Swimming is where Camp Chikopi began.
Founded in 1920 by University of Michigan and U.S. Olympic swim coach Matt Mann II, Camp Chikopi is the world’s first swim camp. From the beginning, swimming has been part of daily camp life, guided by Matt Mann’s belief in the physical, moral, and personal development of each boy.
Today, Camp Chikopi is a traditional overnight summer camp for boys in Ontario, Canada, offering both competitive and recreational swimming as part of a full multi-sport program.
This page describes our recreational swimming and learn-to-swim program.
Many campers arrive already comfortable in the water. Others are learning to swim for the first time or gaining confidence in deeper water.
Both belong at Chikopi.
Each summer, a small number of boys arrive genuinely afraid of the water. Helping these campers become calm, comfortable, and safe swimmers is one of the most important goals of our program, and one of our greatest successes.
With steady instruction and encouragement, these boys almost always make strong progress. Many go on to enjoy swimming and later complete the Chikopi Mile, something their families often never imagined possible.
We measure success in confidence and safety, not speed.
Some boys arrive at camp with little or no swimming ability.
These campers begin in a dedicated introductory stage focused entirely on safety and comfort in the water. Instruction starts in shallow, controlled areas and covers basic water awareness, floating, breathing control, and how to remain calm in the lake.
Once a camper shows basic safety skills and is comfortable entering the water, he naturally moves into our regular learn-to-swim program, where stroke instruction and further confidence building continue.
This gradual approach allows boys to progress without pressure and build trust in the water at their own pace.
Every camper is swim-tested on arrival and placed according to Life Saving Society and Red Cross standards to ensure appropriate supervision and instruction from the first day.
All water activities begin with safety instruction and are overseen by certified lifeguards.
Recreational swimmers receive regular instruction in:
floating and breathing control
basic front and back strokes
safe entry and exit
water awareness
lake safety
Swimming takes place in supervised areas of the waterfront and beach.
No camper is forced into competitive training. Progress happens gradually and naturally.
Distance swims are a long-standing Chikopi tradition, and every camper may choose to participate, regardless of swimming background.
These include:
The Knoepfli Mile Swim
The Chikopi Mile
For many recreational swimmers, completing the Knoepfli Mile Swim and or the Chikopi Mile becomes a powerful personal milestone. Having his name added to the dining hall wall represents personal achievement, not competition.
Swimming is one of the most important skills a child can learn.
Our goal is simple:
boys who are safe in water
boys who know how to help themselves
boys who are calm and capable around lakes, boats, and docks
At camp, swimming quickly becomes a normal and enjoyable part of daily life, shared with friends, supported by staff, and built into the rhythm of the day.
Freshwater environment
Swimming takes place in Ahmic Lake, part of the Magnetawan River system. Campers swim in clean, flowing freshwater without chlorine or chemical treatment.
Experienced staff
Many instructors grew up at Chikopi and understand both swimming instruction and camp life. Teaching is practical and consistent.
Friendships beyond the water
Swimming is part of camp life, not separate from it. Boys build friendships across cabins, sports, and countries.
The camp’s waterfront stretches nearly a mile along Ahmic Lake.
In addition to the 50-metre lake-fed pool, campers enjoy:
supervised beach swimming
kayaking
paddle boarding
sailing
relaxed free-swim periods during electives
This helps boys become comfortable in natural water, not just pools.
Swimming at Camp Chikopi is not about specialization.
It is about:
safety
confidence
steady progress
comfort in water
healthy challenge
From frightened beginners to confident swimmers, every step forward matters.
Register for Summer 2026
https://www.campchikopi.com/registration
Programs & Daily Schedule
https://www.campchikopi.com/programs
Questions about swimming?
Phone (Canada): 705-387-3811
Winter Office (Nov–May): 954-566-8235
Email: campchikopi@aol.com
