get started, consider what your child enjoys. If your child is a sports enthusiast, then you know a camp offering sports activities would be ideal. If your child enjoys arts and crafts, a camp that provides such activities would be best. Don’t just sign your child up for any day camp for kids. Take time to research the activities offered and ensure your child will be happy and content.


One Activity or Multiple Programs?
Another factor to consider is whether or not the camp you choose should offer one activity or multiple options. For example, a swimming camp would last for around two to three hours and focus on swimming techniques. Does your child have the focus to last that long on one activity? If not, you might want to focus on a day camp option that has more than one activity. A child that has a short attention span will do better to have several activities during a three hour time frame than one activity for the same amount of time.


Age Group/Camp Size
It is also important to consider the age group and camp size. A big part of day camp is the social aspect. A child will be able to grow socially by being around children their own age. It can be more beneficial to sign up a child for a day camp that has a nice size as well as children being in the same age range. If your child is 5 then having kid’s ages 4 to 6 is helpful. If a child attends a camp with much younger or older children they may not be able to make friends and possibly would not feel comfortable at camp. Find out the age range and size of camp to ensure your child will easily be able to make friends.


Consider all these factors to make the right choice for day camp or summer camp for your child. Choosing the right camp can be the difference between great memories made and those that your child would rather forget. Contact Zodiac Day Camps to learn more about the variety of day camp options they provide along with finding an option based on what your child enjoys as well as their age. Zodiac is ready to assist you with offering your child a quality camp experience.

A Look Into The Future: What Will Day Camps Look Like In 10 Years?

Today’s day camps for kids are pretty fun and exciting. Children can easily enjoy arts and crafts, swimming, basketball, softball and a host of other activities. Children have the option to attend summer camp for a specific time frame such as a week to two weeks or take part in day camps where they are only gone from home for a few hours a day. Camp today comes in many forms but one common denominator is that children enjoy the time spent at camp, no matter the activity. While camp of today is very similar to what was enjoyed decades ago, what will camp be like in ten years? Below we consider how such camp options might change in the future.

More Technology Driven

In ten years, summer camp may be more technology driven. In decades past, children would only take part in physical activities such as sports as well as arts and crafts during summer camp. However, over the past few years, camps have upgrade their offerings to include technology. Camps exist that focus on robotics, computer programming and more. As technology continues to move to the forefront of the world, day camps for kids may begin to focus more on tech rather than sports and crafts. Today’s children are growing up with more technology than ever before with tablets and smartphones. Children do not know what it is like to operate without such technology. Camps may find that they have to adapt to technology if they want kids to be excited to attend. 

Goal Driven

Camps may also begin to lean towards achieving goals. In the past, camps have focused on providing an outlet for kids to enjoy sports and activities with no real end goal. Children are being asked to set goals now more than ever and with day camps, there will be a challenge to get children to succeed. Perhaps a camp involving swimming would have children set goals of learning how to dive or to qualify for a competition or challenge. With basketball or softball, children can set goals to make a spot on a team or win a tournament. Goal setting can help children to focus on the future and learn that hard work pays off in the end. 

We really have no idea what day camp will be like in the future. It will be interesting to see in ten years what camps are offering and how children are adapting to any change made from the old format of summer camp. Either way, children will have the option to take part in fun and exciting activities that will help to expel energy and learn a new skill. 

To have your child participate in a summer or day camp now, contact Zodiac Day Camp. Children love to take part in the many options Zodiac Day Camp provides including swimming, dance, a variety of sports and much more. They will have a blast with all the fun activities and events that take place in this safe and protected environment.

Is Day Camp Safe For Children With Food Allergies?

Food allergies have become even more prevalent over the past few years as the source of allergies are discovered. For many children, nuts and dyes are an allergy that can have dramatic effects on the body, even result in death. Parents can be quite concerned when sending their child to school or even day camp if they may be subjected to their allergy. As parents, it is important to learn the policies of day camps for kids to ensure that every child is safe. 

Allergy Policies

Every summer camp or day camp will be different when it comes to allergy policies. When registering, the camp will inquire as to any allergies your child may have. Be sure to write down each allergy and note if medications need to be taken or what steps for treatment need to be completed if your child is subjected to the allergen. Bring medications along to the camp so your child can be treated if an allergy attack takes place. 

If your child is not allergic to anything, you should still take the proper measures to learn the allergy policies. Many schools no longer allow products that include nuts such as peanut butter. This is done to protect those who may be severely allergic to nuts. Be sure to  pack snacks or lunches accordingly so every child is safe while they attend camp. 

Camp Precautions

Many camps will have a No Nuts policy to ensure safety of children during camp hours. Some facilities even go so far as to have a catering company provide snacks or foods to help support their No Nuts policy. Each camp is different so you need to know the precautions taken to ensure your child and other kids are safe. 

If an allergy is present during summer day camp, the camp should send out a notice of the allergy. This will alert parents so that they can take the proper precautions. Any allergies will also be listed in the lunch room and even at the lunch table to ensure that homemade lunches are checked so any allergy flare-ups will not take place. 

Caring for allergies is a must. Top camp providers such as Zodiac Day Camp makes sure to cover all the bases when it comes to allergies. An allergic reaction can happen at any time for any reason. Children are commonly allergic to dust, cats, bees, nuts and other items. Camp providers must be well-versed in allergies and know the proper treatment for care after an allergy attack. 

Parents must include information upon registration that will help counselors deal with any food allergies. This way, the child will be safe as they attend day camp. Parents can worry less while the child is away with Zodiac Day Camp as the allergy is noted and any contact with an allergic item will be avoided. Contact Zodiac today to learn more about the allergy procedures and how care is taken to avoid any child being affected by an allergy attack.

The Best Time To Register For Day Camps

If you are considering registering your child for day camp, you are in for a wonderful surprise. Day camps are a great way to involve your child in activities, sports and more, providing social interaction and fun quality time with peers your child’s age. What you may not know is that day camps can fill up fast and there are certain times when it is better to sign your child up for specific programs. Below are a few tips to help you determine when you should sign up for summer camp or day camp for kids to get the best deal and ensure your child a spot for fun! 

Fall/Winter

When it comes to reviewing certain day camp for kids programs, the Fall and Winter months can be ideal. It is a perfect time to check out some Day Camp Open Houses and prepare ahead for the next season. Open House events are a great way to see the facility, meet the staff, ask questions, and get a small preview of the activities that the camp has to offer. 

Early Bird Discounts

One option to consider when signing up for camp is an early bird discount. This basically means that the program is offering a special price based on when you sign up. If you are able to sign up early, you will save on your camp fee. Signing up early is a great way to take advantage of such early bird deals as well as make sure your child has a spot in the day camp. 

Early Payment Discounts

Summer camps as well as day camps may also provide a discount for early payments. For ongoing camps, you may have a larger fee to participate or have to pay so much each month. For many of these programs, an early payment discount is provided. This will ensure your child’s spot in the camp as well as help you save money. Look into early payment discounts so you can spend less sending your child to the camp they wish to attend. 

Ask a Camp Instructor

If you know individuals who operate or work within a camp setting, talk to them. Find out the best time frames to sign up for the particular camps you are interested in. Are you looking to save money or perhaps you wish to have a smaller group for participation? Consider just what you are looking for to ensure your child has a nice experience and you choose the right time for signups. 

Take all of these considerations into account when looking for a day camp or summer camp for your child. Learn as much as you can about the camp option so you can register at the right time for an enjoyable experience for your child. Contact Zodiac Day Camp to learn more about such camp options including savings as well as group and private lessons for swimming and other activities. 

How To Overcome Your Fear Of Swimming

Swimming is a fun and favorite summer time sport for many. You can even enjoy it during the winter months with heated indoor pool areas. However fun it can be, others find it down right terrifying. They do not want to set foot in the water or even near a pool. How can you overcome the fear of swimming? What can you do as parents to help your children or yourself to learn that the water doesn’t have to be a scary place? Here are a few ideas on how you and your children can overcome the fear of swimming. 

Stick Your Toe in the Water

Just start by getting your toes wet. Going in gradually can help you to realize that the water is not as dangerous as you might think. Start in the shallow end of the pool or river you’re considering going in. This can help you to overcome the fear of that first step into the water. As you get used to the feel of the water you can gradually walk in a little farther. 

Splash Yourself

Others recommend that once you can stand in water deep enough, splash some on your face. You can do this just as if you were washing your face in the sink at home. This will help you to get used to the water being on your face without your head being under the water. Try to picture positive things in your mind as you’re doing this step. That way you can associate positive feelings with the water on your face. 

Hold Your Breath

When you’re feeling confident enough, try placing your head under the water and holding your breath. You can even blow out the air and make bubbles to help you while you’re doing this. Do this while you’re in a shallow enough area that you can stand up on the bottom. That will help you to boost your confidence that you have control over the situation. 

Swimming Lessons

Taking swimming lessons is one of the best ways to overcome your fear of swimming. Whether you’re looking for swimming lessons for kids or adults, Zodiac Swim School has you covered. These swimming lessons that are offered can help you to overcome the fear of swimming or being in the water while giving you valuable lessons that will last a lifetime. You can learn how to manage your anxiety about the water while you’re learning safety tips and how to prevent accidental drownings. 

Swimming lessons for kids gives your child the confidence they need to enjoy the water safely. It also teaches them how to respect the water at all times, which is very important when you live near water. It is also important if your children want to go to summer camps as pools and swimming can be a huge part in that adventure. 

Contact Zodiac Swim School today to see how you can take part in swimming lessons for the entire family. You can learn to respect the water, not fear it.

Safety Tips For Open Water Swimming

The beach is always a popular destination for vacation and for having fun!  Many of us love to pack up our families and head to the beach for a summer vacation. There is just something about the water that helps calm and relax us while also providing hours of fun and entertainment. Or perhaps you live near a lake and are a frequent beachgoer.  Whatever your reason for ending up at the beach, it is important to be safe while swimming in the lake. Swimming in a lake is much different than swimming in a pool or any other body of water. There are tides, waves, currents, marine life, and other aspects to consider before you dive in. Take some time and read these safety tips for open water swimming before heading to the beach. Or even better, be sure to enroll your children or toddlers in swimming lessons before your trips to the beach.  Private swimming lessons are a great way to teach basic swimming skills to children and can reduce the risk of drowning.

Proper Supervision

First and foremost, only swim where there is a lifeguard present. While this should be a rule for you and your family for swimming in all bodies of water, it is especially important for swimming in open water. Lifeguards at the beach are not only trained in lifeguarding skills, but also in skills specifically related to water rescues. Additionally, only swim in designated swimming areas and never swim too far from shore. Currents are strong in the lake and waves can easily sweep small children away from safety in a hurry.  Always read the rules for swimming that should be posted near the lifeguard stand and make your children aware of them.

Weather/water conditions

Keeping track of weather and water conditions is also an important safety tip when it comes to open water swimming. Be aware of any incoming storms, strong winds, or lightning in the area. Strong weather conditions can create even stronger rip currents, which is one of the leading causes of drowning deaths in open water. Rip currents can form quickly and are very difficult to swim out of, especially for small children. Also be aware of the colored flags posted on the lifeguard stands, as these will indicate severe weather, strong currents, dangerous sea life, and other hazards.  If you are unsure of the meaning of the flags, ask the lifeguard. 

Never swim alone

Swimming alone is never a good idea, and allowing your children to swim unsupervised in open water is not safe. Even if you are positioned on the beach and they are within your sight, you might not be able to respond quick enough to help them in the event of an emergency. To be safer in open water, always swim with your children, or have another trusted adult who knows how to swim, be in the water with the children as well. This will insure that someone is within arm’s reach should an accident occur.

If you are looking for private swimming lessons for your child, or toddlers swimming lessons, contact Zodiac Swim School today. Their professional instructors have a class or lesson that can benefit your family and help teach safety for open water swimming.

Best Healthy Snacks For Swimmers: What to Eat After A Swim Workout

Swimming is a great sport, workout, and physical activity for all ages, but especially for kids.  Swimming can be a way for your child to stay healthy, stay safe in the water, make friends, and enjoy a hobby.  Many kids enjoy swimming as a summer camp activity as well. Many kids summer camps offer swimming as an activity they can participate in every day, and there are even summer camps that focus on only swimming! Also, competitive swimming can take a lot out of a child during both practices and races. Most competitive swimming matches can last anywhere from 15 seconds to 15-30 minutes.  And whether the race lasts a few seconds or a long time, swimming involves a great deal of cardio, endurance, and energy. That is why it is important to replace that energy with a healthy snack after a swim workout.  

Recovering after a swim and replacing the needed energy the body has used for swimming.  It is not uncommon for children to feel very hungry after swimming. It is important to remember that both food and liquid are important to refuel the body after a swim and eating the snack within 30 minutes of the workout is the best option for quick and safe recovery. Here are some snacks that are the best healthy snacks for a swimmer to have after a swim workout. Be sure to pack some of these snacks in a lunchbox before your kids leave for summer camp!

Protein

Protein is a great post swim workout snack. Proteins are chock full of amino acids that help repair the muscles in the body, making it perfect to eat after a workout.  Protein can also help to eliminate muscle soreness the day after the workout. Protein is always an important party of any diet, but especially important after a long workout due to its replenishing abilities. Here are some examples of some healthy snacks that have enough protein to help refuel the body after a swim workout: eggs, vegetables, tuna, fish, and low-fat chocolate milk.

Carbohydrates

Another type of healthy snack to help refuel the body after a swim workout is carbohydrates. While many people try to steer clear of carbohydrates, they serve a purpose when it comes to helping replenish the body after a swim workout.  Carbohydrates help supply energy to the muscles and any avid swimmer should consume at least 50-60 percent carbohydrates out of their total diet for the day.  Carbohydrates also help glycogen levels stay even during and after a swim. Some examples of healthy snacks with carbohydrates can include bagels, oatmeal, bananas, raisins, pancakes, eggs, ham, breads, and pasta. Also, keep in mind that carbohydrates can also come in liquid form such as low-fat milk, smoothies packed with fruits and juice, or meal replacement drinks. This is a great option if there is not enough time to have one of the food items.

If your kids want to attend a summer camp and participate in a great summer camp activity like swimming, find out more about Zodiac Camps, Swim & More and the camps and activities they have to offer!

Fun Ways To Learn To Swim

Learning to swim is a critical aspect of childhood. So many children are lost each year to accidental drowning due to falling into pools or water areas and not being able to swim. Giving them the skills that swimming schools for kids or even swimming programs for kids can give will help them to learn the much needed survival skills around water. You don’t want them to be afraid of the water but you want them to learn to respect it and know what to do if they happen to fall into a pool.

Play Games

There are a variety of games that you and your child can play while they are learning the skills of swimming. These games seem fun and exciting but in reality they are teaching vital swimming skills. One game is called Motorboat. You will hold your child under their arms facing you and you begin to walk backwards. As you walk it will pull your child into a front floating position and help them get used to the horizontal position in swimming. You can encourage them to kick their legs as they float or make boat noises to bring in the fun. They are having a blast while they are learning different swimming techniques.

You can teach them how to control their breathing underwater with a game called talk to the fishies. Have your child blow bubbles in the water and then turn and listen for the fish to respond. This allows them to learn how to control their breathing and turn their head, typical in swimming, to get a breath of their own. 

Swimming Programs

You can find many communities that offer swimming programs for kids to help them learn the basics of floating, swimming, and breathing during the activities in the water. You may choose to put them in a swimming school for kids or you may find a program that is part of your gym or workout facility. Whichever route you choose, it is best to find one that not only teaches swimming but survival. Some of the programs available teach children how to float when they are fully clothed. This is typically how children fall into a pool and you want them to learn how to stay calm and float even if they have winter clothes on. 

Learning to swim is a critical part of childhood and is one that you should start teaching as soon as they are old enough to go in the water. Some programs start as young as three months old teaching babies to float and play. Work with Zodiac Swim School to see how you can give your child confidence in the water and how you can know that they have the skills they need to have fun this summer. You’re sure to love the different swimming programs and classes available. You can rest assured your child will learn how to swim and have the confidence they need to feel comfortable around all sorts of bodies of water. 

Swimming For Senior Citizens Prevents Falls

It is common knowledge that swimming is an excellent form of exercise. Swimming can not only help improve cardiovascular health, stamina, endurance, and build muscle.  Swimming also tones the body as a result of the resistance that is created by moving the limbs of the body throughout the water. But what most people don’t realize about swimming is that it can also improve upon balance. This is especially important for senior citizens, as they often experience off-kilter balance that can lead to frequent falls.  So in short, swimming can help senior citizens to prevent falls. If you have an elderly friend or family member, talking to them about enrolling in a swimming program that is a certified program and include Red Cross Swimming levels could help them improve their balance in addition to improving their overall health. 

Improving Balance

Swimming helps improve balance by increasing strengths in the joints, muscles, and core. All of these areas in the body are imperative to improving balance. By improving upon the core muscles in the body, the body is able to have more trunk control and prevent falls. Another way swimming improves balance is because swimming requires the arms and legs to work in a coordinated motion, which helps to improve coordination when walking. Improved coordination leads to reduced falls. Swimming also increases flexibility in the hips and knees, which means looser (corrected spelling from loser) joints. When joints are stiff, falls can occur more often as the legs are not able to function properly and allow coordinated walking. Less falls can lead to less injuries and a long life expectancy. 

Types of Water Exercises for Seniors

Besides the obvious water exercise of swimming laps, there are many exercises that seniors can participate in that will help improve upon their overall health and balance.  Water walking and running is an exercise that requires simply walking or running/jogging throughout the shallow end of the pool. You can walk forward, backward, and from side to side in order to walk all of the muscle groups. Seniors can also participate in strength training in the water by using specially designed resistance equipment made specifically for strength training in the water. Many swimming programs for adults offer the use of this equipment as part of a class or for members’ use. Many swimming programs also offer aerobics classes for seniors. Water aerobics classes are a great way to have fun, meet others, and workout the entire body in the water for improved balance.  

As you can see, swimming and water exercises are a great way for senior citizens to not only improve their overall health in every way, but to also improve their balance.  Improving balance is key to reducing the risk of falls for seniors and decreasing injuries. If you or someone you know are searching for a swimming program, aerobics class, or other water activity for seniors, Zodiac Swim School is the place to go.  They offer a wide variety of classes for all ages that can benefit overall health. 

Swimming Helps In Childhood Obesity Prevention

It is common knowledge that childhood obesity is a major issue in today’s society.  The statistics of childhood obesity is staggering and a bit scary, as so many of our children are suffering from childhood obesity. Obesity can lead to other, more serious disorders that could have easily been avoided with a healthy diet and consistent activity. These disorders can include high cholesterol and diabetes, diseases which are typically not a concern until well into adulthood. With the many concerns that parents face in relation to their children, childhood obesity should not have to be one of them. That is why it is important for parents to understand ways they can combat childhood obesity. One of those ways is through activity, and what better activity for children to participate in than swimming?!  Allowing your child to participate in private swimming lessons in order to learn the proper way to swim has a wide range of benefits that can help your child stay active and avoid obesity.  Not to mention, children love swimming! It is a fun activity that doesn’t feel like exercise at all!  Here are some ways that swimming can fight obesity. 

Movement

Movement is a key factor in preventing childhood obesity.  Swimming is a great way to implement movement into your child’s life.  Swimming is a sport and activity that any child can participate in and be successful at.  All children can learn to swim, as they do not need to be athletic to do so.  Private swimming lessons can teach your child different swimming strokes and allow them to swim laps for exercise, play games in the pool, etc.  Even playing games in the pool is promoting movement and physical fitness!  Swimming also promotes flexibility and cardiovascular health, which can lead to additional benefits. It is also an activity that is easier on the joints that other sports.

Other Health Benefits

As mentioned above, swimming is also a great way to promote cardiovascular health, which helps to strengthen the heart and lungs.  And a strong cardiovascular system lessons the risk of childhood obesity. Swimming also strengthens muscles and improves balance and posture. The resistance of the water as the arms and limbs move throughout the pool provides muscle building conditioning.  

It is easy to see how swimming can benefit the overall health of your child.  The sport of swimming is often overlooked as being a sport that can do so much for the health of the human body. However, with the proper technique learned through private swimming lessons, your child can both enjoy their time in the water and increase their overall health. There is also the added benefit of being assured that your child is safe in the pool due to their being properly trained.  When searching for private swimming lessons for your child, it is important to keep in mind that the instructor should be certified in the Red Cross swimming levels in order for your child to learn the proper technique.  Zodiac Swim School offers a variety of swimming instructors that are Red Cross certified and can teach your child properly and safely.

Throwback Thursday: 25 Differences at Camp From 1969

Throwback Thursday is always fun. This is a day when one can look back on how things were years ago. When it comes to summer camp, activities and entertainment were quite different than today’s summer camp. Check out these 25 differences from camp back in 1969 as compared to today. 

1. Outdoor Activities—kids still participate in outdoor activities today but in a much different way. Gone are the days when kids learned weaponry or built bonfires like in 1969.

2. Clothing—in 1969, clothing was far different than kid’s Summer Camp today. Children wore uniforms, with matching shirts and shorts back in the day. 

3. Food—food is quite different today. In the 60s, campers were used to simple foods like hot dogs and hamburgers while today’s camps serve healthier meals. 

4. Music—the music was far different in the 1960s than today, which campers enjoyed during activities. 

5. Counselors—in the past, counselors would be older while today’s camps employ younger, and sometimes former campers. 

6. Sleeping quarters—where you sleep today is much more comfy than single bunks with worn out mattresses from the 60s or even just sleeping bags! 

7. Time frame—camp used to last at least one to two weeks. Now day camps for kids last just one day. 

8. Activities—children today can enjoy more options for activities including drama and the arts. 

Contact with parents—kids today can stay in contact with parents much easier by using email or texting. 

9. Making friends—children have the ability to make friends today better than in the golden years as more campers are now attending kid’s summer camp.

10. Staying in contact with campers—parents have the option to stay in touch with campers more than in the 60s. Back then only a telephone could have been used while today’s campers can use mobile phones, laptops and more. 

11. Style of camp—camps today are more luxurious offering indoor plumbing and comfy beds. 

12. Items from home—the types of items children bring from home are far different than what was brought in the 60s, including electronics. 

13. Care packages—parents do not send care packages to camp like they did in the 60s with additional food or comfort items.

14. Getting into trouble—kids played more harmless pranks at camp back in the 60s, having more fun with each other. 

15. Parent day—parent day was a big deal in the 60s, when children would dress up and perform shows as parents came to see what camp has been like.

16. Segregation—camps today are not segregated by male and female as they once were. 

17. Cost—the cost of camp can be much higher today than in the 1960s depending on the type. 

18. Achievements—children have more opportunity to earn achievements than years ago. 

19. Returning Campers—returning campers are not that big of a deal today as they once were. Campers just enjoy their time at camp today when in the past they were welcomed with much fanfare. 

20. Dances—camps in the 1960s would host dances between boy and girl camping areas. 

21. Technology—technology has advanced amazingly since the 1960s for campers.

22. Camp Location—campers attend camp further distances from home than in the 1960s.

23. Facilities—the facilities are much more updated and modern than in years gone by. 

Overall experience—the overall camp experience is much different than what was enjoyed in the 1960s.

Some things may have been different over 45 years ago but much remains the same at Summer Day Camps. Enjoying the outdoors with new friends, learning new skills, improving old skills the list goes on and on. Why not experience camp life for your children and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Rules to Follow When Swimming For your Health And Safety

Be it a swimming pool or open water, you will always find instructions in place with rules and safety tips. If you wonder why, then this article will help you understand these rules that are meant for children’s health and safety when swimming. You certainly do not want them to become hurt due to the lack of knowledge, only to know how it could have been prevented by following a simple guideline.

Here are 14 Rules That Should Be Followed For Health And Safety When Swimming

1. Always read the safety instructions, if you and your kids are going to a swimming pool. Follow the pool rules.
2. Always wear proper swimming gear whether your child is in a public pool or taking private swimming lessons. Swim suit fabric is specially designed for swimming and swim caps are available to protect hair. Since, swimming pools have certain level of chemicals in water, not wearing goggles may hurt the eyes and cause irritation.
3. Do not go into the pool with jewelry on. Ensure that you have removed your child’s jewelry like earrings, bracelets or necklaces.
4. Remind your child to listen to the directions of the lifeguard. They are there to help and have been trained just for this. Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty. Swimming lessons in Toronto have lifeguards on duty at all times for the safety of swimmers.
5. Since the ground around the pool is usually wet, it is advisable to be cautious while walking near it. Pay extra attention to your kids and don’t let them run, because they most likely will slip and fall into the pool.
6. Pools usually have ‘No diving’ signs, because the pool is not deep enough and they may sustain head injuries if not obeyed.  Always advise children of these areas explaining why diving is not allowed.
7. It is advisable to never swim alone. Always swim under supervision and this is a must in case of kids, because you never know what can go wrong. Even if your child is taking private swimming lessons, still maintain constant supervision.
8. Avoid swimming if your kids have flu or cold because they may infect others very easily or feel worse.
9. For adults, never swim under the influence of alcohol or medicine. Your weakened body will not have enough energy to swim and that increases the chances of drowning.
10. Do not swim during a thunderstorm because of the risk of getting hit by lightning.
11. Learning CPR and knowing basic first aid tips certainly helps in keeping your kids and friends safe. You never know when you or they may need it and there are situations where there isn’t enough time to wait for help. Swimming lessons like the ones offered by Zodiac Swim School provides first-aid safety and CPR courses which will prove useful in case of emergencies and reduce the response time.
12. Always take a quick shower and wash off all dirt before going into the pool. Nobody wants to swim in a dirty pool, hence keeping it clean for others makes sense.
13. No matter how much fun it may seem to fool around in water, never try stunts that are dangerous and may end very badly.
14. While taking private swimming lessons, ensure that your child is protected from the sun. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from direct sunlight as well as from the chemicals in the water.

Before you go swimming…check for safety instructions. Save yourself and your loved ones from a mishap. Find  swimming lessons in Toronto from reputable swim schools like Zodiac Swim School and be a pro. To learn more about Zodiac, check them out here.

The Artistic Side Why It's Important to Kids

Drawing, music, paintings and theater arts are some of the summer camp activities that may not be offered in schools. Some ‘modern schools' have shifted their attention more to teaching the core subjects and forgetting that kids also need to learn how to create visual aesthetics as part of their development. Due to this understanding, kids summer camps have come up with summer activities to help your child learn new things while interacting and having fun with others.

Listed are some reasons as to why you should encourage your kids to learn arts:  

•  Develop abilities useful in the future

Children who are engaged in art activities at a tender age have a higher probability of success later in life compared to those who are not. This is according to research carried out at Michigan University. The exposure to arts and all other summer camp activities enables kids to have a diverse mind. Later in life they become inventive, quickly learn to identify gaps in the market and startup companies or even grow their talents in drawing, singing or theater to hopefully become legends. Arts allow kids to become sharp in their thinking since much of what they make has to be well thought out in the first place.

• Allows children to make sense of the environment around them

The human brain is made up of two parts i.e. the left and right hemispheres. Psychologically, the two parts have different functions. The left part is used in logistics and analysis. This is the part of the brain that is used in class when learning Science, English, Maths and other subjects. The right side of the brain plays a crucial role in creative thinking. When a child is drawing, this is the part of the brain that enables him/her to see the picture even before putting it down on paper. It is the part that triggers one's thinking of what goes on in the environment; the physical, spiritual and moral aspects of life.

• Strengthen bonds between parents and children

The time you spend with your child apart from taking him/her to a kids summer camp is crucial. It may make a big difference in your child's life as the more time you spend with your child, the closer and dearer they become to you. You can learn more about them and therefore, help them solve their problems effectively.

• Better performance in academics

Children who engage in art activities outside class are more successful in learning than those who don't participate in such activities.Kids who are exposed to arts are more creative and imaginative. They are great thinkers and problem solvers and are more focused and determined to get things done so they perform very well in school.

• Arts help boost confidence

Performing arts help children develop confidence when talking with friends or even adults. In kids summer camps, children perform in plays, music and operas in front of an audience of their peers. With time, this helps to break the fear that is associated with a crowd.

In arts, it's all about acquiring skills that are vital for personality development. Zodiac Day Camps make sure that kids will be able to enhance their creativity and harness their artistic side throughout their summer day camp journey.

Summer Camp is a Rewarding Experience for Kids

Whenever I walk past cheerful kids playing, my mind goes back to ages ago when I was young. I can still remember the laughter, cheers and the wonderful experiences I had when I used to attend summer camps during school breaks.. I reminisce about the awesome swimming programs I attended and how I was able to overcome ‘pool phobia'. To date, I've never regretted having spent my time in summer camps; if anything I wish I could turn back time.  Summer camp is one of the most gratifying experiences you can give your child.

Here are some of the reasons your child will benefit from attending summer camps:

Build skills

With so many activities going on kids are challenged to step out of their comfort zones and seek to identify their talents. They are guided by well-trained and qualified personnel who offer guidance and motivation. Children at camp have a broad range of activities to choose from such as sports, swimming, adventure, science, rocketry, adventure, etc. Each day the campers are introduced to new skills that help to shape their future. For instance, the swimming programs for kids are well tailored to equip them with all the basics they require to become excellent swimmers in the future.

Impart confidence

It's frustrating that in our world today, many kids spend the best part of their holidays behind laptops and on games that only inhibits them from daily exercise and real life social interaction. At Day Camps children are exposed to real life challenges that help them confront their fears. In swimming programs, for example, the instructors are well aware that some kids are afraid of water and therefore assist them to deal with that fear before getting into the water. Climbing high heights, winning competitions and doing incredible things serve as a motivation and source of confidence for the kids.

Friendships

One of the best aspects of enrolling in a summer camp is creating bonds with people who may later be beneficial to your life. Campers come from different areas and therefore there is much to share amongst the group members. They also learn one or two things regarding certain people or things and become more exposed to the world.

Build character

Apart from having fun, the kids are taught values such as honesty, dignity, hard work, diligence, respect, and responsibility. All these benefits go on to building wholesome personality in these kids. The kids are also motivated to emulate those key figures in the society who have excelled in character.

Physical exercise

Campers are engaged in many outdoor activities that help them exercise. Some of these activities include hiking, jumping, sports and running. Also enrolling in swimming programs for kids not only gives a child a chance to have fun but also provides him/her time to do exercises which are vital to his/her health. The best part of it is that all this happens when they are having fun!

Zodiac Day camps are ready for Summer 2016 and apart from introducing new fun activities this year it has also continued to provide first class swimming programs at the Zodiac swim school. The swimming programs for kids offered here are the kind that your child will love to be part of. Enroll your child for summer 2016 at Zodiac Day camp and let him or her be part of an incredible experience and long lasting memories!