Zoe Caponegro, Aquatics Director
Being at the Buckley pools is like a second home to me. As I enter my 10th summer at Buckley, I am proud to have held the positions of Lifeguard, Aquatics Supervisor and now Aquatics Director. I am very passionate about the Buckley Day Camp Aquatics Program and there is no better feeling than watching campers improve their swimming skills throughout the summer with the help of the best aquatics staff around!
Though my title has changed, my priorities have not. safety comes first, always, followed closely by helping every camper learn to swim and actually enjoy the water. Swimming is a life skill and the number one reason parents send their kids to camp. This summer, swim lessons will feel less like lessons and more like small victories, and free swim will become a place where kids build both skills and confidence.
I Can Swim!
- Small camper-to-instructor ratios
- Age-appropriate facilities
- Daily instructional swim period for all campers entering Nursery-7th grade
- Campers enrolled in the Full Day program (for entering Nursery through 4th grade) have a 2nd scheduled recreational swim daily, and 5th-7th have an optional recreational swim as a workshop choice
Buckley Day Camp takes great pride in its outstanding swim program. Within a supportive environment, campers of all abilities are challenged to improve. Campers are split into small teaching groups with campers within their own age group who are working on the same skills. Our swim Instructors stay with the same group each day they have instructional swim. The ratios are typically 1:4 or better for our early learners and slightly larger for campers as they advance.
At Buckley Day Camp we believe swimming is one of the most important skills a camper should learn and we pride ourselves on teaching campers how to swim through the American Red Cross Learn-To-Swim instruction program. Whether your child has mastered swimming or is a fearful beginner, our mature, nurturing staff of trained, Nassau County Certified lifeguards and highly experienced American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors (WSI) will be able to teach your child new skills and new levels of confidence. Our aquatics staff will guide and challenge swimmers of every ability as they advance their strokes and skills each day.
Our impressive aquatics facility includes four outdoor temperature controlled pools, a Kid Wash water playground, water slides and a diving board. Our private pond is also available for campers to enjoy Kayaking, paddle boating and peddle boating.
Mini Day campers will receive a 30 minute instructional swim period, Monday – Friday. Full Day campers entering Nursery through 2nd grade will receive a 30 minute instructional swim AND a 30 minute recreational swim period Monday – Friday.
Campers entering 3rd grade and 4th grade receive a 30 minute instructional swim period every day. Campers entering 5th grade – 7th grade receive a 30 minute instructional swim period every day. Campers in 3rd grade – 7th grade are able to choose advanced swim instruction as one of their workshops.