FAQ
FAQ
We've compiled some of our most frequently asked questions into this FAQ section. If you don't see the answer to your question, please contact the Camp HERE.
ABOUT REGISTRATION
How do I register for camp?
What will hold a spot for my camper?
How soon should I register?
Should I request a second session preference on the registration form? What if all my choices are sold out?
How soon will I receive confirmation of my session?
Do you keep wait lists in case of cancellations?
Are there any other optional fees I need to know about?
ABOUT REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS
What are the refund procedures?
What should I do if I find out I cannot attend my camp session?
If I cannot attend camp, can I try to fill my spot with a friend or teammate?
How are refunds processed?
ABOUT TRAINING
Does my swimmer really need to have competitive experience to attend?
Are all the coaches listed really at the camp?
Who makes up the staff?
What is a typical day like?
How are campers grouped?
What if my 100-yard freestyle time has changed since I registered for camp?
What are the workouts like?
What is the ratio of campers to coaches?
Do you do video analysis of the campers strokes?
What equipment do campers need to bring?
What if a camper has a pre-existing injury?
Do you have an Athletics Trainer on staff?
What about medications?
What about Memorial Day and the Fourth of July holidays?
ABOUT THE DORM
Will we need to bring linens and toiletries? Anything else?
Anything campers cannot bring?
What about cell phones?
Will my child be supervised at all times?
What if I lose my room key during camp?
How much spending money should I send with my camper?
What is the difference between a double room and a suite?
What about roommate requests?
What if campers don’t get along as roommates?
What if a camper gets homesick while at camp?
ABOUT PARENT VISITS
Can parents go up to camp floors, stay in the dorm, or have meals in the cafeteria with their camper?
Can parents watch camp sessions?
PARKING
Where can I park at Callaway House or The Castilian?
What about parking on the UT campus?
ABOUT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITES
What are some of the afternoon field trips?
What about in the evening?
What if my camper is staying more than one session?
FOR OVERNIGHT/RESIDENTIAL CAMPERS
How do I get in touch with my camper?
Will my child have a telephone or internet access in their room?
FOR DAY CAMPERS
What time do I need to drop my camper off in the morning? When do I get to pick them up?
Can day campers take part in the evening activities?
Do day campers need to check in on Sunday?
What about the weekly schedule?
What about the Friday schedule?
ABOUT TRANSPORTATION
How will I get to camp?
What if I fly to camp?
Where are the Dorms, the pool, and parking located?
What time should I pick my camper up on Friday?
How soon do I need to let the Camp know about my transportation plans? What if my airline plans change after I have submitted my forms or on my check-in day?
ABOUT THE MEDICAL FORMS
Can the forms be altered or modified?
Do I really need a physician’s signature on these forms?
ABOUT REGISTRATION
How do I register for camp? The easiest way to secure a spot in camp is to Register Online (Instructions Here)! Online registration locks in your spot instantly upon receipt of payment! Once registered, you receive confirmation instantly via e-mail. Required forms are electronic, required, and completed during the registration process.
What will hold a spot for my camper? Camp space is reserved by registering online and committing a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of $175 per session. Campers will receive immediate confirmation of enrollment via e-mail. Final camp fees are due by a May 1, 2022 timestamp. Once full payment has been received, your spot in camp is secure. Balances received after May 1, 2022 will be charged a $25 late fee. Due to high demand, balances not paid by May 5, 2022 will result in forfeiture of camp space.
What if all my choices are sold out? If your first choice is closed, you will not be able to register for it online. Once a session fills, a wait list option will open and you will be able to register for that. You may also register for a wait list and an open session. No deposit is required to register for a waitlisted session.
How soon will I receive confirmation of my session? A confirmation e-mail is sent immediately after the registration process is completed.
Be sure your e-mail address is correct, and enable any spam/junk e-mail blockers to accept e-mails from longhornswimcamp@athletics.utexas.edu and Active.com. You will receive confirmation e-mails, payment confirmations and statements, as well as any future news or updates regarding camp sessions thru e-mail.
Do you keep wait lists in case of cancellations? Yes. Once a session sells out, the online system will open a waitlist option to allow people to register for a particular session's waitlist. There is no charge to register for a wait list.
Cancellations do happen, but they are hard to predict, and sometimes occur at the last minute. It is impossible for us to predict who/how many will get in off of the lists, when that might occur, and how many cancellations we may have for each summer's camps. We understand that summer plans are made well in advance, but if your schedule is flexible, waitlisting may be an option for you.
You may request to be wait listed for a session by:
1) Register for a waitlisted session. Follow the registration prompts as if you were going to register online. There is no charge to register for wait lists online.
2) If space becomes available, you will be contacted by E-MAIL to accept or decline the opening. Please be sure to provide an e-mail address that is checked frequently.
3) There is no guarantee that space will become available, or when it will happen. Cancellations can happen months in advance or the day before a session begins. Every year is different.
4) If space does not become available, your e-mail address will be added to the e-mail distribution list for the next camp. If your e-mail changes, please notify the Camp.
Are there any other optional fees I need to know about? Yes:
- If your camper is flying in or out of Austin, the camp charges $35 for one-way and $45 for round-trip airport ground transportation.
- If your camper is staying more than one session, and staying in the dorm, there is a $150 charge for each weekend stay. This includes room, supervision, and Saturday morning training (if facility time is available). PLEASE NOTE THAT MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE WEEKEND FEE (FRIDAY LUNCH THRU SUNDAY LUNCH), AND CAMPERS WILL NEED TO HAVE ENOUGH SPENDING MONEY TO COVER THESE MEALS.
- There is an additional $75 per night fee for campers who need to stay extra nights in the dorm due to travel, but are NOT staying additional sessions. MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS FEE. CAMPERS WILL NEED TO HAVE ENOUGH SPENDING MONEY TO COVER THIS.
- There is a $35 charge per session for campers who wish to rent a locker at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center. Campers may not use their own lock, and there are no "day use" lockers available.
- OPTIONAL pizza orders for Monday and Thursday nights at camp. Pizzas are delivered at the dorm after the final pool session and DO NOT replace a camp meal. Campers still receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner on pizza days.
All of the above fees must be paid prior to arrival at camp.
ABOUT REFUNDS AND CANCELATIONS
What are the refund procedures? The $175 deposit is non-refundable for any reason at any time. Cancellations prior to May 1, 2023 receive a full refund of the camp fee less the $175 deposit. There are no refunds or credits of any portion of the camp fee after May 1 for reasons other than documented medical conditions.
- There are no refunds for a "no show" or if a camper leaves early due to homesickness.
- There are no refunds once a session has started.
- Campers who switch from resident camp to day camp after their session has started do not receive a refund or credit for the difference.
- Campers who cancel their space due to a medical reason have 10 days from the date of cancellation to submit a physician's note to the camp as proof. There are NO REFUNDS after 10 days. These may be faxed to 512-232-1273.
- Camp merchandise is not eligible for refunds after May 1, 2023. Campers who cancel their merchandise order or session after May 1 have their merchandise shipped to them starting July, 2023.
What should I do if I find out I cannot attend my camp session and need to cancel? As a courtesy, please notify the camp immediately if you are unable to attend. We do keep waiting lists, and this can allow someone else to attend camp. Sorry, the camp cannot issue credit toward the next year's camp. Please notify the Camp in writing BY E-MAIL if you wish to cancel your space.
If I cannot attend camp, can I try to fill my spot with a friend or teammate or sell my space to someone else? No. The space belongs to the Camp and cannot be switched out with another person. We do maintain wait lists for those trying to attend, and this is camp procedure. It's also the fairest method, as switching with someone is similar to cutting in line.
How are refunds processed? Depending on the method of payment, refunds are processed in one of two ways:
- Fees paid by check or money order are issued a refund check from The University of Texas Accounting department. This process can take up to six weeks from the time the refund request is submitted.
- Fees paid by credit card are issued a refund back to the original card used for payment within 5-7 business days.
ABOUT TRAINING
Does my swimmer really need to have competitive experience to attend? The camp provides a fun, but challenging atmosphere. We highly recommend that every camper coming into the Longhorns Swim Camp has some form of competitive experience prior to attending, but it is not required. However, the instruction offered by the camp is not geared toward beginning swimmers, nor is it learn to swim. Campers get the most from the camp if they have been involved in a competitive swimming program of some kind - summer league, high school, YMCA, USA Swimming, etc. If you have any questions about whether you believe the program is right for your swimmer, please call Jon Alter, camp director, at (512) 475-8652 or e-mail.
Are all the coaches listed really at the camp? Absolutely. Head coaches Eddie Reese, Carol Capitani, Wyatt Collins, and Mitch Dalton lead at least one camp session per day during Sessions 1-4. Josh Davis coaches the final morning workout on Fridays. Olympians Ian Crocker, Colleen Lanne'-Cox, Whitney Hedgepeth, with American Record Holder Will Licon, and NCAA champion John Shebat each coach either one afternoon stroke session each week along with a head coach, or speak to campers. Additional guests also may include Olympic, USA National Team, World Championship, Pan-Am, and Pan-Pac team members. Our coaching staff is very involved in the entire camp.
Special note regarding Session 5: Once again, due to the overwhelming and positive response we received in 2019, our Session 5 head camp coach will once again be Olympian Ian Crocker! We believe this is a fantastic, positive opportunity for campers to be coached by and closely interact with one of the United States most respected and congenial Olympians! Please contact the camp office at 512-475-8652 or e-mail with any questions.
Who makes up the staff? ALL camp staff undergo a security background check performed by the University of Texas Human Resources Department, as well as complete a mandatory course on child protection training. Coaches and counselors are all certified in CPR and First Aid. Counselors undergo an extensive, thorough camp orientation on policies and procedures prior to the start of employment. We take the safety, care, and well-being of your camper very seriously!
Aside from the head coaches, 23-30 experienced, mature adults compose the counselor/coach staff at camp. These coaches come with high recommendations, and typically coach at the high school, club or collegiate level, or have finished their NCAA eligibility as collegiate swimmers and are looking to get into coaching as a profession. We also employ members of The University of Texas teams and post-graduate athletes to work with the campers on a daily basis.
The counselors live in the dorm with the campers, and provide a first line of defense if they need help of any kind. All counselors are at have completed at least 75 hours of college coursework, have certifications in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding / safety training for swim coaches. There are typically three to five staff members living on each camp floor at the dorm. It is our goal to provide a safe, fun, and exciting environment where campers can learn and be excited about their sport, while meeting people from all over the United States and abroad.
What is a typical day like? Campers swim three times per day (Monday–Thursday). The morning session is the true “training” session of the day. After a break for lunch, the afternoon session consists of an hour-long technique session in the water focusing on two strokes, followed by two classroom sessions — one on technique, the other a video viewing of races from the Olympics, Olympic trials, or NCAA's. After an afternoon break (with optional activities offered) and dinner, one more session is held at the pool, focusing on the other two strokes, video review, and RELAYS! Upon return to the dorm, evening activities are offered, and campers are to be in their rooms by 10 p.m., with room checks at 10:15 p.m. You can download a camp schedule HERE.
How are campers grouped? Campers are grouped based on their age at camp, and their submitted 100-yard freestyle time. While we understand that not everyone is a 100 freestyle, it is the "common ground" that allows us to group swimmers on the first night of camp. We make changes if warranted, but we must also maintain manageable groups within the camp. Campers must give their assigned group a try on Monday morning. This also gives them their schedule for the first full day of camp. There are no group changes made on Sunday evening. The Camp makes no guarantee that friends / siblings will be in the same group nor does it take group requests. Campers should be prepared for this if it should happen.
What if my 100-yard freestyle time has changed since I registered for camp? Just update your campers time in your online account or notify the camp office with your new time by e-mail. The time we have on file on the first day of camp is the time we use to group the campers unless we are notified of an update. We understand that times improve frequently from the time a camper has registered for camp, and we do our best to have our groups be as evenly matched as possible. But, that depends on the information we have in front of us, some of which may be months old and outdated since registration. Please help us in keeping your campers 100 freestyle time current and up to date.
What are the workouts like? The morning session consists of an hour of dryland, weight training, or games, depending on age and group. It is our goal during this time to introduce proper technique and new exercises to campers, and have some fun along the way. This is followed by one to two hours of long course training- depending on age and group. The coaching staff believes in exposing campers to all forms of training — sprint, distance, IM, etc. The afternoon and evening sessions are technique based with one of the head coaches and an Olympian leading the afternoon session. In the evening, campers are broken into smaller groups and work on the two strokes not worked on in the afternoon. All four strokes, starts, and turns are covered.
What is the ratio of campers to coaches? Morning sessions are a little higher — between 12:1 to 15:1 due to it primarily being a training session. Afternoon and evening sessions find the ratio dropping to between 6:1 to 7:1 for more individual feedback and attention.
Do you do video review of the camper's strokes? Yes. Campers are filmed both underwater and above-water once during the week, and immediately watch it with a coach who provides feedback. Due to time and space limitations at the Texas Swimming Center, individual videos are not sent home nor can we offer private lessons.
What equipment do campers need to bring? Campers must bring suits, towels, WATER BOTTLE, and goggles for water sessions. Training equipment from home (kickboard, fins, etc.) should NOT be brought. For dryland and weight room sessions, shorts, t-shirt, and sturdy athletic shoes are required. A backpack works well for bringing things to and from the pool. Due to locker space and user groups at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center, campers may not leave their belongings in a locker during the day unless they have rented one. Only campers who have rented lockers from the Jamail Texas Swimming Center are able to leave belongings in their lockers overnight. Locker rental information is included in the pre-registration packet, and is available for purchase on-line or thru the registration form.
What if a camper has a pre-existing injury or special needs? Camp is a physically demanding and challenging week, and campers should be in good physical condition prior to arrival. Please notify the Director prior to check-in if the injury has happened after the medical forms have been submitted. It is very important that we know any and all medical conditions a camper may have, or special situations that parents feel we should know about. We can substitute exercises or training sets to an extent to fit the situation as long as we are informed in advance, but in some cases, it is better to focus on recovery, and stay home. If a camper cannot participate in the full camp schedule, they should not be at camp. These are handled on a case by case basis and all information is confidential. Please help us to help your camper.
Please let us know if your camper has any special needs or if the staff should be aware of anything that will help us in working with them. We want this to be a great life experience for your child.
Do you have an Athletic Trainer on staff? Yes. A licensed athletic trainer is at all pool sessions and living in the dorm. The Trainer handles all medications and medical needs at camp.
What about medications? Please see the camp Information Packet for more information. The camp can help with dispensing prescription and OTC medictions IF we have permission to dispense and the medication is listed on the medication form competed during registration. Prescription medications the camp will dispense must be given to the camp athletics trainer at check-in in a zip-loc bag with medication, dosage directions, dosage amounts and times, and parent contact information. The trainer will arrange times to help administer to the camper. If the camper is age appropriate, and responsible enough to self-administer, they may keep medications with them and submit the proper form. Inhalers should be brought out on deck during all training sessions.
What about Memorial Day and the Fourth of July holidays? If camp is in session, it's a regular camp day for us!
ABOUT THE DORM
Will we need to bring linens and toiletries? Anything else? Yes. All campers will need bed linens as well as a pillow at Callaway House and The Castilian. We recommend full size sheets for Callaway House as mattress size may vary based on the assigned room. For The Castilian, mattress sizes are twin XL. A sleeping bag also works well at either facility. You will also need to send toiletries and two to three towels with your camper. Many campers bring appropriate games, cards, snacks, and drinks to make their stay more comfortable. Every room has a refrigerator, sink, and microwave. The camp is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Please leave expensive and/or sentimental items at home. Camp is not the place for them.
Anything campers cannot bring? Televisions, laptops, and excessive amounts of cash are not allowed. Contraband items that have no place at camp: matches, lighters, knives, firearms, alcoholic beverages, rope, razor blades, tobacco products, illegal drugs, candles, fireworks, incense, etc. If it requires a second thought or question about whether it belongs at camp or not - it doesn't!
Please contact the camp director with any questions on appropriate items to bring. It's better to ask, then be sent home for having something you should not have in the first place! We do not hesitate to contact parents, call local authorities, and send campers home for possession of illegal items.
What about cell phones? Cell phones are permitted on a limited basis. However, we caution sending them with your camper. If a camper becomes homesick, they can hinder more than help in the camp experience. Many campers will also call home first instead of receiving immediate help from a staff member, which lengthens the response time. Cell phones are ONLY to be kept and used in the campers room, and not allowed in the main lobby of the dorm, activities, buses, or on walks to/from the pool/dorm.
The Camp reserves the right to confiscate cell phones from campers who do not follow this policy. If you feel a cell phone may be abused while at camp, please do not send one with your camper.
Will my child be supervised at all times? YES! Every camper is assigned to a group overseen by four-six counselors, and staff members also live on each camp floor. Callaway House and The Castilian also have a 24-hour front desk, security, and entry to camp floors requires either a room key swipe or unique access code to enter the building or camp floor. Campers are always supervised at the dorm, on buses, field trips, walks to/from the pool, all pool and dryland sessions, and in the evenings. Campers are to be in their rooms at 10 p.m., with room checks performed at 10:15 p.m. We take the care and supervision of your child very seriously.
What if I lose my room key during camp? There is a $100 fee for a lost key. This will be billed to the camper account and credit card used for payment of camp fees. If a key is lost, it should be reported right away, as making a new key does take time. There are no refunds for lost keys (even if they are found upon arrival at home) as the new one has already been made and charged to Camp.
How much spending money should I send with my camper? Most campers bring between $50-100. All meals during the week are provided. Campers will need spending money if they take part in the optional afternoon activities, or go on any shopping trips at the Jamail Swim Center store, Co-Op Bookstore, or the Texas Team Shop. Campers are responsible for securing and handling their own cash/credit/debit cards. We highly recommend sending a pre-paid, reloadable card vs. cash with your camper. The camp is not responsible for the loss or theft of cash/cards, nor do we police the spending habits of campers.
What is the difference between a double room and a suite? A double room holds two campers, while a suite is two double rooms (each with their own bathroom), linked by a living area. Suites can hold anywhere from four to eight campers, depending on their floor plan. All rooms have a private bath, sink, and refrigerator. Suite requests are welcomed, but not guaranteed. The Camp does not know it's assigned floors until mid-May. Different floors have differing floor plans. If a suite request is not honored, we do our best to place campers rooms as close to one another as possible.
Please note that The Castilian only has double rooms with a shared bathroom connection.
What about roommate requests? The camp welcomes roommate and suitemate requests, but does not guarantee them. All requests must match and be complete. Roommates/suitemates cannot be more than two years apart in age. Rooming assignments are done one week prior to the start of a session. If your camper is attending as part of an odd-numbered group, the Camp reserves the right to add a third bed to certain rooms. If in a suite, two people would room together, and the third would take potluck. If not in a suite, every effort will be made to place campers as close together as possible. It is recommended that roommates and suitemates send in their applications at the same time. Don’t wait too long though, as your session may close. Same-sex siblings that are more than two years apart and wish to room together are encouraged to try rooming apart as this is part of the camp experience. Please understand we try to keep our camp floors as closely grouped by age as possible.
Roommates/suitemates who request one another and are more than two years apart (except same-sex siblings) will be split up and placed with another camper who meets the age criteria. Requests that do not match will not be honored.
What if campers don’t get along as roommates? Once rooming assignments are made, there is no changing of rooms at any time, including suites. This will not be the last time a camper may have a disagreement with another person in their lifetime, or be around a new group of people, and it can be an important learning experience. Roommates that are having disagreements are encouraged to seek out a counselor before calling home. The counselor will help the campers find a solution to the problem.
What if a camper gets homesick while at camp? It is completely normal for someone to feel this way especially if it’s their first time away at camp. We have found in our 42 years of camp that the most helpful solution is to STAY BUSY during the down time at the dorm. This situation is where a cell phone is not helpful. Hanging out with friends, signing up for activities, and staying busy is encouraged. Hanging out in the room and doing nothing only intensifies the homesick feeling. We recommend that campers only call home one to two times during the week, as calling home can also intensify the homesick feeling. We also encourage parents to not contact their campers every day. Counselors can help in this situation, and we encourage the campers, and parents, to make it thru to the end of the week. It is highly recommended that your child have experience being away from home prior to attending camp. There are no refunds for those campers that leave camp early due to homesickness. It is recommended (but not required) that your camper should have some experience being away from home prior to attending camp.
ABOUT PARENT VISITS
Can parents go up to camp floors, stay in the dorm, or have meals in the cafeteria with their camper? No. For security reasons, check-in and check-out days are the only days parents are allowed on camp floors. Parents are not allowed to live in the dorm, take meals with their campers during the week, walk with the groups or ride the camp bus. This is a CAMP. Please allow your child to have a true camp experience by interacting with other campers and experiencing a small degree of independence away from home and Mom and Dad. Part of this is allowing them to be on their own for a short period of time away from their parents, but knowing that help is available if needed.
Can parents watch camp sessions? Absolutely. Parents are welcome to observe any pool session from the spectator seating at the Texas Swim Center. Upon entering the building, please report to the front desk staff, who will direct you to the grandstand seating. Due to facility and camp policies, parents are NOT allowed on deck or in locker rooms at any time. While parents are welcome to observe sessions at the pool, we also encourage them to not attend every session, and enjoy the City of Austin!
PARKING
The Camp is not responsible for any parking tickets issued by the City of Austin or UT Parking and Transportation Services.
Where can I park at Callaway House or The Castilian? Callaway House and The Castilian both have their own parking garages, and parking may also be found on the surrounding City of Austin streets. Please note both are pay garages - there is no free parking for camp. See our MAPS page. Please do not park curbside in "Customer Service Zones" - these spaces are only good for 15 minutes, and the City of Austin actively patrols this area. Exceeding the time limit typically results in a citation.
What about parking on the UT campus? There is NO FREE PARKING on the UT campus. Parking on the UT campus requires a UT faculty/staff permit AT ALL TIMES (including weekends). Please observe posted signs, as parking without a required permit will lead to ticketing and possibly towing. The Jamail Texas Swimming Center is located on The University of Texas Campus, one block west of I-35 on the northwest corner of the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Red River Street. See MAPS.
The Trinity Parking Garage (TRG) is located at the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Trinity directly across from the Jamail Swim Center. Please use the TRG for your parking needs. TRG is a pay garage at ALL TIMES.
The University of Texas Parking and Transportation Services website can provide you with information on campus and visitor parking, parking garage locations, maps, and other important information about parking options. See also the visitor parking map from Parking and Transportation Services. Sorry, the Camp cannot provide assistance with appeals for any tickets issued by The University of Texas or the City of Austin.
ABOUT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITES
What are some of the afternoon field trips? In the past, we have made trips to the Texas capitol building, state history museum, IMAX theatre, mini-golf, Barton Springs, Longhorns, LTD., Austin Children's Museum, and bowling at the Texas Student Union.
What about in the evening? Evening activities have consisted of pizza/movie night, t-shirt tye dye, Olympian autograph night, and a guest speaker Q & A.
What if my camper is staying more than one session? Supervised activities are planned for the weekend for those campers staying more than one session, and campers are fully supervised over the weekend. There is an extra $150 fee for this service (Meals NOT included). If there are no scheduled events at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center, campers have a Saturday morning training session.
FOR OVERNIGHT/RESIDENTIAL CAMPERS
How do I get in touch with my camper? In emergencies, the camp staff will have a cell phone number to call Jon Alter, the camp director, immediately. This number is also be published in the camp information packet.
Will my child have a telephone or internet access in their room? No. Cell phones may only be used in the camper's room. Laptops are not allowed, and should be left at home.
FOR DAY CAMPERS
What time do I need to drop my camper off in the morning? When do I get to pick them up? Depending on group assignment, campers will need to be dropped off at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center at either 8:05 a.m. (Blue/Red groups) or 9:05 a.m. (White/Orange groups) and should be escorted into the main lobby with their parent/guardian. Pick-up time will be either 8 p.m. (White/Orange groups) or 8:30 p.m. (Blue/Red groups). Your camper’s group assignment will be given on Sunday evening, and you will be notified of the proper times. Monday thru Thursday, day campers are ALWAYS dropped off AND picked up at the Texas Swimming Center, unless prior arrangements have been made with the director.
On Friday, ALL day campers will be dropped off at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center at 9:15 a.m. Camp concludes at 11:30 a.m., and day campers are picked up from the pool.
Can day campers take part in the evening activities? Yes. Arrangements will need to be made in advance with the camp director or their group counselor so the Camp is aware they are participating and traveling back to the dorm with Camp.
Do day campers need to check in on Sunday? YES! Day campers check in at the dorm on Sundays. Campers receive their camp t-shirt, as well as find out their schedule for Sunday evening. They have dinner with camp, and bus/walk to the pool from the dorm for the first stroke session on Sunday night. Day campers are picked up at the pool on Sundays after a short informational meeting with the director and their parents.
ABOUT TRANSPORTATION
How will I get to camp? Campers are responsible for providing transportation to and from the camp at their own expense. Many campers drive, or fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
What if I fly to camp? Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the airport to use when flying to camp.
The Camp provides ground transportation to or from Austin Bergstrom International Airport at a nominal $35 one-way or $45 round-trip fee.
When flying in to camp on Sunday, please try to arrange arrivals prior to 4 p.m. This will allow time for pick-up, baggage, check-in, and dinner prior to the Sunday evening pool session. We can work with arrivals after 4 p.m., but time may be limited at the dorm, or the camper may need to go directly to the pool from the airport.
When departing by air on Fridays, please try to arrange departures after 1 p.m. and before 6 p.m. if possible. The final camp sessions ends at the pool at 11:30 a.m. We can work with just about any departure time, but the above guidelines will allow the camper to finish the camp.
Campers arriving early or departing late on Saturdays may arrive or depart at anytime. A late morning or early afternoon time is recommended for either.
Campers flying as registered unaccompanied minors with the airline are able to be met at their gate, and able to be escorted to their departure gate. Please note this on the Transportation Form. ALL required fees and arrangements should be taken care of prior to arrival at camp with your airline for campers requiring an airline escort.
Campers not flying as unaccompanied minors will be met outside the security checkpoint area, and should not proceed to baggage claim. A staff member wearing a Longhorn Swim Camp t-shirt and name badge will greet them outside the secured area of the terminal. It is helpful if the camper is wearing a swimming t-shirt or hat, or carrying a swim bag. Specific information is included in the pre-registration packet.
FOR 2023: Campers MAY NOT arrive early on Saturday, May 27, or depart after Friday, June 30.
Where is Callaway House, The Castilian, the pool, and parking located? Please check out our MAPS page for interactive Google maps and directions.
What time should I pick my camper up on Friday? Campers are typically ready to go between 1:30–2 p.m. and may be picked up at their dorm. Please arrange to meet your camper in the main lobby as we do not allow campers to wait at street level for pick-up. Please call or email for more information on flight scheduling. There are many camps staying at either dorm, so elevators may run VERY slowly during this time.
How soon do I need to let the Camp know about my transportation plans? What if my airline plans change after I have submitted my forms or on my check-in day? We would appreciate knowing your transportation plans as soon as possible. However, we also understand that plans change all the time and sometimes it's necessary to schedule a flight instead of driving. If your airline plans change (flight numbers, arrival/departure times, etc.), or you decide to fly - please let us know of these changes RIGHT AWAY! The pre-registration packet will have contact numbers for Jon Alter, the camp director, on check-in days to reach him in case of delays, cancellations, etc. Regardless, ANY changes in transportation plans should be communicated to the camp ASAP.
PLEASE BE SURE TO PROVIDE A PAYMENT METHOD WITH YOUR CAMPER FOR THEIR RETURN BAGGAGE FEES! Airlines do NOT accept cash payments. Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines allow advance online baggage check in and payments. Paying this in advance helps make your camper's return trip a little smoother.
ABOUT THE MEDICAL FORMS
Can the forms be altered or modified?You can edit information in your required forms up thru May 15, 2023.
Everyone must complete required forms during the registration process.This is a University of Texas mandate, not just camp policy.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT THE LONGHORNS SWIM CAMP
A minimum of 23-30 mature adults are employed as counselors/coaches to supervise, coach, befriend, parent, fairly discipline and apply guidance to a maximum of 175 campers per session. The main objective is to provide a safe environment in which campers can learn, have fun, and be excited about swimming while providing the camp staff with professional education and experience, and networking opportunities. Coaching on deck requires following the head coaches lead and supervising the workout. Staff is also encouraged to call upon their own experiences.
While on duty, staff will be available to campers and enjoy the interaction. During recreational or non-workout times, counselors will be assigned different areas of responsibilities on a rotating basis. This includes supervision of the dorm areas (game room, main lobby, camp floors, and cafeteria), supervised field trips, and doctor’s visits as needed. There is also the check-in and checkout process, airport pick-up and drop-off, paperwork, session organization, and shuttle van driving.
The duty schedule revolves around the four ability groups in the camp. Three to five staff members assigned to each: Blue (fastest), Red, White, and Orange (not as fast). Group assignments rotate so that all counselors work with all age groups and ability levels over the course of camp. Staff will work directly with Texas coaches Eddie Reese, Carol Capitani, Mitch Dalton, and Wyatt Collins.
Time off is built into the weekly schedule. A tentative time off schedule for a staff of 16: Monday through Friday, four counselors will be off from 4:00 p.m. until noon the following day. The schedule will rotate thru the week. A group of counselors will be off all day on Saturday, and a group off Friday evening and all day Sunday until 5:00 p.m. The Director is available 24-hours a day. All staff is on duty for the first camp meeting and stroke session on Sunday evening, and the Monday morning session. A weekly staff meeting is held every Sunday after the director’s camp meeting.
Counselors must have completed at least 75 credit hours of college coursework. It is also preferred that counselors have competitive swimming, and coaching / teaching, or camp counseling experience. Staff must arrive in Austin on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Airport transportation provided. Required staff orientation begins Wednesday, May 25. Camp begins Sunday, May 29, and ends Friday, July 1. Counselors may depart on Saturday, July 2.
Starting salary is $3250 ($650 per camp session worked). Returning staff receive an additional $75/session for each year of previous experience with the Longhorns Swim Camp, up to a $1200 maximum. Staff that work three or more sessions also receive an additional $75/session. In addition, room (with private bath), meals, garage parking, recreational sports pass, NIKE camp apparel package, and travel expense help up to $375 ($75 for each session worked) provided. Paychecks released based on current University of Texas Payroll schedule.
All applicants must complete and return the Camp Employment Application and have three letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf to the Camp. All applicants must pass a criminal background check performed by the University of Texas at Austin Human Resources Department prior to final approval of employment. Current copies of First Aid, CPR, and/or Lifeguarding / Safety Training for Swim Coaches certifications must be on file with all applications, and be current thru camp. It is highly recommended (but not required) that applicants be registered coaches with USA Swimming. All staff members must complete an online course on child protection prior to the start of employment. Staff must also submit a three-year driving record and complete an online driving course in order to drive camp vehicles.
Staff members are expected and required to maintain a professional appearance, and to conduct themselves with the highest standards of behavior expected of staff, role models, and supervisors by The University of Texas at Austin. Applicants must agree to work in an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free environment upon hiring. Inappropriate language and behavior will not be tolerated at any time.
The University of Texas at Austin does not discriminate on any basis prohibited by applicable law including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, or Vietnam era or special disabled veteran’s status in recruitment, employment, promotion, compensation, benefits or training. It is also the university’s policy to maintain a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Questions should be directed to Jon Alter.