Kai is a joyful 12 year old boy. He is energetic and a natural leader. But up until this summer Kai was terrified of the water! When he was four years old Kai accidentally fell into the water. His attentive older brother quickly jumped into the pool to save him, but Kai was left traumatized. Before the El Camino Elementary Fun in the Sun group took their trip to the pool this year Kai told the Fun in the Sun staff that he didn't know how to swim and didn't want to get into the water.Evelyn Cook, the Assistant Site Coordinator, took special interest and assured him things would be ok. Once at the pool he met the lifeguards, got oriented to the pool, and then slowly - but surely - inched his way into the cool pool water. His instructors coached him and by the end of the day he began to float on a pool noodle and use the kickboard - taking his first steps to becoming a swimmer! When Kai's mother came to pick him up, she was astounded by the change. Her son was swimming and wanted to go to the pool over the weekend so he could get better!
The relationships at Fun in the Sun are at the core of its success. Kai overcame his fear because of the counselor, instructors, volunteers, and family surrounding him. This is how all of our children develop the inspiration to challenge themselves - through the Power of Partnership.