SPLASHForward’s Camp SPLASH! was an incredible experience for middle school students served by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue and Rainier Athletes, and was designed specifically for those with little to no swimming skills. This is the 3rd consecutive summer this camp has been offered by this collaboration of nonprofit partners, and year after year it’s proven to be an exciting introduction to aquatics and water safety. It continues to exceed everyone's expectations!

Throughout the camp, students dove into water safety knowledge both in the classroom and hands-on in the pool. Each day was packed with swimming lessons, water safety education on land, in the water drills, and plenty of water play. The campers got their first taste of water sports like water polo and kayaking, opening their eyes to new adventures and possibilities. Partnering with Samena Swim & Recreation Club, they made sure every splash counted! 

The water polo introduction in the water was led by our Board member, Katoya Palmer. She’s the COO for Community Passageways and is a former water polo player and a HS coach for Sammamish and Interlake boys.

The BGCB Teen Clubhouse, conveniently located just across the street from Samena, was the base of operations. Each morning, after water safety education in the classroom, campers eagerly walked across the street ready to dive into their aquatic lessons, and returned in the afternoon with smiles and new skills. What made Camp SPLASH! truly special was that it was completely free. All the necessary swim gear—suits, towels, goggles, swim bags, and life jackets, were provided — they even ensured everyone was well-fed. Susan Pappalardo, Executive Director of SPLASHForward, expertly crafted and helped lead the water safety curriculum, which was a huge success. Students not only learned how to stay safe in the water, but also got a glimpse into lifeguarding and swim instruction as potential future roles.

“Camp SPLASH! is near and dear to my heart because of the partnerships to hold the camp and the impact we have on every camper’s water competency skills and overall confidence both in and out of the pool. With the water safety knowledge we share and the in-water lessons, each camper becomes a water safety sentry within their families and friend groups. We surveyed the students at the end of the camp and, this year, 100% of them responded that they are more confident around water and several responded they could teach a water safety class to their friends,” says Pappalardo.  

“Representation matters,” she continues. “Many of our campers are from our Latinx and black and brown communities and many of their parents have fears around water or no swimming skills. For them to be safe and confident around water has ripple effects. Introducing them to opportunities to become lifeguards and swim instructors helps create a welcoming environment for others in their community.” 

"We can’t wait to bring Camp SPLASH! to the new Bellevue Aquatic Center and build on our community partnerships," she enthuses. "The Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue, Rainier Athletes, Samena Swim and Recreation Club, WA State Parks Boating Program, and King County Parks 

have been outstanding long-time partners, and this camp would not be possible without their partnership, passion for kids, and doing their absolute best for the kids they serve.” 

This is the camp’s second year of being able to offer paid positions for their teen camp counselors. One of the most exciting outcomes of this year’s camp was hiring three of their first-year campers as counselors, bringing their full-circle journey to life. One of them is now set to join SPLASHForward’s High School Lifeguard Training Program and will soon be a certified lifeguard and swim instructor. Her story is a testament to the doors that Camp SPLASH! can open, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for her achievements and her bright path ahead.

One of the highlights of the week was kayaking day at Lake Sammamish State Park. Campers met with partners from the Washington State Parks Boating Program, who taught them the basics of kayaking. The day was filled with laughter, learning, and exploration as everyone paddled around the lake, enjoyed a picnic lunch, and participated in interpretive activities at the park.

The entire week was filled with laughter and joy, with one student sharing, "The fun memories with my friends and everything I learned made me so happy." Another said, "I had fun and learned a lot. Being with my friends made it even better." And another camper added, "Kayaking when we went to the lake was the best part!"

The smiles, the splashes, and the shared moments created memories that will last a lifetime. Camp SPLASH! wasn’t just about learning water safety—it was about having fun, making friends, and feeling truly happy.

Camp SPLASH! was not just a camp—it was a launchpad for new experiences, friendships, and lifelong skills. Many students said they cannot wait for next year’s camp!