1. SWIM Program
Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester
Lili Clement, Ashley Cunningham, Savannah Gramann, Kurt Joyce, Hailey McInnes and
Connor Smith
[Safe Water Initiative Mentorship Program ]

2. CONTENTS
Situational Analysis
Executive Summary .............................................................................. 4
Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester ........................................................... 5
Problem .............................................................................................. 8
Club Rotation ........................................................................................ 9
Aquatics Programming ......................................................................... 10
Aquatics Director, Richard Mojica ......................................................... 11
The Need & The Ask ............................................................................. 12
SWOT Analysis .............................................................................................. 13
Objectives & Goals ....................................................................................... 14
Audience Analysis ......................................................................................... 15
Dorchester Community
Cultural Barriers
Program Target Audience
Sub-Segment Audiences
Positioning
Positioning Statement ............................................................................ 18
Pilot Program ......................................................................................... 19
H20 Passport ......................................................................................... 21
Peer-to-Peer Safety Training ................................................................. 22
Teach2Swim .......................................................................................... 23
Instructor Certification ............................................................................ 24
Communication Plan
External Audience ................................................................................. 26
Internal Audience ................................................................................... 27
Messaging
Central Message .................................................................................... 28
Secondary Message ............................................................................... 28
H2O Passport ......................................................................................... 29
Stamps or Stickers ................................................................................. 30
Website .................................................................................................. 31
Newsletter .............................................................................................. 34
Social Media ........................................................................................... 35
Financing
Financial Analysis ................................................................................... 37
Sponsors ................................................................................................. 39
Support
Internship Job Description ....................................................................... 42
Future Plans ..................................................................................................... 43

3. EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
For some, learning to swim was just a part of growing up. For a significant number
of children, however, learning how to swim was never presented as an option. This
disparity is the result of cultural, social, and economic barriers. While many regard
swimming as a fun, recreational activity, it is more importantly a valuable life skill. On any
given day, an average of two children die in the United States as a result of accidental
drowning. By addressing this issue at a local level, we can start to chip away at a national
problem. Enter the SWIM Program, a pilot program that guides at-risk youth through water
safety to swim certification. The following pilot program and communication plan were
drafted for the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester. Currently, Dorchester swim lessons are
being utilized, but not by the Dorchester community. Due to a variety of factors including
financial strain, cultural attitudes, and generational aversion to swimming, many children in
the Dorchester community are at risk of being victims of preventable drowning accidents.
In order to decrease unnecessary childhood deaths attributed to drowning, the SWIM
Program integrates interactive water safety lessons into the regular club rotation, removes
the cost of swim lessons through peer-to-peer teaching, and encourages instructor
certifications among older participants. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of Red
Cross swim certifications within the Dorchester Community.
4

4. Colonel Daniel Marr Boys
and Girls Club est. 1974
4,000 members
5-18 years old
$5 once a year fee
Deer Street, Dorchester Ave,
Mount Vernon Street
78% live in Dorchester
77% identify as a
person of color
53% live in single
parent homes
78% qualify for reduced
lunch
Over 50% come from
homes earning less
than $30,000
25% come from homes
earning less than
$14,000
5

5. LOCATION
Colonel Daniel Marr Boys & Girls Club was established in 1974 in Dorchester with
the goal to provide the surrounding community with quality opportunities and programs
for as little financial strain as possible. Their mission is to inspire and enable all young
people, from diverse circumstances, to realize their full potential by providing opportunities
for personal growth to become contributing, caring and responsible members of the
community. The Club has worked hard to offer a safe environment for fostering meaningful
programs and life experiences.
Today, there are 3 different Boys & Girls Club locations in the Dorchester area on
Deer Street, Dorchester Ave, and Mount Vernon Street, with over 4,000 members between
the ages of 5 and 18. Around 78% of the Dorchester Boys & Girls Club community
actually come from the surrounding Dorchester area. The Club is very ethnically diverse,
with around 77% of their members identifying as a person of color. Over a quarter of the
membership identifies as African American. The Boys & Girls club is open year round
accommodating families during the school year and during summer/winter breaks. This is
significant for the 53% of families who come from a single parent household and the 66%
of members who live in low to moderate income households.
The main club location on Deer Street houses a full competition sized swimming
pool, which was renovated in 2002. There, they hold swim meets and lessons for over
260 children ranging from ages 4-17. Members pay a $5 once a year application fee and
have access to around 200 programs, not including “specialized programming,” (e.g. swim
lessons). With over 50% of the Boys & Girls Club community coming from households
earning less than $30,000, and 25% living in households earning less than $14,000 a
year, discretionary funds are tight and many specialized programs can’t be afforded.
6

6. THE
PROBLEM
Over 50% of Massachusetts children under the age 17 who participate in
water-related activities can’t swim. In the United States, nearly 10 people die
every day as a result of accidental drowning. 20% of those drowning deaths
are children under 14. Survivors of potential drowning accidents demand a
high degree of emergency care, resulting in a drain of resources from cities
and towns. 50% of kids surviving potential drowning end up needing long term
care. This is both a local and national problem that can be addressed by making
water safety instruction and swim lessons accessible and affordable.
Over 50% of
children under 17
years old can’t
swim
10 people die
every day from
accidental
drowning
50% of kids
surviving need
long term care
20% of those
deaths are
children under 14
Massachusetts United States
8

7. Like every Boys & Girls Club facility, the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester follows a
club rotation. Starting at 2 PM every day, children can take part in scheduled homework
help sessions, guitar or piano lessons, art classes, fitness classes, sports, and more.
The club rotation serves as an after school program for anyone over the age of 6.
Children between the ages of 7-12 have access to the club facilities and programs
between 2-6 PM. Teens have access to facilities from 2-8:45 PM. The official “drop-in”
period occurs between 2-3:15 PM. While a free swim is offered from 3 to 4:15 PM, this
activity is largely ignored as many of the young members do not know how to swim.
After 6 PM, the club only offers specialized programs that require additional fees.
CLUB
ROTATION
Open ages 6-12
Open ages 13-18
Drop-in/homework help
Free Swim
Club Rotation begins: Tween Fitness, Google CS-First Computer Coding, Young
Entrepreneurs, Global Explorers: Art Edition, Chess Champs, etc.
Special Programs: Swimming, Yoga, Basketball, Hockey, Torch Club, Junior
Create-a-Cook, STEAM Team, Reading Buddies, Fencing, etc.
2-6 pm
2-8 pm
2-3:15 pm
3-4:15 pm
4:15-5 pm
6-8 pm
9

8. There are currently two swim lesson programs offered: School Age Swim
Lessons and Tiny Tots. School age swim lessons are open to members ages 6-18.
The lessons are level-based, so children can move up a level once they have
completed all necessary tasks. These classes are considered a specialty program
and start after club rotation is over. Lessons cost $35 for eight weeks of classes.
Tiny Tots are swim lessons for children between the ages of 3-5 and are identical
in class length and cost. Swim caps and goggles are provided to all children taking
swim lessons, however, often times there are not enough to accommodate every
child. Most of the children that are enrolled in the club’s swim lessons commute from
neighboring areas like Quincy and Braintree because of the cheap cost of lessons.
Other aquatics programs include: family swim, lifeguard training classes, the
Marr-line Swim Team, Summer Swim Team, and the Intramural Swim League.
AQUATIC
PROGRAMMING
10

9. AQUATICS
DIRECTOR
Richard Mojica is the aquatics director at the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester.
Mojica joined the Boys & Girls Club in August 2015. He currently works at the Boys
& Girls Club Monday through Friday and occasionally on Saturdays. He has a long
history with aquatics including extensive experience coaching, as well as teaching
swim lessons and lifeguard training. On Sundays, Richard also works at a paraplegic
sports club teaching swim lessons/classes. He is a water safety instructor trainer,
accounting for one of five training instructors in all of Massachusetts. As an instructor
trainer, he has the ability to create new instructors for aquatic programs throughout
Massachusetts. Richard Mojica believes strongly in swimming as a life skill and
is passionate about addressing the Dorchester community’s need for better water
safety.
11

10. THE NEED &
THE ASK
The majority of children that take part in the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester’s
swim lessons are from neighboring communities, not Dorchester. This is partially
because swim lessons begin after clubhouse rotation is over and many parents have
already picked up their children. The Dorchester Boys & Girls Club needs a program to
increase the number of swim lesson participants within the Dorchester community and
ease more apprehensive children into water safety.
Aquatics Director Richard Mojica has imagined a pilot program that implements
water safety lessons within the club rotation and a peer mentoring system that allows
children to earn their swim lessons through teaching. We have been asked to provide a
communications plan for this pilot program which includes mock ups of communication
materials, lists of possible sponsors to support the program, and internship roles to help
implement and sustain the program.
12

11. SWOT
Strengths (Internal):
Program that removes the financial
barrier of swim lessons is already in
place
Water safety curriculum has already
been drafted
Richard is a passionate training
instructor
Evidence of interest from younger club
members for swim lessons
Provided swim goggles and caps
Non-profit positive reputation
Weaknesses (Internal):
Club is understaffed
Swim lessons are offered after club
rotation is over
Cost of swim lessons/swimsuit
Lack of funding for swim program
expansion/advertising
Aquatics director is at maximum work
capacity
Opportunities (External):
Individual or organization sponsorships
Neighboring college internships and/or
collaboration
Network of Boys & Girls Clubs (copy/
paste program possibility)
Public school outreach
Water safety certification program
Red Cross swim certification reputation
Overlapping non-profit organizations
Threats (External):
Children may be uninterested in being
mentors/teachers to younger children
Discouraging cultural attitudes towards
swimming and water activities among
African-American and Hispanic/Latino
communities
Inflexible family schedules
Competing after-school activities or
athletics
Financial stressors/lack of discretionary
funds
13

12. OBJECTIVE &
GOALS
Objective: To create a pilot swim program and communication
plan for the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester.
Goals:
To educate children about water safety
To eliminate the fear of swimming amongst kids within the
Dorchester community
To increase the percentage of kids that are Red Cross
swimming certified within the Dorchester community
To decrease the amount of water related preventable deaths
within the Dorchester community
14

13. AUDIENCE
ANALYSIS
“Why should
I have to pay
money to be
afraid?”
According to a study conducted by the USA Swimming Foundation, 70% of African-
American and 60% of Hispanic/Latino children cannot swim. The Center for Disease
Control found that African-American children drown at a rate nearly three times higher
than their Caucasian peers. Some of the most compelling factors that influence a person’s
decision to learn to swim are cultural beliefs. Both African American and Hispanic/Latino
communities hold deeply entrenched ideas about swimming and water activities. These
beliefs, along with more material barriers, contribute to swimming disparity.
The following research is from a 2010 study commissioned by the USA Swimming
Foundation. The survey sampled over 2,000 metropolitan minority youth primarily between
the ages of 11 and 16.
The variables that most commonly influenced minority youth swimming included:
The child’s as well as the parent’s fear of drowning/being injured while
swimming
Family environment, (e.g. parent swim ability, parent encouragement,
family swim participation, household income, parent/guardian education)
Easy access to/feeling safe at nearest pool
Awareness and admiration of a highly competitive swimmer
“Some parents did not view swimming ability as a necessity
and did not view lessons as a means to protect their
children by making them safe in and around water. Rather,
keeping their children out of the water altogether was assumed
to be a mode of protection,” ~ (Irwin, “Constraints Impacting
Minority Swimming Participation: Phase II”).
15

14. The home can be an important deciding factor when it comes to taking part in swim
lessons. Something that can dramatically affect a child’s ability to be an at-risk swimmer
is whether their parent(s) can or cannot swim. African American and Hispanic/Latino
participants were less likely to come from a home that can swim or encourages swimming
than White/Asian participants. Additionally, African American and Hispanic/ Latino
participants were significantly more inclined than White participants to agree with the
statement: “I do not swim because I do not enjoy it” (Irwin, “Constraints Impacting Minority
Swimming Participation: Phase I”).
From this initial survey, the USA Swimming Foundation then conducted a series of
focus groups to dive deeper into cultural beliefs that discourage swimming participation
for African American and Hispanic/Latino urban communities. Some of the barriers
that surfaced during the focus group sessions included lack of media depictions of
people of color swimming and personal appearance. Josie, a Boston parent, “believes
certain hairstyles limit opportunities for young girls...and a preference for these styles
can negatively impact girl swim participation” (Irwin, “Constraints Impacting Minority
Swimming Participation: Phase II”). This echoed the results of the survey which found that
African American young women, more than any other female respondents of color, were
significantly less skilled and less comfortable in the water. This barrier, in particular, can
come at a high financial cost in terms of hair maintenance.
In many cases, parents passed along their fear of water onto their children. In our
conversation with Richard Mojica, he affirmed the importance of inherited fear within the
Dorchester community. This fear limits parents from positive encouragement and may
even promote discouragement around swim participation. Making swimming a priority
while juggling the necessary time commitment and financial cost can also be a struggle.
With all of these barriers, however, many caretakers in this study still wanted to provide
an opportunity for their children that they did not have. The need for security was still
there. When providing solutions for communities like these, it is important to create paths
to water safety that put these cultural attitudes first. By easing parents and children alike
into swim safety, we can begin to chip away at fears, concerns, and negative ideas while
promoting swimming as an essential life skill and not just a recreational activity.
16

15. 7-14 Year Olds 15+ Year Olds
More dependent on
caretaker for drop off/
pick up
Able to be “Instructor
Aide”
Accepting of new
experiences/lessons
More independent,
flexible schedule
Able to be lifeguards
Less accepting of new
experiences/lessons
Current Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester Clubs Ages 7 & Up
17

16. POSITIONING
For Dorchester Boys & Girls clubhouse kids that are
not currently taking swim lessons, the SWIM Program is
a water safety initiative that guides children of all ages
through water safety basics to full swim certification by
rewarding children for lessons learned and removing the
financial burden of swim lessons.
18

17. PILOT
PROGRAM
The Safe Water Initiative Mentorship Program is a water safety education program
comprised of three components: Peer-to-Peer Safety Training, Teach2Swim and the
Red Cross Instructor Certification program. Each section of the program will be taught
by instructors and older peers that will focus on different facets of water safety and
preparedness. Though not mandatory, once a member completes one section of the
program, they are encouraged to move on to the next part of the program. Club members
are able to selectively participate in only certain parts of the program if they so choose.
As a whole, the SWIM Program teaches club members how to remain safe around water
using peer-to-peer mentoring strategies and empowers them to be more confident in and
out of water.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
19

18. Purpose: The H2O Passport connects all three components of the SWIM Program. Once
a child starts participating in either the Peer-to-Peer Safety Training or Teach2Swim, they
will be provided with their own personal H2O Passport which keeps track of their progress.
The passport will serve as a reference and communication tool for instructors, lifeguards,
and parents. Included within the passport will be an abbreviated curriculum and/or
missions for each of the three components of the SWIM Program.
Design: Young members will be given the option to personalize their passport using
arts and crafts supplies and even their own photo to include inside the passport. This
personalization encourages a sense of ownership over the knowledge. The inside front
cover of the passport will provide information that is parent-facing about the Peer-to-Peer
Safety Training. There will be spaces throughout the passport with various water safety
lessons that will either be stamped or stickered once the child has completed the task. A
congratulatory message will let the child know that they are now “Water Safety Certified”
after the Peer-to-Peer Safety Training section of the passport. This congratulation
message will be followed by information about “testing out” their skills in the water
through the Teach2Swim program. The Teach2Swim section will mirror the Peer-to-Peer
Safety Training section with spaces for the different skills that will need to be marked by
the aquatics director/instructor. The final page of the passport advertises the instructor
certification program.
Logistics: H2O Passports will be kept on-site at the club until the child has completed a
section of the passport. At this time, they will be allowed to take their passport home to
their parent in order to discuss what they have learned and bridge a conversation about
pursuing the next part of the SWIM Program.
H2O PASSPORT
21

19. Purpose: To serve as an introductory swim safety education program before actually
experiencing the water first hand.
Curriculum: It will work to teach children basic water safety information and skills.
Information of the program will include, water sign literacy, basic CPR, lifeguard/ safety
personal communication, and flotation device utilization.
Schedule: The Peer-to-Peer Safety Training will occur during the club's typical club
rotation hours, Monday through Friday 3-6pm.
Instructors: The Peer-to-Peer Safety Training will be instructed by Dorchester Boys and
Girls Club aquatics director Richard Mojica. In addition, current club members/swimmers
participating in the Teach2Swim program will assist Richard in program operations.
Cost: The Peer-to-Peer Safety Training will be free of charge as it is a program offered
within the club membership.
Ages: Club members that are 7 years of age or older are eligible to participate within the
The Peer-to-Peer Safety Training.
Materials: All club members will be given an H2O Passport at the beginning of the training
to use throughout the program.
PEER-TO-PEER SAFETY TRAINING
22

20. TEACH2SWIM
Purpose: Teach2Swim is a work study program that allows club members experiencing
financial difficulties (unable to pay the swim lesson fee) to participate in club swim lessons.
Students involved in the program will work off the fee by serving as swim lesson/Peer-to-
Peer Safety Training instructor aides or lifeguards depending on their age and level of
skill.
Curriculum: Teach2Swim participants will serve as instructors for younger club members
in all level swim classes (beginner, intermediate and advanced) and the Peer-to-Peer
Safety Training. Within the swim lessons, participants will teach younger club members
skills taught within the club’s current swim lesson curriculum. Within the Peer-to-Peer
Safety Training they will teach the curriculum provided by the aquatics director.
Schedule: Teach2Swim participants will work as instructors for either the Peer-to-Peer
Safety Training (Monday through Friday 3pm-6pm) or during the club’s scheduled swim
lessons (weeknight evenings at 6pm and Saturday afternoons).
Instructors: Teach2Swim will be supervised by Dorchester Boys & Girls Club aquatics
director Richard Mojica.
Cost: Teach2Swim is a work study program that will allow club members in financial need
to take club swim lessons free of charge.
Ages: Club members that are 7-17 years of age or older are eligible to participate within
the Teach2Swim Program.
Materials: Club members participating in Teach2Swim will be given an H2O Passport at
the beginning of the program. This H2O passport is the same passport used for the Peer-
to-Peer Safety Training. Swim lesson milestones are kept in the back half of the passport.
Participants working as swim instructors will need a swimsuit and swim cap.
23

21. RED CROSS INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION
PROGRAM
Purpose: The Instructor Certification program provides members with the opportunity to
become Red Cross certified swim instructors.
Curriculum: The Instructor Certification program provides club members with the
knowledge and skill to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies. The
program also allows for members to be recognized swim instructors that are able to teach
lessons without additional supervision.
Schedule: Pending on course schedule
Instructors: The Instructor Certification program will be taught by Dorchester Boys & Girls
Club aquatics director Richard Mojica.
Cost: The Instructor Certification required a $35 dollar Red Cross registration fee.
Ages: Club members that are 15 years of age or older are eligible to participate within the
Red Cross Instruction Certification Program.
Materials: The instructor certification process is a mix of in-pool instruction and online
courses. The H2O passport is not required for this section of the SWIM Program, but the
instructor certification is advertised on the last page of the H2O passport that participants
of the Peer-to-Peer Safety Training and Teach2Swim are provided
24

22. COMMUNICATION
OUTREACH
The communication plan for the SWIM Program targets two audiences types:
potential external clients/ stakeholders and internal members.
External Internal
Mailing List
H2O Passport
Word-of-Mouth
B&G Website
B&G Social Media Platforms
Word-of-Mouth
25

23. The external audience consists of the following
Potential parent members
Potential student members (future swim mentors/program participants)
Potential SWIM Program sponsors
External Audience
External Audience Communication Platforms:
Existing Dorchester Boys & Girls Club website
As of right now, the aquatics section of Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester’s
website is not effective in engaging visitors. The aquatics section of the web
site needs to be updated with a description of the SWIM Program, current
scheduling, instructions on how to enroll, contact information, member
testimonials, and an online link to register
Existing Dorchester Boys & Girls Club social media profiles
Facebook: facebook.com/BGCDot
Twitter: @BGCDorchester
Instagram: @ bgcdorchester
YouTube: youtube.com/user/BGCDorchester1135
Examples of updates may include: Children testimonials, profiles of life
guards, updates from swim lessons, photos from water safety lessons
Word-of-Mouth
Building trust is a foundational aspect of the SWIM Program. While we may
be unable to control word-of-mouth to an extent, this communication platform
may be the most powerful in terms of acceptance and adoption from the
community members. We nurture this word of mouth through communication
mediums that the children participating can take home if they so choose, like
the H2O Passport. At the end of the day, the program will be the ultimate fuel
behind this communication platform and that is why it has been such a focus
of this plan. If the current members don’t buy into it, it is unlikely that any
potential members will.
26

24. Internal Audience
The internal audience consists of the following:
Current members (parents/children)
Internal Audience Communication Platforms:
Mailing list (if applicable)
SWIM Program updates and announcements should be shared through any
membership newsletter
Content can mimic social media posts and updates
Special Dates: May is National Water Safety Month
H2O Passport
Communication mechanism between the child, parent and instructors to track
child’s progress within the program
While the H2O Passport can be kept at the club, children have the option
to bring it home to their parents to show off their milestones. By allowing
the child to personalize the passport, we are encouraging them to open that
communication pathway
The H2O Passport congratulates participations when they have hit a
milestone, encouraging them to take the next step in water safety and swim
education.
Benefit: Parents are able to stay informed about what their child is learning
and feel more comfortable, as the lessons go on, about considering swim
lessons for their child
Word-of-Mouth
As previously stated under External Communication Platforms, word of mouth
is essential if this SWIM Program is going to make the impact we are striving
for.
27

25. MESSAGING
Swimming is a life skill, not just a recreational activity
Equips student with
necessary skills to
remain safe in &
around water
Teaches students
the importance of
remaining prepared
in & out of water
Allows students to
learn the necessities
of water safety from
their peers
Gives students
an affordable &
convenient way
to water safety
education
28

26. H2O PASSPORT
H2O
Passport
This belongs to:
AboutMe
ThisH2OPassportisgoingto
helpmelearnhowtostaysafe
inandoutofwater!WhileI’mat
theClub,I’llbetaughtby
peoplelikemeaboutwater
safety,pools,andthingsI
shoulddoinanemergency!
MyBirthday:
MyFavoriteFood:
MyFavoriteAnimal:
ExampleExample
ExampleExample
ExampleExample
ExampleExample
ExampleExample
ExampleExample
You’reAwesome!
Readytoswim?
Signupatthefrontdeskfor
swimlessonsoraskhowto
learnforfreeusingour
Teach2Swimprogram!
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
SWIMProgram
Peer-to-PeerSafetyTraining
Teach2Swim
InstructorCertification
Congratulations!
Youarenow
Putthattogooduseby
comingacertifiedswim
instructor!Asktheaquatics
directororthefrontdesk.
29

27. STAMPS
ALWAYS
SWIM WITH ALI
FEGUARD
30

28. January 2016 Aquatics SWIM Program
INTRODUCING!
Safety Water Initiative Mentorship Program
The Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester is committed to providing quality,
affordable and convenient water safety education to its young members.
Swimming isn’t just a fun activity, it’s an important life skill that everyone
should learn. The SWIM Program teaches your child how to remain safe
around water using peer-to-peer mentoring strategies that will empower
your child to be more confident in and out of water. The SWIM Program is
comprised of three components: Peer-to-Peer Safety Training, Teach2Swim
and the Instructor Certification program. Each section of the program focuses
on a different facet of water safety and preparedness. Once a member
completes one section of the program, they are eligible to move on to the
next. The SWIM Program is 100% free and included as an option in the regular
club rotation. Check out the calendar to see when you can pick up your H2O
passport and start learning!
PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIAL
“Swimming has given me
something to focus my
energy into and work at being
my best self at. Someday I will
become an instructor so I can
give other kids the chances
that the SWIM Program gave
me.”
- John, 13 years old
WEBSITE
31

29. CALENDAR EVENTS
Fall (September - December)
Marr-lin Swim Team
Registration (Sept.)
Practice Begins (Sept.)
Dual-Meets Begin (Nov.)
Nashua Pentathlon (Dec.)
Swim Lesson Registration & Classes
Learn To Swim Classes (ages 3 - 5 years)
Open/Activity/Family Swims
Swim-a-thon
Winter (January - March)
Marr-lin Swim Team
League Championship Meet
Invitational Meets
All Starr Meet
Beanpool Meet
Regional Championship Meet (VT)
Swim Lesson Classes
Learn To Swim Classes (ages 3 - 5 years)
Open/Activity/Family Swims
Senior Meet
10 & Under Meet
Spring (April - June)
Marr-lins at National Championship Meet (FL)
Intramural Swim League
Bay State Games
Swim Lesson Classes
Learn To Swim Classes (3 - 5 years)
Lifeguard Training Course
Open/Activity/Family Swims
Summer (July & August)
Summer Swim Team
Day Program Open/Activity Swims
Safe Summer Streets Teen Lessons/Open/Family Swims
32

30. FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When can I sign up for swim lessons?
A: You can sign up at any time, pending availability.
Q: Can my child join swim lessons in the middle of the season?
A: Yes, if there is still space in the class.
Q: Do you provide swim cap and bathing suits?
A: A cap and goggles are provided for swimming lessons. If you
join the swim team, they are available for purchase.
Swim Lesson Program
School-age swim lessons are open to members ages six to 18. The
swim lesson program provides progressive instruction for beginners,
intermediates and advanced swimmers. Lessons are level-based, so
when a child accomplishes all tasks at a level they move up. Parents
are invited to observe the last class of each session and view their
child’s progress. Classes meet late in the afternoon during the week
and Saturday mornings.
Lessons cost $35.00 for eight weeks of classes. Swimmers can be
added to a class (or wait list) by registering at our front desk.
Tiny Tots swim lessons are for children ages three to five and run for
eight weeks (check the aquatics schedule for exact days and times).
The classes are set up to work on skills that are appropriate for the
child. Classes are level-based, so when a child accomplishes all tasks
at a level they move up. Parents do not watch or participate in the
classes; however, they are invited to observe the final class of each
session.
Lessons cost $35.00 for an eight-week session.
These classes also include our new Learn To programming for three-
to five-year-olds. In addition to lessons there are family swims on
Saturday mornings. Please note that our lesson program requires
per-registration. Classes are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Swimmers can be added to a class or wait list by registering at our
front desk.
33

31. NEWSLETTER
“Before starting the SWIM Program at the club I
was terrified of water. At home none of my other
family members know how to swim or were even
interested in learning. Water safety was just never
something my family thought of as important.
Since starting the program I have successfully
made it through the Peer-to-Peer Safety Training
and am in the middle of the Teach2Swim Program.
Swimming has given me something to focus my
energy into and work at being my best self at.
Someday I will become an instructor so I can give
other kids the chances that the SWIM Program
gave me.”
- John, swim participant, 13 years old
January 2016
Phone: 617-288-7120 || bgcdorchester.org
Like Us! Follow Us! Follow Us! Visit Us!
The SWIM Program is a three part program which teaches young Boys & Girls Club
members how to remain safe around water by...
Providing quality, affordable and convenient water safety education
Treating swim education as a life skill
Using peer-to-peer mentor strategies to empower youth to become more
confident, equipped and stronger individuals in and out of water
NEW! My resolution is to .... learn
about swimming!
J a n u a r y 2016 Boys & Girls of Dorchester Newsletter
34

32. SOCIAL MEDIA
TWITTER
BGCDorchester @BGCDorchester Jan 8
INSTAGRAM
Our new Safe Water Initiative Mentorship Program will begin mid
Spring! Find out how to participate
http://bgcdorchester.org/programs/aquat...
bgcdorchester
1wdapthegreat1978, your.girl_marl,
little.onez, bamm617, boo387,
cmala618, davidwoods14 and
taydolashes like this
bgcdorchester New Safe Water
Initiative Mentorship Program!
#Dorchester
bamm617 Looks fun!!
35

33. FACEBOOK
Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester
January 8 at 2:38pm
Participate in our FIRST new Safe Water Initiative Mentorship Program! It is a three
part program which teaches young Boys & Girls Club members how to remain safe
around water by...
- Providing quality, affordable and convenient water safety education
- Treating swim education as a life skill
- Using peer-to-peer mentor strategies to empower youth to become more
confident, equipped and stronger individuals in and out of water
36

34. FINANCING
Past budgeting:
Finding funding for programs is not an easy task. It is even more difficult when a
program does not have the staff nor interest from the attendees. When looking at the
finances of the Dorchester location, it is apparent that they are not funded well. In the last
few years, the club has been spending as much revenue as they are taking in. Below is a
chart that shows the revenue and the expenses over the last three years.
In 2012, the club spent $18,000 more than they brought in. This has since changed
in 2013 and 2014 which is a good sign, but there is still not enough revenue coming in
to support the program we are trying to set up. This can be seen in the breakdown of
expenses below.
37

35. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Programming takes up the majority of expenses. This is attributed to the fact
that the club is focused on programs. The rest of the money is spent on staffing and
fundraising. The way the expenses are broken down shows us where many of the
problems lie. With very little money allocated to administration, it is easy to see why the
club is understaffed. While fundraising is important, it should not have this amount of
revenue spent on it. Money should be allocated from this section of the budget and be
dispensed to both the administration and the programs. Fundraising is not bringing in as
much income as it should, therefore the budget needs to be brought down and allocated
effectively.
Look at these numbers has allowed us to think of ways to create budget space
for our program. While it may be difficult at times, it is something that is possible and
important to making this program work. Due to the fact that we have no control over the
budget of the entire club, we cannot allocate the funds as stated earlier.
38

36. COMMUNITY PARTNERS
1.The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation
About the organization: It is the mission of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation to
improve the quality of life for inner city youth through a working partnership with other youth
organizations.
Link to an application for a grant.
markwahlbergyouthfoundation.com/grant-application/
2. Boston Bruins Foundation
About the organization: The Boston Bruins Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
that assists charitable organizations that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the quality
of life for children throughout New England. Athletic participation benefits children by fostering
physical fitness, learning the importance of working together, and what can be accomplished
with hard work. The Boston Bruins Foundation believes athletics can enrich the lives of
children by removing boundaries and bringing together people of diverse backgrounds with
similar interests. Athletics teach children how understand times of adversity and how to tackle
problems head on with fairness and strength.
Contact Information:
Shannon Murphy, Foundation Manager
smurphy@bostonbruins.com
617.624.1955
3. Boston Red Sox Foundation
About the organization: Our goal is to harness the passion our fans have for the Red Sox and
transform it into a vehicle for positive exchange in our community. Each year the Red Sox
Foundation also makes a limited number of small grants to select nonprofits in New England
on a rotating basis and we also work with Front Office members, sponsors and volunteers of
Red Sox Nation on a variety of community service projects.
Contact Information:
redsoxfoundation@redsox.com
617.226.6000
4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02215
39

37. 4. New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
About the organization: The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is the nonprofit
organization established by the Kraft family in 1994 to support charitable and philanthropic
agencies throughout New England. This support comes in the form of direct grants and the
donation of signed memorabilia to charitable causes, and from Patriots players who offer their
direct support by appearing at charity functions throughout the year.
The Patriots are a great potential sponsor because of is the Kraft family’s long history of
supporting the Boys & girls Club.
Link to the donations request form:
http://www.patriots.com/community/donation-requests
Information to the Player Visit Request form:
Attn: Player Appearance Requests
Gillette Stadium
1 Patriot Place
Foxborough, MA 02035
5. New Balance Foundation
About the organization: For over 30 years the New Balance Foundation has served a deeply held
mission: to support charitable organizations whose humanitarian efforts work for the betterment
of our children and communities. The heart of our focus is the prevention of childhood obesity.
Contact Information:
New Balance Athletics, Inc.
New Balance Foundation
100 Guest Street
Boston , MA 02135
newbalancefoundation@newbalance.com
40

38. SUPPORT
In order to implement the SWIM Program, an intern position is recommended
to help alleviate some of the stress on the aquatics director. Overall, the position
would consist of contacting sponsors for donations, communicating with potential
new sponsors, and managing social media. UMass Boston is a natural partner, since
the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester already utilize their pool. A primary responsibility
of the intern is to manage relationships with sponsors. The intern would need to
be able to keep contact with current sponsors through phone calls and email while
also looking for potential new sponsors who may be interested in partnering with the
program or donating.
41

39. Communication Intern: Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester
Description:
The Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester is looking for a dedicated and passionate intern to
join our staff. Our newly created Water Safety program is in need of an intern to help with
day to day operations. This new program is designed to teach children how to be safe in
and around water.
The intern should be prepared to manage social media accounts, plan events, and
communicate with sponsorships. They will come out of this internship with knowledge of
marketing, as well as communication skills relating to nonprofits and large corporations.
Responsibilities:
Manage social media accounts including: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Serve as the liaison between the Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester and program sponsors.
Create and write the monthly program newsletter.
Assist with day to day operation of the program.
Market the program within the club as well as on social media.
File and organize program documents.
Requirements:
Boys & Girls Club is looking for an Undergraduate Student in the Boston area who is
majoring in Communication and or Marketing. This person should have strong verbal and
written communication skills, with extensive knowledge of the Web and Social Media.
Details:
For credit internship (optional)
10-20 hours per week
Unpaid
Semester Long (Fall: September-December) (Spring: January-May)
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
42

40. FUTURE
PLANS
The SWIM Program is a pilot program meant to expand beyond the walls of the
Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester. By implementing this program at this location, we hope
to prove that peer-to-peer models of swim education can be effective in increasing swim
participation among urban communities. By easing children into water safety and by giving
them the choice to take part in swim lessons after being initially exposed, we are confident
that more children in the Dorchester community will take part in swimming.
Future additions to this program could include water safety classes for parents, (or
open classes for parents to take part in) and/or swim lessons occurring during regular
club rotation. The goal is to make the SWIM Program as convenient and accessible as
possible, constantly improving over time. While sponsorships may be difficult to negotiate
in the beginning, successful testimonials and data are powerful tools to attract more
support later on. It is recommended that certain metrics are kept up with as the program
progresses in order to evaluate impact and report successes. A recommended set of
metrics is below. Additional sponsorships could allow the program to hire additional staff or
provide swimsuits and towels for participating children.
While the club may be understaffed now, the SWIM Program is structured to feed
more instructors and lifeguards back into the Dorchester Boys & Girls Club. The more
children that get involved at the Peer-to-Peer Training or Teach2Swim level, the more
potential instructors there will be. Not only will these instructors be able to work at the
Dorchester location, but they will be able to be placed in different Boys & Girls Clubs in the
Greater Boston area to promote the SWIM Program structure.
43

41. If the SWIM Program proves successful, additional communication can start
between the public schools in the Dorchester area and the Boys & Girls Club. Swim
education shouldn’t just stop at those who are already members at the Dorchester Boys &
Girls Club, it should be an opportunity for anyone. This type of outreach, however, requires
a certain number of staff and swim lessons. At this time, we don’t recommend reaching
out to any schools for additional SWIM Program participants. Since the water safety
curriculum is not dependent on any certain location, however, the Peer-to-Peer Safety
Training could be implemented in classrooms, at community events, and with non-profit
organizations dedicated to empowering youths.
Recommended Metrics
Peer-to-Peer
Safety Training
Teach2Swim
Instructor
Certification
# of people participating (by
age, by neighborhood)
# of stamps acquired on
average per lesson
# of children who complete
the “certification”
# of people participating (by
age, by neighborhood)
# of stamps acquired on
average per lesson
# of children certified
# of people participating (by
age, by neighborhood)
# of people that participated
in aspects of the SWIM
Program
# of instructors certified
44