Vergennes Champs Swim Team 2026 & Junior Champs
2026 Registration Information
The Vergennes Swim Team (The Champs) offers a fun, supportive, and skill-building environment for swimmers ready to grow in confidence and ability. Whether your child is new to swim team or continuing to develop as a competitive swimmer, our program provides a clear progression of levels to support every stage.
To participate in levels 1-5 swimmers must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be at least 5 years old and have completed kindergarten
- Be able to swim 50 yards unassisted with minimal stopping
- Be able to push off the wall and glide on the surface of the water with their face in the water
These requirements help ensure that all swimmers are safe, comfortable, and prepared to succeed in a structured team environment.
Practice Schedule
- MORNINGS: Weekdays 7:30AM-9:30AM
- EVENINGS: Monday-Thursday 7:00PM-8:45pm
Junior Champs Prep Team
Monday & Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Smelt
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Perch (Level 1)
Morning (Mon–Fri): 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Evening (Mon–Thurs): 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Pumpkin Seed (Level 2)
Morning (Mon–Fri): 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Evening (Mon–Thurs): 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Bass (Level 3)
Morning (Mon–Fri): 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Evening (Mon–Thurs): 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM
Sturgeon (Level 4)
Morning (Mon–Fri): 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Evening (Mon–Thurs): 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM
Gar (SWAT – Level 5)
Morning (Mon–Fri): 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Evening (Mon–Thurs): 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM
No Friday evening practices
*Our levels are different then Red Cross swim lesson levels.
Swim Team Levels & Progression
Junior Champs Prep Team
Intro to swim team for swimmers coming out of lessons. Focus on confidence, basic technique, and swimming 25 yards independently.
Smelt
Builds foundational skills and endurance. Swimmers must swim 25 yards freestyle and backstroke. Goal: advance to Perch (Level 1).
Perch (Level 1)
Introduces all four strokes and basic racing skills like starts and turns. Focus on technique and building endurance.
Pumpkin Seed (Level 2)
Refines all four strokes and increases endurance. Swimmers gain consistency and continue developing racing skills.
Bass (Level 3)
For experienced swimmers (typically 11+). Focus on endurance, advanced technique, and race strategy.
Sturgeon (Level 4)
High-level training focused on individual goals, technique refinement, endurance, and speed. Prepares swimmers for advanced competition.
Gar (SWAT – Level 5)
Our most advanced group. SWAT stands for Special Workouts and Training. High-intensity practices focus on performance, race strategy, and competitive excellence.
Join the Team
Whether your swimmer is just getting started or ready for high-level competition, The Sam Fishman Memorial Pool Summer Swim Team provides a supportive and challenging environment for every level.
Questions? Email Martha at recreation@vergennes.org
2026 RETURNING COACHES
Addie Brooks
Bill Clark
Mitch Howell,
Cherise Woods
SCHEDULE:
- MORNINGS: Weekdays 7:30AM-9:30AM
- EVENINGS: Monday-Thursday 7:00PM-8:30PM
SWIM LEVEL TEST: If you are new to the team or interested in knowing your swimmer’s swim level prior to registering please reach out to vergennesswimteam@gmail.com to schedule a swim test. The coaches will determine which level your child will best succeed at, this may include Junior Champs. All Junior Champs must have a swim test.
FEES & REQUIREMENTS
Swim Team Fees
- $140.00 Resident / $150.00 Non-Resident for the first two swimmers
- $30.00 discount for the third swimmer
- $55.00 discount for each additional swimmer after the third
All children must be registered at the same time for family discounts to be applied.
Pool Membership Requirement
In addition to the Swim Team registration fee, all Vergennes Swim Team participants are required to purchase a pool membership pass through the City of Vergennes prior to the first swim practice.
Pool memberships may be purchased online through the Vergennes Recreation Department registration website.
Junior Champs Program
Junior Champs registration is:
- $110.00 Resident
- $120.00 Non-Resident
Participants in the Junior Champs program are not required to purchase a pool membership pass; however, swimmers must still check in for practices.
Financial Assistance
Cost should not prevent any swimmer from participating. Financial assistance is available for families in need.
For confidential assistance, please contact:
Martha DeGraaf
recreation@vergennes.org
Refund Policy
All Swim Team registrations are non-refundable.
APPAREL
TBA
* We are part of the Champlain Valley Swim League www.cvslvt.com & VT Swim Association www.vermontswim.org