What have we gotten ourselves into?!?!

First season can feel overwhelming... a lot of things happening within a 2 month time frame... when in doubt, check your email or the website!

And feel free to ask anyone for help or to tell you what’s going on!

Colonial Swim League

Red Division

Largest and fastest of 4 divisions, with 5-6 teams per division.

Our Community

We are ~100+ families and over 140 swimmers.

It's not too late to register! Encourage friends and neighbors to join too!

What is Summer Swim?

Fun • Community • Social • Family

The Experience

• Daily practices with friends and age groups
• Competitive & developmental meets
• Social events & team bonding

Community Impact

• Community Service: Swim-a-thon & Burke Centre Festival
• New social groups for kids and parents
• Lifelong athletic skills

Growth & Leadership

• Coaching opportunities for team members
• Skill development and personal growth
• Mentorship from older swimmers

Required Items

• Cap & Goggles
• Fins (7 and over Swimmers)
• Kick Board (All Swimmers)
• 2026 Burke Centre Pool Pass

Recommended

• Wet bag
• Sunscreen & Towel
• Sweatpants / Swim jacket
• Team Cap & Suit

Where to Buy

Official Shop:

shopumall.com/collections/burke-centre-penguins

SuitUp, LLC - University Mall

SwimOutlet.com

Penguins Fin Bin - Week 1

For Practices: Wear snug-fitting suits. Trunks should not slide down. Girls typically wear one-pieces. Rashguards are okay.

For Meets: Snug suits required. No tie-backs, shirts, or sleeves. No other team logos on caps (brand logos okay).

Practice Groups

• Try to stick to age groups as much as possible
• PM schedule - every day after school
• AM schedule - once school is out

Kiss -n- ride drop off, no parking in neighborhoods

Key Locations & Dates

May 28 – June 5: Practices at The Landings Pool

June 8 – June 16: Practices at The Oaks Pool

June 17: First B Meet (No afternoon practice)

June 18: Morning practices begin (The Landings)

Season Timeline

• First practice: May 28th
• Time trials: June 6th (baseline for season, no minis)
• We are the afternoon session
• Volunteer Requirement: All families required at TT (doesn't count towards regular hours)
• Other Important Dates: https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/reccobcpva/controller/cms/admin/index#/calendar-team-events

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Swim Events: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly plus IM, and Relays.

Sign up by deadlines (coaches approve); Home meets at Commons pool, Away meets within 30 min drive.

Developmental "B-Meet"

Every Wednesday evening

• ALL swimmers participate (if legal)
• Swim up to 2 strokes plus IM
• Note: If you score top 3 in an A-meet, you cannot swim that stroke at the following B-meet

Competitive "A-Meet"

Saturday mornings

• Line-up posted Friday mornings
• Younger swimmers focus on stroke legality
• Any swimmer can swim IM at the end
• Qualifiers participate in Relay Carnival, IM Meet, Divisionals & All-Stars

Tech Suit Rules: Following USA Swimming rules for 12&U compliant suits.

Post-Season: Qualifying swimmers advance to Divisionals & All-Stars.

Fun Fridays

Games, Recognition, and Breakfast for the whole team.

Team Activities

Friday Pep Rallies

Organized events at the pools including:

• Sidewalk chalking before home meets
• Car Painting & Decorating
• Family Potlucks

Seasonal Team Events

Penguin Olympics: Our annual friendly competition.

Swim-a-thon: Charity Fundraiser for the community.

End of Season Banquet: Celebrating all our swimmers' achievements.

Head Coach - Katie Coulter Contact: penguinsheadcoach@gmail.com

Org Structure: Assistant Head Coaches: Soma Fulwiler | Coaches supervise each lane and provide in-water assistance.

Private Lessons

Check out coaching bios on our website and contact them directly to schedule personal sessions.

Stroke & Turn Clinics

• Thursday evening @ Commons Pool
• $15 per session *All money goes to the coaches

Award Types

• Fun Fridays - prizes
• Swimmer of the week
• Incentives – Stroke Challenge !!

Friday Recognition

• Family Folders
• Ribbons
• DQ Slips - DQ Clinics every Friday

End of Season

Awards: Participation, Age Group Most Improved, High Point Earners.

Special Mention: Stroke Challenge Patch achievement.

2026 Spiritwear site is open for orders!

Get your team gear now and show your Penguin pride at the meets!

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https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/reccobcpva/page/swim-gear--merch

Requirements & Security

• Work 6 jobs (min. 5 A or B meet-related) OR Opt-Out.
• $500 security check due June 13 to Burke Centre Swim Club.
• Checks are cancelled after requirements met; otherwise cashed.
• Leave in "Volunteer check folder" in Family folders box.

Sign Ups & Opt-Out

• Online sign-ups: Email notifications sent for early access.
• 48-hour notice required for cancellations/changes.
• Opt-Out Fee: $500 (note on check).
• Mini families: 3 jobs - must be A or B meet related. Can fill a food item for Time Trials IF your swimmer is not swimming.

VACANT KEY VOLUNTEERS - WE NEED YOU!

Treasurer • Team Rep (in-training) • Pool Set Up Coordinator • Head Timer • Swim-a-thon Coordinator

Quick Access

• Family Box - Check for ribbons & info
• Team Website: burkecentrepenguins.com
• Team Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BurkeCentrePenguins
• Team Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burkepenguins/
• Resources – Family Handbook

Mobile & Apps

• Team Unify / Sports Engine - Team & swimmer app
• Meet Mobile - Live meet info app
• Verify account emails & SMS for texts

Stay Informed

• Volunteer, Meet, & Activity sign-ups • Team Ladder & Results • News You Can Use (Email & Website)

Practice, meet, and activities can be impacted by weather - look for updates

Year-Round Swim

• Lots of year-round opportunities
• pvswim.org/pvs_club.htm
• Local Clubs: NCAP, MAKO, SHARK TANK, FISH, Sea Devils, St James

Penguins Winter Swim

• Sessions held on Sunday evenings

If you have any questions and are new to swim or new to the area there are plenty of people willing to answer questions.