The picture of summer fun would not be complete without water activities. The Dive and Dip camp of the Summer Inspiration Program provides kids with just that – an opportunity to splash and have fun as well as to learn or improve swimming skills.
Technically speaking, Dive and Dip is split in two camps – one for middle schoolers and another one for the students of the elementary school. It takes place on two different weekdays and at two different locations – at Putnam County’s public pool and at God of Peace Ministries.
“I teach kids how to swim – breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle and butterfly,” said camp instructor Rakeena Griffin. “They also learn the fundamentals such as floating and breath control.”
Griffin, who grew up in Eatonton, is a graduate of Kennesaw State University. She is currently in the training program to become a teacher, to complete which she has to spend nine weeks teaching at each of the four schools – primary, elementary, middle and high school.
She said that her wish was to be a science teacher. Prior to doing the camp in Putnam County, she worked as a swimming instructor in Kennesaw, where she also learned survival techniques.
“I am planning on doing a survival day here,” she said.
The camp also benefited from the voluntary participation of Winston D. Williams, a retired fire chief from Chicago, a certified lifeguard and scuba diver.
Williams moved to Georgia approximately 14 years ago and made his residence in Covington. He got involved in swimming camps at Putnam County through pastor Avis Williams of Community Transformation at Lake Oconee Community Church, who has a background in doing ministry in Covington as well. His motivation was his love for kids and swimming and his desire to give back to the community.
“I like this camp,” said sixth-grader Bryce Leslie. “I learned everything here.”