10 Essential Swimming Skills for Kids to Learn at Summer Swim Camp

Tom Sawyer • April 9, 2024

Summer swim camp is an exciting opportunity for children to dive into the world of swimming, learn new skills, and make lasting memories with new friends. As Central Jersey's leading Summer Swim Camp, we offer a comprehensive program that incorporates a variety of activities, including swimming lessons, STEAM activities, art, music, creative movement, splash park play, and more. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing campers with a fun, safe, and engaging environment where they can grow, explore, and thrive.

In this article, we will outline the top 10 essential swimming skills that children can learn at our Summer Swim Camp in Marlboro, NJ, and Colts Neck, NJ. Our program is designed to build a strong foundation in swimming techniques, safety, and confidence in the water, ensuring that your child gains valuable skills that will last a lifetime:

1. Breath control: Learning how to manage breaths properly while swimming is crucial for safety and efficiency in the water.

2. Floating: Mastering the art of floating on their front and back provides campers with essential support and comfort in the water.

3. Kicking: Strong leg kicks serve as the backbone of efficient swimming, helping to propel campers through the water.

4. Arm strokes: Developing proper arm strokes for various swimming styles allows campers to move effectively and confidently in the water.

5. Treading water: Gaining proficiency in treading water enables campers to maintain their position and conserve energy in deeper water.

6. Streamlining: Streamlining involves maintaining a tight, straight body position, which aids in reducing water resistance and increasing speed.

7. Flip turns: Mastering flip turns enhances swimming efficiency during laps, helping to maintain momentum without having to stop.

8. Diving: Learning proper diving techniques ensures that campers safely and smoothly enter the water from a standing or jumping position.

9. Basic water safety: At camp, children acquire essential water safety skills, such as understanding how to use lifejackets, signaling for help, and assisting others in distress.

10. Swimming etiquette: Campers learn the importance of respecting others in the pool, sharing lane space, and adhering to general swimming rules.

Breath Control: Building a Solid Foundation for Swimming

One of the first and most important skills children learn at our Summer Swim Camp is breath control. Proper breath control is crucial for safety, endurance, and overall swimming performance. Our experienced instructors teach campers various breathing techniques, such as side breathing for freestyle and circular breathing for breaststroke, allowing them to manage their breath effectively in the water and feel confident while swimming.

Floating and Kicking: Developing Core Skills for Water Confidence

Floating and kicking are two fundamental swimming techniques that serve as the foundation for all strokes and styles. Our instructors focus on:

1. Front and back floating: Campers practice floating on their front and back to develop balance and water comfort, helping them to feel more at ease when learning new strokes and movements.

2. Flutter, dolphin, and whip kicks: Learning different kick styles, such as the flutter kick for freestyle and backstroke, dolphin kick for butterfly, and whip kick for breaststroke, enables campers to move efficiently through the water and master various swimming techniques.

Arm Strokes and Streamlining: Enhancing Speed and Efficiency

At Summer Swim Camp, children learn a range of arm strokes for the four main swimming styles: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Our instructors emphasize proper technique and form, helping to improve campers' speed, endurance, and swimming efficiency.

Streamlining, another essential swimming skill, refers to maintaining a tight, straight body position that reduces water resistance and increases speed. Campers are taught how to properly streamline off the wall during push-offs and flip turns, as well as maintaining a streamlined position while swimming, resulting in a more efficient and enjoyable swimming experience.

Water Safety and Swimming Etiquette: Fostering Respect and Responsibility

In addition to teaching swimming skills, our Summer Swim Camp program emphasizes the importance of water safety and swimming etiquette. Some key water safety skills and practices that campers learn include:

1. Using lifejackets: Properly wearing and adjusting a lifejacket ensures safety while swimming or participating in water-based activities.

2. Signaling for help: Our instructors teach campers how to signal for help and recognize the signs of distress in other swimmers.

3. Assisting others: Campers learn how to safely assist someone who is struggling in the water, such as using a rescue tube or flotation device.

Swimming etiquette plays a crucial role in creating a safe, positive, and enjoyable swimming environment. Campers are taught to respect shared pool space, be mindful of those around them, and abide by general swimming rules. This knowledge fosters a greater sense of respect and responsibility both inside and outside the pool.

Additional Skills: Diving and Flip Turns

Our comprehensive Summer Swim Camp program also covers diving and flip turns – vital skills for advancing swimming capabilities. Our instructors provide campers with step-by-step guidance and demonstrations to ensure they learn these skills safely and effectively:

1. Diving: Campers practice diving from poolside or diving blocks, focusing on a smooth, headfirst entry while maintaining a streamlined position in the water.

2. Flip turns: As campers improve their swimming skills, they learn how to execute flip turns at the wall, helping them maintain momentum during laps and swim with greater efficiency.

Building Confidence and Skills for a Lifetime of Swimming

By enrolling your child in Marlboro Montessori Academy's Summer Swim Camp in Marlboro, NJ, and Colts Neck, NJ, you provide them with a unique opportunity to learn essential swimming skills and develop a lifelong love for the water. Our camp offers a comprehensive swimming education that caters to campers of all abilities, supplemented with fun and engaging activities like STEAM, art, music, creative movement, and splash park play.

Our dedicated and highly skilled staff is committed to creating a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring that your child feels safe and confident during their swimming journey. With these 10 essential swimming skills under their belt, your child will be better equipped for enjoying water-based activities and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle for years to come.

Secure your child's spot at our Summer Swim Camp now and watch them transform into a confident, skilled swimmer this summer! Visit our website today to explore our Montessori elementary education and more.

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How Marlboro Montessori Prepares Children for Kindergarten and Beyond

By Marlboro Montessori Academy • October 15, 2025

At Marlboro Montessori Academy, we understand that a child’s early years are crucial for setting the foundation for lifelong learning. That’s why we’ve spent over four decades crafting a nurturing, engaging, and academically rich environment for children from 18 months through 12 years old. From our Montessori toddler program to our private kindergarten, we prepare children not just for the next grade level—but for a lifetime of curiosity, independence, and success. A Solid Foundation Begins in the Toddler Years Kindergarten readiness doesn’t start at age five—it begins long before that. Our Montessori toddler program welcomes children as young as 18 months into a learning environment designed just for them. Through hands-on activities, sensory exploration, and guided independence, our toddlers develop crucial skills like concentration, coordination, and confidence. We know that early childhood education is more than just letters and numbers. At this developmental stage, children are forming their attitudes toward learning. That’s why our toddler learning center emphasizes positive reinforcement, nurturing routines, and plenty of opportunities for movement and choice. Our full-day toddler care program provides a stable, consistent environment for working families while giving children the time they need to explore, play, and grow at their own pace. The Montessori approach ensures that even our youngest learners are gently guided to develop their natural abilities and express themselves in meaningful ways. The Bridge to Kindergarten Through Montessori Preschool For children ages 3 to 4, our Montessori preschool serves as a bridge between toddlerhood and kindergarten. Here, children are immersed in a classroom filled with hands-on materials and structured freedom. This unique setup encourages children to choose their activities based on their interests while also developing essential academic and social skills. Our preschoolers engage in Montessori Math, Language Arts, Practical Life, and Cultural Studies, gaining an early understanding of core subjects in a natural, engaging way. These experiences are vital in building a strong foundation for our kindergarten readiness program, where we continue to refine their skills in reading, writing, math, and more. Because our classrooms are multi-age, younger children look up to older peers, while older students develop leadership and empathy. This mixed-age structure promotes collaborative learning, a key element that helps children transition confidently into kindergarten and beyond. Preparing for Academic Success in Kindergarten Our private kindergarten is designed to go beyond traditional academic goals. We aim to nurture the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. Children benefit from individualized attention, advanced Montessori materials, and a curriculum that integrates science, geography, grammar, and even environmental education through our Green Hour program at the on-site Montessori Nature Center. Unlike a conventional classroom, our full-day kindergarten offers an immersive experience where children can dive deeply into their interests, move freely within the environment, and build both academic and life skills. Every element of our program supports the development of critical thinking, independence, and resilience—skills that will carry them well beyond the kindergarten years. Learning Beyond the Classroom Our commitment to education doesn’t end with the school day. For families in need of flexible scheduling, we offer extended day care and before and after school care. These programs are thoughtfully designed to continue the Montessori philosophy, providing consistency and enrichment while supporting busy parents. We also offer seasonal enrichment programs for kids, including an educational summer camp that blends learning with outdoor fun. Our summer camp for toddlers and preschoolers maintains the same Montessori values, offering engaging activities, nature exploration, splash park fun, and social development in a relaxed, joyful setting. For elementary-aged children, our summer camp for kids includes age-appropriate academic refreshers, science experiments, arts and crafts, and plenty of time outdoors on our four-acre campus that includes a 60-foot sandbox, amphitheater, and access to nature trails. A Community Rooted in Growth and Exploration Located on four scenic acres in Morganville, our school is more than a place to learn—it’s a place to belong. The Montessori philosophy thrives in our prepared environments, where every child is known, respected, and supported in their individual journey. Whether a child is just beginning in toddler daycare or preparing to graduate from elementary school, we provide a strong foundation for future academic and personal success. We are proud to serve families throughout the surrounding communities with rolling admissions and a flexible range of schedule options, including half-day and full-day programs to accommodate each family’s needs. If you're looking for a Montessori school that prioritizes holistic growth and academic readiness, we invite you to explore all that Marlboro Montessori Academy has to offer. From toddlerhood to the elementary years, we help children thrive through every developmental milestone—and prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. To learn more or to schedule a visit, contact us today. We’d love to meet your family and help your child begin their journey of lifelong learning.

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What Makes Montessori Education Unique for Early Childhood Development

By Marlboro Montessori Academy • October 1, 2025

When it comes to setting a strong foundation for a child’s future, few approaches to learning compare to the Montessori method. At Marlboro Montessori Academy, we’ve seen firsthand how our thoughtfully crafted environment, experienced educators, and child-centered approach can transform early childhood education. For over 47 years, we’ve provided children with the opportunity to grow into confident, curious learners who are well-prepared for academic and social success. Rooted in the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, our programs encourage independence, respect for others, and hands-on learning. Whether your child is just starting out in our Montessori toddler program or getting ready for elementary school, our goal remains the same: to nurture the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. A Personalized Path in Early Childhood Education Unlike traditional classrooms, a Montessori school fosters an environment where each child can progress at their own pace. We believe that education is not one-size-fits-all, which is why our curriculum is built around self-directed learning, tailored guidance, and freedom within limits. Our early childhood education programs begin as early as 18 months with our toddler daycare and Montessori toddler program. At this stage, young children are naturally curious and eager to explore their surroundings. Through age-appropriate materials and activities, toddlers learn basic life skills, coordination, and social interaction in a nurturing setting. By the time children transition into our Montessori preschool, they are already developing a love for learning. Multi-sensorial experiences and hands-on lessons help them grasp abstract concepts in subjects like math, reading, science, and geography. More importantly, children develop intrinsic motivation—a lifelong skill that empowers them to seek knowledge independently. Encouraging Kindergarten Readiness Through a Montessori Lens Kindergarten is a significant milestone in any child’s academic journey. Our private kindergarten and kindergarten readiness program are designed to ensure that children are not only academically prepared but also socially and emotionally equipped for the challenges ahead. We offer a full-day kindergarten schedule, allowing children the time and space to engage deeply with lessons and projects. With small class sizes and individualized attention, each child receives a well-rounded education that promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and responsibility. Our classrooms are filled with Montessori materials specifically designed to enhance focus, fine motor development, and logical reasoning. Children don’t just memorize—they understand. And because we integrate real-life tasks and practical life activities into the curriculum, students leave our kindergarten with skills they can use every day. Extending the Learning Beyond the Classroom We understand that learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. That’s why we offer a robust extended day care program, including both before and after school care. These programs provide a structured yet relaxed environment where children can engage in creative activities, complete homework, or simply unwind. Our enrichment programs for kids further support intellectual and emotional development. Whether it’s art, music, or outdoor exploration in our Montessori Nature Center, we give children diverse opportunities to discover new interests and talents. During the summer months, learning continues through our educational summer camp. Designed for children 18 months to 10 years old, our summer camp for toddlers and older children includes both full and mini camp days. With access to a splash park, sandbox, in-ground training pool, and sprawling outdoor spaces, kids enjoy the perfect balance of fun and discovery. A Community Where Every Child Thrives Located in Morganville, New Jersey, Marlboro Montessori Academy is more than a school—it’s a community. Our campus spans four beautiful acres adjacent to a family farm and the Henry Hudson Trail, offering an enriching outdoor experience that complements our indoor classrooms. Our staff is deeply committed to the Montessori philosophy and trained to observe each child’s unique needs and interests. We believe in creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, respected, and empowered to grow. We are proud to offer rolling admissions, flexible schedules, and a comprehensive curriculum that meets families where they are. Whether you’re looking for full-day toddler care, a nurturing private kindergarten, or a preschool summer camp that keeps your child engaged year-round, we invite you to discover what makes our programs so special. If you're ready to give your child the lifelong benefits of a Montessori education, we encourage you to contact us today. Schedule a tour, ask questions, or learn more about our programs by visiting our Contact Us page. We look forward to welcoming your family into our learning community.