It’s finally here! We are pleased to introduce the 2010 Strawberry Seals Buddy Program. Buddies are such an important part of the swim team experience—it’s a great opportunity for older and younger kids to bond and have fun across the team. The younger kids get a big buddy who provides encouragement and friendship while the older kids get to show their little buddies the ropes acting as team role models.
Because it is so important, at the end of season awards this year we will be giving an award to the Best Big Buddy—this will go to the swimmer who best exemplifies the qualities of friendship and teamwork that we are trying to foster through the program.
We have made the program as easy as possible so hopefully everyone will participate and have fun. Below the Buddy Finder is how the program will work and a time line. Please take a few moments and read through it so you can help your child get the most out of the buddy program.
Please Note:
There is an abundance of 10 and 11 year olds and thus, we had to make some adjustments to the buddy pairs. Some 10 year olds are paired with 11 year olds. These swimmers will be more like peer friends than the traditional big buddy/lil buddy relationship. What is most important is that they support each other and the older swimmer can share his/her experiences from being on the team one year longer.
Due to the smaller number of older swimmers than younger swimmers a few of the older kids have two Little Buddies. We tried to be as fair as possible but there was no way to avoid this and still insure that all the younger swimmers had Big Buddies. If your child is one of the Big Buddies with two Little Buddies, please encourage them and let them know that this is their chance to make a difference in the experience of two little people as well as to have two little admirers!
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email Sloan Klein (Mom of Jamie and Sophie Klein) at sloan@sloanklein.com.
Thanks in advance for helping us make this program a success.
Sloan Klein and Stacey Ciauri
Week of April 19: Card/Photo Exchange
Check the buddy lists posted at each pool to find your buddy or use the Buddy Finder. Kick things off by making a card for your buddy. Introduce yourself and provide a photo and if you want a small treat for your buddy. Put the card in the Buddy Box that the coaches will have at each practice or bring it to Time Trials on Saturday 4/28. Don’t forget to check the buddy box for your note!
Time Trials April 28: Big Buddies
Make a point of finding your little buddies and introducing yourself in person. Cheer them on for their first race day of the 2010 season.
Potluck Picnic May 7
We will host a series of activities for the buddies to bond and have fun together. Stay tuned for a scavenger hunt, wheel barrow races, water balloon toss and a whipped cream eating buddy team relay (big hit last year!)
Week Before Each Home Meet
Big Buddies to send encouraging/fun notes to their little buddies early in the week to get them fired up for the home meet. We will send out email reminders. Place the notes in the buddy box that the coaches will bring to practice.
Little Buddies: check the buddy box for your notes!
First Meet May 8 and All Home Meets
We are placing special emphasis on Home meets.
Big Buddies: support your little buddy by watching their event and cheering them on. Little Buddies do the same if possible for your Big Buddy.
We will have special buddy treats at each of these meets. Come and find me together, get your picture taken and get your treat!! (Sloan Klein and Stacey Ciauri will have a Buddy Sign so you can find them)
