The Mini-Cyclones program is back again this summer. This is a "learn-to-swim" program for ages 4 to 7. The main Cyclones team, on the other hand, is intended to teach swimmers aged 5 to 18 more strokes, and to swim them better, faster, and safer, through regular practice, drills, and competition. The Mini-Cyclones are novice swimmers, from those with very little experience to those who simply cannot quite yet fulfill the minimum requirement for the regular team, i.e. swimming 25 meters unassisted. The only requirement to join the Mini-Cyclones is that swimmers must be able to put their entire head underwater and blow bubbles on their own. 

Mini-Cyclone sessions are 30 minutes of small group swimming classes, 3 days a week on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings, for 5-6 weeks in mid-summer, starting June 17th. There will be three 30-minute classes between 7:30 am and 9:00 am. Groups will never exceed 10 swimmers at a time, and there will be one coach in the water with the swimmers for each 5 swimmers. Coaches will be Cyclones Junior and Apprentice coaches who have demonstrated aptitude for working with the youngest and starting swimmers, supervised by the team's head coaches. 

Assessment for Minis will take place on June 17th at 8am. Choice of session will also be determined at this time.

Mini-Cyclone classes are conducted in the shallow, un-laned, walk-in portion of the Faircrest pool, while the main team has morning practice in the laned portion alongside. This means there will always be team swimmers and parents alongside, watching and applauding the mini-Cyclones. The cheering goes both ways: mini-Cyclones are encouraged, but not required, to spectate at team meets, to wear team suits and caps if they wish, and to participate in all team social activities.

While Mini-Cyclones can just learn to swim here, we prefer that they consider themselves "junior team members" or "team members in training": it makes the experience more fun for all, and differentiates it from private classes. It's also a great way for team members' younger siblings to get ready to join the team!

The Mini-Cyclone program starts June 17th. This will allow swimmers, age 4-7, who did not qualify for the main Team a chance to start with the Mini-Cyclones program. Should a Mini-Cyclone become team-eligible during the season, it will likely be too late in the season to "graduate" to the competitive team, but this will be the decision of the head coach. Given enough Mini-Cyclones parent volunteers, we hope to hold a season-end "Lollipop meet" for our Mini-Cyclones, a fun introduction to team swimming, given opportunity and interest. For Mini parents who are interested in helping to organize the Lollipop meet, please contact the Team Reps.

NOTE: the age range for Mini-Cyclones may change in coming seasons, if we can do so and still properly provide quality instruction to each swimmer.