STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University’s Department of Kinesiology is hosting adapted swim camps this spring and summer to help children and adults with special needs gain confidence in the water and learn basic swimming skills and water safety.

The spring camp runs March 16-20 for ages 3-14, while the summer session takes place June 1-5 for participants ages 3 to adult. Both camps will be held at MSU’s Sanderson Center, 225 Bailey Howell Drive.

Under the direction of Associate Professor of Kinesiology Gregg Twietmeyer, certified adapted swim instructors and MSU student volunteers will lead the campers. Swimmers attend one 45- or 60-minute session per day, depending on age, over the five-day program.

“The MSU Adapted Swim Camp focuses on two things,” Twietmeyer said. “First, the intrinsic joy of swimming. Swimming is fun. It is play. As such, it should be open to all. Second, our camp teaches vital safety skills to people with special needs. Drowning, for instance, is a leading cause of injury and death for children with autism. Our camps help swimmers and their caregivers have greater skills and confidence in and around water.”

To participate, individuals must be at least 3 years old and have a diagnosed disability. Those with a tracheostomy or G-tube stoma for less than two months are not eligible. A parent or guardian must remain on site during the camp.

The registration fee is $100. Full scholarships are available for families in need, and space is limited. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Volunteers are also needed to assist campers, working one session per day during the five-day period. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and comfortable in the water.

For more information on registration or volunteering, visit www.kinesiology.msstate.edu/swimcamp. For questions about the camp or scholarships, contact Twietmeyer at [email protected].