iCan Swim Camp, a week-long swim program for individuals of all abilities, returns to Delaware for another year, serving the Sussex County community for the first time.
In partnership with iCan Shine, an international nonprofit that teaches individuals with disabilities to independently swim, dance, and bike, the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware (DSADE) plans to add an additional week of iCan Swim to its summer schedule. Partially funded by Step into Swim, which provides free and low-cost swim lessons across the country to those who cannot afford it, the DSADE will host iCan Swim Camp in Wilmington from July 20-24 and in Seaford from August 10-14.
The camp costs $150, which is heavily subsidized. Participants attend camp for about an hour a day and receive individualized attention from volunteers and instructors in a small group setting. 60% of families, however, participate in the DSADE’s no-questions-asked scholarship program, which covers the entire cost of the camp.
“I thought basic skills were taught in a completely non-threatening way, with lots of patience, support, and no pressure to do the things the kids weren’t comfortable [with] or ready to do,” said Mary Lowe, whose granddaughter Emily attended the camp in 2025.
While the class is led by certified swim instructors from the iCan Shine organization, volunteers are crucial to the ability of the program to survive and to equip swimmers with life-saving skills. Volunteers are paired with swimmers in a one-to-one ratio. Volunteer registration remains open to people ages 15 and up. However, younger teens are welcome to volunteer with adult supervision and no teaching or volunteer experience is necessary for applicants.
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across ages, from three-year-olds to adults, learn valuable water safety skills at the camp. On day one of iCan Swim Camp, many teary-eyed swimmers don’t release their grips from the edges of the pool for the entirety of their swim lessons. On day five, they confidently splash, swim, make bubbles, or achieve their version of success in the water.
“[Before Emily attended iCan Swim Camp], I would tell people that Emily was a child who loved the pool, but wouldn’t get off the steps leading into the water,” said Lowe. “During the week [of iCan Swim Camp], she did not fear the pool and tried to do what was being presented even if she wasn’t always successful. The next time she had an opportunity to be in a pool, she tried some of her skills without being prompted and was pretty good with the ones she had success with at camp.”
For interview requests with DSADE staff, volunteers, or families, or to coordinate media coverage of iCan Swim Camp, please contact tara@dsadelaware.org.
The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware supports families, promotes inclusion, and encourages lifelong opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. Learn more at dsadelaware.org or on Facebook or Instagram @dsadelaware.
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