Calling all Flyer Families - IT’S BUDDY TIME!

Buddies have been a long time tradition of the Forest Park Swim Team. Swimmers are paired up with other swimmers from different age groups to encourage friendship and community throughout the season. This year we’re changing it up a little, you now have the option to opt OUT of Buddies.

We realize it isn't for every family so we want to give families an out if necessary. We will assume every family wants to have a buddy for their swimmer unless you contact us to opt out at [email protected] by Monday, May 12.

If you opt out of buddies, you will still be included in all activities!

How many Buddies? Every swimmer will be paired up with one, max two swimmers for the season.

How can my child be a Good Buddy?

• It's important to remember that it’s helpful for parents to be involved, especially for the younger kids.
• Exchange phone numbers.
• Exchange buddy "About Me" sheet info. Click HERE for downloadable PDF to print or see email attachment. Time Trials will be a good time to exchange sheet. 
• Cheer your buddy on when they swim.
• Take pictures with your buddy and feel free to share them by text or send them to Marcie or Heather at [email protected] for some fun buddy prizes throughout the season.
• Make a sign for your buddy for City Meet.
• Plan a coordinating outfit for Buddy Night/Team Party.
• Check the weekly Buddy challenge/activity for meets.
• Occasionally bring a little gift for them - maybe something off their favorites list ranging between $1-$5 or find something at the Dollar Store or Target $1 Spot.
• Bring them a handmade card.
• Say hi at practice/check in with them.

When will I find out who my Buddy is? Saturday, May 17 during our 8 am team meeting at Time Trials. 

We will have a craft that anyone on the team can do, but buddies will be encouraged to do it together and try to get to know one another. You can exchange your buddy info with them at that time too so please bring your buddy "About Me" paper to time trials for exchanging. If you will not be at time trials the buddy list will be posted on our bulletin board wall as you come into the pool and you can check the next time you are there. If you need help finding your buddy, ask any of the board members to help you connect.

What are the Clothespins about?

We're starting something new this year in honor of our "Camp" theme! If you find a festively decorated clothespin on you or your belongings; You've been Pinned! This is to encourage team spirit throughout our team and community. At time trials your swimmer will be making their first clothespin with their group so they can see how it’s done.They can keep them this first time but ideally, they should quietly pass them along! We are starting the fun but we want to encourage your family to continue it. 

Your swimmer is MORE than welcome to continue to make their own clothespins at home and bring them to meets and have fun passing them around, not just to our team but others as well! Please remember, they are to be encouraging and positive. We will talk more about this at Parent Night and Time Trials as we start a new swim team tradition!

We look forward to another wonderful season with our Flyer Family! Please let Marcie or Heather know if you have any questions.

GO FLYERS!