Scout Swimming...

Back in 2010 Walker had private swim lessons at ISU... it was a disaster, the swim instructor thought she was helping him overcome his fear but in fact she made it worse. He would cry about going to ISU... he would cry the entire drive sobbing, "I don't want to go!"  and making himself so upset that he'd throw up every time!  After a month we decided since it did not get any better we'd try again later when he was a bit more ready.

I'll always remember the heartache I felt when I saw him in the pool...

Fast forward to 2016 when the Scouts announced that a MANDATORY swim program was happening at none other than ISU...

At first Walker was like, "Nope not going to go!"  He does not like to swim... he eventually did learn the basics but he just does not enjoy it. And the thought of going to ISU to swim gave him all kinds of anxiety... parents too! (I don't think we had been back to this pool since those 2010 lessons).  He knew that in order to get his Eagle in the future he'd have to pass a swim test and this was one of the first steps along that path.

As the time got closer he said, "I don't want to do it but... I'm going to suck it up and go!"  I kept reminding him that he was a lot older now... knew the basics and for him to be vocal about the process... let other's know that he was nervous and unsure so that they could help him.  For him having his face wet and unable to see gives him an uneasy feeling... knowing all that we got brand new speedo goggles... and had to get a new swimsuit..(try finding that in the middle of winter!) Off we went to the first night of the 2 hour program... I may have said a few prayers along the drive.

First thing first... no swim instructors... just the boy scouts and the first thing was a swim test!!!  They had to jump in the deep end and swim 6 laps!!!  I thought... well that's it.. we will be leaving in 5 minutes.  Walker waited until he was the last kiddo and asked if he had to jump in.  They replied he did!!  Luckily they also said if he wasn't ready for the swim test he could just go to the shallow end with the other boys... whew! (for the record none of the boys completed the swim test... seriously 6 laps!)

They started slow and with the basics... THANKGOODNESS... it built up Walker's confidence and by the end of the first night he was jumping into the deep end!  This is a much better go around at ISU this time.

Every Sunday until the end of February we are here doing this program. While the other parents just drop off their boys I stay... to ease my anxiety and his but he is totally rocking it... just like I knew he would!  One thing that I really like is that each scout swims with either an adult or older boy who has already passed the test. Here's to overcoming challenges and fears... love you so little Bug!