Gator Families,

We are just over one week away!

The full calendar is now on our new swimtopia site. Practices will begin on May 27^th and you can read below about other important updates and the link to register your gator.

Contents:

• 1.Please register!
• 2.Swim lessons- instructors needed
• 3.Masters program registration open
• 4.Teen Trip June 28-30: registration now open
• 5.Order personalized swim caps!

• 1.Please Register!

Thank you to all who have registered- we have 111 gators so far, but we know there are more of you. Please register ASAP as we will move to sending communications from swimtopia soon, and only families registered in the new system will receive them.

Returning Gators and mini gators please click here to register as a Gator or a mini Gator. We ask that all returning gators please register by opening day (May 26^th).

GATORS Gators swimmers should be able to swim at minimum a passable freestyle across the length of the pool, showing understanding of breathing to the side, and an emerging continuous stroke.

New this year-- payment is rendered by credit card or Google Pay as part of the registration process in Swimtopia. Alternate types of payment are no longer accepted for registration. The cost is $150 per Gator, plus admin fees ($3 per athlete and 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction). Registration will be approved in the system upon receipt of payment. This includes 8-10 weeks of swimming, a Gators cap, trophy, banquet, and all Fun Friday activities.

MINI GATORS
The Mini Gators program is for younger members ages 5 to 9 who are not quite ready to be on the swim team but can currently swim across 1 length of the pool , and who are ready to learn to dive, swim freestyle, and begin to learn breaststroke and backstroke. Group or individual swim lessons are STRONGLY encouraged in tandem with the Minis Program, to allow young swimmers more time to improve. The cost is $40 per Mini-Gator, plus fees ($3 per athlete and 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction).

NEW SWIMMER SCREENINGSIf you're unsure which is the right program for your swimmer please hold off on registration and attend an evaluation session for coaches’ input. Evaluations will take place on May 27^th and 28^th at 7pm.

Finally, we do not want cost to be a barrier for participating. If any family needs financial assistance, please reach out to Ingrid/Jenny at [email protected]. We have some funds to assist any families in need, as well as a place for other families to donate to gators-in-need fund and will keep such conversations in confidence.

Please direct questions regarding registration to Aiyana Pucci at [email protected].

• 2.Swim lessons- instructors needed
• Thank you to everyone who was able to join our short informational meeting on May 15. If you missed it, please view the recording here.
• Applications are due May 30. The job descriptions can be found below, and must be reviewed before applying:
• Junior Instructor Job Description (must be at least 13)
• Senior Instructor Job Description (must be at least 16)
• If interested, apply through the forms below:
• Junior Instructor Application Form
• Senior Instructor Application Form

Applicants should be available for all dates in at least one of our sessions:

• Session 1: June 18, 19, 23, 24, 26, July 1, 2
• Session 2: July 7-10 and 14-17
• Session 3: July 21-24 and 28-31
• Additionally, there will be a required in-person training the week of June 9. If you have any questions, please contact one of us!
• Charlotte - [email protected]
• Julie - [email protected]
• Jenny - [email protected]
• Thank you for your interest and see you on deck!
• 3.Masters Program and adult swim league!

Are you looking to improve your fitness, refine your strokes, or just get back in the water with a great group of swimmers? We'd love to invite you to join our Masters Swim Program!

Whether you're a former competitive swimmer, a triathlete in training, or simply someone who enjoys swimming for health and fun, our program is designed to meet all levels and goals. You'll benefit from:

• Expert coaching and structured workouts
• A supportive, social team environment
• Opportunities to compete (if you're into that!)

No matter your experience or pace, there's a lane for you. Come swim with us and rediscover your love for the water!

Practice Times: Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6:15-7:15am starting June 24th.
2 options for registration:

• 1.4 weeks for $100 (6/24, 6/26, 7/1, 7/3, 7/8, 7/10, 7/15, 7/17) sign up here
• 2.6 weeks for $125 (6/24, 6/26, 7/1, 7/3, 7/8, 7/10, 7/15, 7/17, 7/22, 7/24, 7/29, 7/31) sign up here

Feel free to email [email protected]. We hope to see you at the pool!

All the best,
Charlotte Case, Zoe Gondi & Kim O’Brien

-Separate from the morning Master’s practices, a lot of our swimmers jumped into competing over the summer with local swimmers in a league called Grown Up Swimming. Reach out to Kim O’Brien ([email protected]) if you want to learn more! Meets start June 15th. Relaxed, social, fun, short racing! Registration is open, register for Team Sailfish! We would love to have you join our growing team!

https://www.grownupswimming.com/dmv

• 4.2025 Teen Trip, June 28-30- registration open!

We are excited to host the annual Teen Beach Trip once again to Cape Henlopen State Park. We will leave directly from Franklin Knolls Pool following the A Meet on June 28, and return midday Monday, June 30 (around 1pm). A summary of our trip is below.

Want to sign up your Gator Teen? Volunteer? Please register online today using this link in Swimtopia. Please note, your swimmer must be registered for the Gators prior to Teen Trip registration.

***Registration Deadline is June 21, 2025. This registration deadline is firm so we can ensure transportation, chaperone, meals, and dorm space.***

This trip is open to all swimmers in the 13/14 and 15&up swim groups. The registration deadline is Saturday, June 21.

We will leave promptly after home swim meet Saturday, June 28th and depart Cape Henlopen after brunch and cleanup Monday, returning early Monday afternoon, June 30.

This trip is a wonderful tradition where our teens spend time team building and getting to know one another. The trip is designed for team building and fun, including games, beach relays, skits and more. The team will provide all onsite meals. All registered Gator teens are welcome and encouraged to participate.

COST: $95, covers lodging and food on site (personal snacks purchased on the road to/from are not included)

LOCATION: Cape Henlopen State Park, Youth Camp II, Lewes, DE

DATES: June 28 - 30, 2025

TIME: Depart from the FKP lot on Saturday, June 28 immediately following the A Meet. Return between 1 and 2 pm on Monday, June 30 to the FKP lot (your teen will text you as we get close).

ONSITE CONTACT & QUESTIONS: Priscilla Bacon 202.549.2204

TRANSPORTATION: Chaperone vehicles to/from FKP to Cape Henlopen. Carpool assignments will be announced to parents on June 27. Groups for cars/the weekend are blended by age groups - cars will include our first group activity plus a chance for a nap post A meet!

CHAPERONES & VOLUNTEERS: This trip cannot run without your help! If you are interested in chaperoning or volunteering, please select the appropriate choice below. Contact Priscilla Bacon with questions at 202.549.2204 or [email protected].

• 5.Personalized swim caps-- Order now for the 2025 season!

Here is the link for ordering personalized caps for your swimmers:

https://sportfairusa.tuosystems.com/stores/franklinknolls25

They cost $35/pair.

These silicone caps will feature our fierce gator head logo along with your swimmer’s name. Usually, last names are used for customization, but first names & nicknames are fine as well. The store will close May 22 & the caps will arrive by the first A meet on June 14.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

--The Gear Team (Jennifer 301-793-9692, Susanne 301-404-8973, Yasmin 631-353-1755)