DAILY TEAM FUN ACTIVITY
We would love to hear your ideas on some fun team activities we can pass along for you to do at home. A part of having good balance in your life is to simply cut loose and have some fun! In this section, we will pass along some safe and fun activities for you to do. If you email Coach Jonathan at jonathan.kaplan@swimrichmond.org your ideas, we may be able to post yours on here!
Daily Team Fun Activity, May 22nd, Create a List of Favorites with a Friend and Debate It!
One thing society loves to do is make lists. One thing I see all the time is sports commentators creating a list of the best players ever and then letting the debates ensue. It can be a lot of fun! Today, I would encourage you to team up with 5 of your teammates/friends/family and agree on a topic to create a list of favorites. Maybe it's the top 10 basketball players of all-time. Or the top 10 most delicious foods............top 10 favorite Marvel movies............top 10 favorites star swimmers, etc etc. I would LOVE to see your list too! Send what you have to your coaches and we will get in on the debate!
**And don't forget to work on your SwimRVA's Got Talent video submissions this weekend!
May 21st, Find 20 Richmond Murals Around the City and Rank Them!
Most of you may be looking for a reason to get out of the house while doing so in a safe, socially distant way. I HIGHLY recommend you try what I did last Sunday. I drive around Richmond finding as many murals as I could and took pictures of them all. They are literally everywhere in the Greater Richmond area! The highest concentration I found were on Cary St and Grove in the fan, some downtown, many down Marshall Stree, some down Broad between downtown and Scott's Addition, and then a bunch in Scott's Addition itself. You'll thank me later! (Don't forget to look down side streets and alley ways!)
May 19th, How long can you go without your phone?
I bet your first reaction is something like "How is staying away from my phone supposed to be a 'fun activity'?" Haha! I know, it sounds like I'm being unreasonable. There is a whole world out there that you may not realize exists beyond the world of social media, email & texts. My challenge to you this week is to pick a day and see how long you can go without getting on your phone (excluding true emergencies of course). Once you finally cave, and you will...........let us know how far you made it!!
May 18th, Film Your Pet Doing Something Funny!
I don't know about you, but if I just followed our cats around all day with a camera, I'd probably end up with video gold, haha! Some pets may need a little more encouragment or incentive in the form of a treat, but see if you can capture your sweet pet friend doing something funny on film! And by all means, send it to your coaches! We love to see that stuff!
May 14th, Write Down Your Own Swimming Advice
First, I apologize for missing yesterday's team activity. Hopefully you worked on your SwimRVA's Got Talent videos. Secondly, we had an amazing Senior Recognition last night where our Seniors gave great advice to our younger swimmers. Today, I want everyone to pretend you are a graduating senior and write down what your advice would be to your upcoming teammates that you have learned along the way. What "words of wisdom" would you like to instill upon those who come behind you? Afterwards, keep that piece of paper posted nearby at all times because you too may need reminding of that great advice one day.
May 12th, Record and Share Your Favorite Swimming Memory or Funny Story
When all is said and done with your swimming career many years from now, you likely will not remember all of your times. However, some memories and stories will stick with you for a lifetime! We want to hear what you've got so far! Tell us a funny swimming story or a memorable one for you and send it to your coaches in a video. We love hearing from you!
May 11th, Create a New Language!
Who says you have to learn another languague when you can just create your own! Of course, creating an entire language out of scratch in one day might be a little bit much, but you can create 10 new words.........and who knows, you may find them in Webster's Dictionary one day!
May 8th, Prepare for and Submit Videos for SwimRVA's Got Talent!
We have already had some really great submission for several categories in the SwimRVA's Got Talent competition! Now is your time to get into the game. Use today to plan out which categories you want to enter, what you want to do for each activity/video, and then use the weekend to perfect your tricks/shots/videos before submitting as many categories as you want! Everything you make will be great and we are proud of every single person for trying their best and having fun with it!
May 7th, Go for a Family Walk and Talk About Favorite Family Memories
Some of our awesome Rapids families are already going for family walks, so this may be an easier one for many of you than others. Today is going to be a gorgeous one, so why not get out of the house all at the same time, bring those crazy individual schedules together and go for a family walk. You can simply stroll through the neighborhood, go on a trail or even a hike together. While doing it, instead of talking about the stressful things in life like COVID-19, not being in the water, too much school work, parents working and/or teaching from home, talk about your favorite memories as a family. Focus on the positive and that walk might end up becoming a favorite family memory for you one day.
May 6th, Do Something Completely Unexpected or Above and Beyond for Your Parents
There is a good chance that many of you already have household chores to do each week. Today, however, how about you do something above and beyond for your parents? They often are experiencing ten times the stress, frustration and difficulties that you may be experiencing, but they are usually masters at hiding that from you to make sure you have the best life possible. Today, for no reason at all...........do something for them. Maybe pick out something that doesn't often get done around the house (wipe the tops of the fans, or the baseboards weed the garden, etc). Maybe it's not something physical but rather positive an emotional like writing them a heart felt letter or making them something nice from scratch. Whatever you do, make it genuine and let them know how much you appreciate and love them!
May 5th Donate or Help Raise Money for SwimRVA Giving Tue Now!
Today is a HUGE day for SwimRVA! In addition to it being Cinco de Mayo while also being on Taco Tuesday, today is also Giving Tuesday Now for SwimRVA. If your family has the ability and the means to donate, go to www.swimrichmond.org and help us achieve our goal. Regardless of whether or not you are in a position to help, you can also help by sharing our #GivingTuesdayNow posts via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram as well as forwarding our email to 10 different people you know!
May 4th (May the Fourth Be With You!) Create & Film Your Own Light Saber Battle! You know we are going to want to see this one! Get creative, have fun and film an amazing light saber battle today. Use whatever you have around the house for your light sabers, dress up in Jedi or Sith garments and give the fans what they want.........an epic light saber battle on MAY THE FOURTH!
May 1 Create Your Own Board or Household Game
One of the best part about having children is that you can make literally anything fun. If you have a cardboard box and a marble, we can turn it into a game. If you have a chair, a pillow and a hat, we can turn that into a game. Today, I encourage you to make your own game, set the rules ahead of time and play with a family member, a friend in the driveway while separate, or even a friend on Facetime or the phone.
Thu, Apr 30 Watch 1-2 Hours of TV Guilt Free
While this may be WAY different than your usual "get out of the house and do something cool and awesome" fun activity, sometimes you just need an opportunity to do nothing productive (especially on a rainy day like today). There is no doubt in my mind that many swimmers and families are doing this particular activity with great frequency. However, when you're done, you feel bad and guilty that you didn't get anything accomplished that day. Today........remove the guilt, sit back, pick a good movie or show and spend some time cozying up on the couch with your family and enjoy it!
Wed, Apr 29, Create Your Family Out of Macaroni Art!
I'm pretty sure we all have some sort of experience with this from kindergarten (and some of you are still in kindergarten!). So today, we are turning back the clocks. With your parent's permission, grab some macaroni or other pasta, some glue, some construction paper and create your "Macaroni Family". Bonus points for creating your Macaroni Coaches, hahaha!
Tue, Apr 28, Learn to Count to 10 in 2 New Languages!
Hopefully each of you can count to ten in English..........hopefully, haha! Some of you can already count to ten in one or two other languages. My challenge to you is to add two more NEW languages to your list. And then, who knows............maybe you love it so much that you keep going with one of those new languages!
Mon, Apr 27, Write a Letter to Yourself
There is one thing that is certain about this unusual time we have together due to the worldwide pandemic...........it is unlike anything we've ever experienced, and may even be like anything we experience in the future. Even as tragic and uncomfortable this has been for so many, there have been some lovely things that have grown from this time together that has potentially shaped our perspective on life. Today's activity is to write yourself a letter reminding you of what you have learned during this time and all the things in life you are thankful for and want to accomplish in the future. Seal that envelope and write a date on it for you to reopen before reading it, sealing it again and setting a new date to reopen.
Fri, Apr 24, Camp Out in a Tent This Weekend!
When is the last time you camped out? No, you don't have to go anywhere! You can camp out in your backyard. Is it set to rain? Pop up that tent in the living room and set up your "room" for the weekend (with your parent's permission of course). Don't have a tent? Well, I think it's time to get the bedroom sheets hung up! If you have any great pics or videos of your new "home" for the weekend, send them our way!
Thu, Apr 23, Film a sweet trick or trick shot using your swimming equipment!
It's been a while since you've used those goggles, your kickboard, paddles, fins, etc. Let's take them for a spin! Create a cool trick shot that is pretty hard to do and record yourself accomplishing the amazing feat! When you are done, send it to the coaches and you might even find yourself highlighted on our SwimRVA social media accounts! I'm thinking using goggles as a slingshot, or throwing your kickboard up in the air and catching it behind your back, etc. Good luck and have fun!
Wed, Apr 22, Create a Swimming Song with a Popular Song
Create your own lyrics to a well-known song to write your thoughts on swimming, how much you miss swimming, how much you love it and your teammates!! If you are daring enough, we think you should video yourself and send the video to Coach Jonathan so we can share it on our social media! You know you want to!
Tue, Apr 21, Write a Swimming Joke
Let's get those dad joke creative juices flowing folks...............who can create the funniest, corniest or silliest swimming/pool/aquatics related joke??? Please email or text Coach Jonathan at jonathan.kaplan@swimrichmond.org or 864-508-2961 when you have your joke ready. The cornier the better, hahaha!
Mon, Apr 20 Write a Swimming Workout (and send it to the coaches!)
Put your coaching hat on! Take a stroll down to the coaching world and put together some workouts that you would like to do. Come up with something that is challenging and accomplishes a goal but is also something you would love to get to do yourself. Consider it like a self-potrait that comes out in the version of an awesome but difficult swim workout. When you're done, send them to your coaches and we may be able to do some of them when we are able to return to the water!
Fri, Apr 17 Get Artsy with Some Nature Pics
This day and age, three things most of us have are the exact three things you need to take a gorgeous artsy picture. First, you need a camera, aka your phone. Second, you need time on your hands, aka everyone in America right now. And third, you need access to nature, one of the few places you can safely go and keep your distance from others...........or just your yard! Get creative, take some gorgeous pictures and send in whatever you capture!
Thu, Apr 16, Reconnect with an old Friend or Family Member
Whether you are a young'in, a teenager or a parent, you probably have a friend or family member that you haven't been able to speak to or connect with in a long time. Right now is the perfect time to reach out, send a text, letter, zoom call, smoke signals, or anything to chat with someone who is special to you that you do not get to speak to often enough. You will be surprised how refreshing it is to hear about how they are doing and they will greatly appreciate it too.
Wed Apr 15 Bake or Cook Something!
If you are like me, you probably do not have a lot of skills in the kitchen, especially when it comes to baking. However, lately my wife has been baking a lot of amazing things, including her own sourdough breads, bagels, etc. And man oh man she can make some mean deserts too! Whether your have experience with it or not, pick out a recipe and give it a shot! Try baking some brownies, cookies, tarts, etc. Or maybe offer to cook dinner for your family tonight!
Tue, Apr 14 Handstand Challenge (Simone Biles & Tom Holland, aka Spiderman)
Who's up for a challenge?? Recently, Spiderman star Tom Holland presented a handstand challenge to the world. Soon there after, Olympic Legend, Simone Biles, took it to another level. Can any of our Rapids stars "rise" to the occasion?
Tom Holland Handstand Challenge
Simone Biles Handstand Challenge
Mon, Apr 13, Create Your Own Scavenger Hunt!
Our Rapids coaches have come up with some fun Scavenger Hunt games to do as our team get-togethers this week. We will be using the app "Goose Chase" and you can join us! However, how about you create your own creative scavenger hunt today that you can do with friends and family from afar? It sure could create a lot of fun and laughter, especially on a rainy day like today!
Fri. Apr 10, THE LION KING WORKOUT CHALLENGE!!!
Apologies to those who either do not have the movie Lion King, or do not have Disney Plus right now. However, there is a great workout plan that you can do while watching one of the greatest Disney movies of all time............THE LION KING! Forget about Tiger King folks, we want the Lion King! Click on the link below and follow the workout plan. You can even synch up the video with a friend and do it together on Facetime or Zoom.
CLICK HERE for the Lion King Swimmer Workout Challenge
Thu, Apr 9 Make Up a Story!
You don't have to be a writer to make up a funny or interesting story! You can film yourself telling a tale of adventure, or a funny situation, or even create an entire other world. If you write it down and would like to share it with the coaches, send it our way! I bet you are more creative than you think and we can't wait to read it or watch it.
Wed, Apr 8 Family Board Game!
It's not that often that we have the time alone with our family to go old school and just play some games together. Tonight, how about you be the member of your family that recommends you break out a board game or a card game and play as a family? Uno, Monopoly, Trouble, Phase 10, Apples to Apples, etc etc are all great ways to have fun together with those you love most. And if you want a sure fire way to win Monopoly every time, just ask me! Haha!
Tue, Apr 7 Create an awesome chalk art project in the driveway or street!
I've seen a lot of children in our neighborhood lately passing along positive messages to neighbors and simply having fun with chalk by creating beautiful and colorful art projects in their street or the driveway. Of course, please first gain permission before doing so, but have a blast and make something beautiful, or make someone's day during these difficult times. And take a pic to send to us so we can post it on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Mon, Apr 6 "Create a Scavenger Hunt!"
We love it when our Rapids swimmers connect with each other, whether it be on Zoom, Facetime, social media or just the good ole phone call How about today, once you've got some school work done, you put together a scavenger hunt for your teammates to search through and the first person to send you pictures of all of the items around their house wins!
Fri, April 3 "Swimming Jeopardy Created Just For You!"
Coach Jessica did an amazing job putting together a swimming jeopardy game for you to play with your teammates!
CLICK HERE for online Rapids swimming Jeopardy!
Thu, April 2 "Creative SwimRVA Rapids Logo Competition!"
My first thought was to make it a "Lego Logo" competition to see who could build the coolest SwimRVA and/or Rapids logo out of legos!! How fun would that be?!? But, I realized that not everybody has Legos at their disposal, so you can make your logo out of anything cool like Skittles, cereal, beads, yarn, crochet, or even just a sweet drawing! Take pictures and send them in!
Wed, April 1 "April Fool's Joke"
This is not going to be easy to pull off since you have a limited audience who is basically around you all the time. Don't do anything really mean of course, but have some fun with it and bonus points for getting it on camera!
Tue, March 31st "Create a Team Cheer!"
We have some pretty fun and awesome cheers here at SwimRVA! But who says we can't have more?? Your challenge today is to come up with a new team cheer to share with the team. Since we have group "practices" on Zoom this week, you can share your cheer with us so we can practice it together!
Mon, March 30th "Trick Shots"
I've seen a lot of cool videos of kids hitting golf balls that blow out candles from 10 yards away, or a guy throwing a piece of toast into the toaster behind him without ever looking at the toaster. What's the coolest trick shot you can do?
Fri, March 27th "Build A Fort"
You're never to old to build a fort. And if you think you are, just start building and you'll get into it quickly and realize you are not. You can use sheets and pillows to create a great living room fort, build tunnels to crawl around the house, or maybe even go outside in the backyard and get creative old school style! Heck, I've even built a fort for my son out of Amazon boxes that had been stored up for weeks waiting for recylcing, haha!
Thu, March 26th "Create an obstacle/ninja warrior course!"
The sun should be coming out today and the temperatures rising a little. What a great opportunity to get some creative exercise around the house. Throw on your Rapids shirt and have some fun in the sun while creating an obstacle course that includes running, jumping and coordination. Get creative........DO IT SAFELY.......and post a video online while tagging SwimRVA's social media accounts!
Wed, March 25th "Indoor Putt Putt Golf" It's rainy today! With your parent's permission, grab a putter and a small dixie cup (or something you can use for a golf hole). Set up a creative putt putt golf course in the house and keep score against your parents/siblings. Be sure not to hit hard or run the risk of breaking anything in the house! You can use any soft style ball, ping pong ball, tennis ball, etc. Enjoy!
