The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
LONGHORNS SWIM CAMP
SOLD OUT FOR 2025!
Celebrating 46 years of excellence!
Session 1: June 8 - 12 – SOLD OUT! (12/4/24)
Session 2: June 13 - 17 - SOLD OUT! (12/4/24)
Session 3: June 18 - 22 - SOLD OUT! (12/4/24)
Session 4: June 24 - 28: SOLD OUT! (12/6/24)
Session 5: June 29 - July 3: SOLD OUT! (12/6/24)
Session 6: July 5 - 9: SOLD OUT! (12/6/24)
Wait lists are available for sold out sessions.
Click REGISTER HERE to register for a session or waitlist
Click ACCOUNT LOG IN access your online account, make payments, and purchase camp gear (available early 2025)
| Session | Dates | Cost | Register Now |
| Upcoming Clinics | TBA | TBA |
|
| Session 1 | June 8-12, 2025 | Overnight Camp: $1295 Day Camp: $1195 |
Register Now |
| Session 2 | June 13-17, 2025 | Overnight Camp: $1295 Day Camp: $1195 |
Register Now |
| Session 3 | June 18-22, 2025 | Overnight Camp: $1295 Day Camp: $1195 |
Register Now |
| Session 4 | June 24-28, 2025 | Overnight Camp: $1295 Day Camp: $1195 |
Register Now |
| Session 5 | June 29 - July 3, 2025 | Overnight Camp: $1295 Day Camp: $1195 |
Register Now |
| Session 6 | July 5-9, 2025 | Overnight Camp: $1295 Day Camp: $1195 |
Register Now |
TRAIN LIKE A CHAMPION!
For 46 years, the Longhorns Swim Camp has offered elite-level instruction with a fantastic summer camp experience! Led by Olympic & Texas Head Coaches Bob Bowman and Carol Capitani, camp is held in the world renown Jamail Texas Swimming Center on the University of Texas at Austin campus. Home to 24 National Championship teams, it is considered one of the finest aquatic venues in the world. We are very excited to host both the 2027 and 2028 Men's & Women's NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships!
JON ALTER, CAMP DIRECTOR
Jon Alter is in his 28th year with the Longhorns Swim Camp, spending the last 26 as Camp Director. He also serves as Camp Director for the Longhorns Diving Camp. Jon oversees all administrative and organizational areas, along with his duties as Director of Operations for Texas Swimming & Diving. The Richmond, Indiana, native served as a Longhorn Swim Camp counselor for four years prior to taking on director responsibilities in 1999.
Alter has 19 years of age group and high school coaching experience and has coached athletes to the junior and senior national levels. He spent the 1998-99 season as a volunteer coach for the University of Tennessee women’s swimming program. At Texas, Jon was a volunteer assistant coach for the Longhorns women’s swimming team from 1999-2004, and an interim assistant coach during the 2005-06 season. As a coach at Texas, he helped the women's squad to five top 10 NCAA finishes and five Big 12 Conference championships.
JOSH DAVIS, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST AND GUEST COACH
One of the nation’s most talented and congenial athletes, Josh Davis enters his 26th year with the Longhorns Swim Camp. The two-time Olympic team captain (1996, 2000) returned from the 2000 Olympic Games with two silver medals captured in the 400 and 800 freestyle relays. In the 200 freestyle, Davis placed fourth, (1:46.73), setting an American record. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, Josh earned three gold medals - the most won by any man in the entire U.S. delegation. Davis competed for The University of Texas, is a four-time NCAA champion, and a member of the 1991 NCAA championship team.
Josh is known internationally for his superb public speaking and motivational work with children. He resides in Oklahoma with his wife, Shantel, a former Longhorn volleyball player and their six children.
For more information on Josh, please visit www.joshdavis.com
IAN CROCKER, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST AND GUEST COACH
**SPECIAL GUEST HEAD COACH FOR SESSION 6!**
2008 Olympic Gold medalist: 400-meter medley relay
Three-time Olympian
Three-time Olympian Gold medalist
Five Olympic medals
Eight-time World Champion
Former World & American Record Holder
2004 NCAA Swimmer of the Year
2005 USA Swimming Race of the Year Award
2008 Olympic Gold medalist: 400-meter medley relay, Three-time Olympian, Three-time Olympic Gold medalist, Five Olympic medals, Eight-time World Champion.
Three-time Olympian, Three-time Olympic Gold medalist, Five Olympic medals, Eight-time World Champion, 2008 Olympic Gold medalist: 400-meter medley relay, Three-time Olympian, Three-time Olympic Gold medalist, Five Olympic medals, Eight-time World Champion
GARRETT WEBER-GALE, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST AND GUEST COACH
2011 World Championships Team member
2008 Olympic Gold medalist: 400-meter freestyle and 400-meter medley relays
Two Olympic medals
World record holder: 400-meter free relay
Two-time World Champion
NCAA champion
COLLEEN LANNE-COX, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST AND GUEST COACH
2004 Olympic Silver Medalist: 400-meter Freestyle Relay
Four-time NCAA Champion
WHITNEY HEDGEPETH, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST AND GUEST COACH
Olympic Gold Medalist: 400-meter medley relay
1996 Olympic Silver medallist: 100 and 200-meter backstrokes
Two-time Olympian
NCAA champion
WILL LICON, AMERICAN RECORD HOLDER AND GUEST COACH
American Record Holder - 200 yard breaststroke (1:47.91)
NCAA Champion
USA Swimming National Team Member
Employment Opportunities at The Longhorns Swim Camp
A maximum of 25 mature adults are employed as counselors/coaches to supervise, coach, befriend, parent, fairly discipline, and apply guidance to a maximum of 160 campers/session. The priority is to provide a safe, fun, exciting, educational environment for campers, while allowing the staff to engage in professional education and networking opportunities. Coaching on deck requires following the head coaches lead and supervising the workout, and the staff is also encouraged to call upon their own experiences to enhance the overall camp experience.
While on duty, staff will be available and enjoy the interaction with campers. During recreational times, counselors will be assigned areas of responsibilities on a rotating basis, including supervision of the dorm areas (game room, main lobby, camp floors, and living areas), field trips, and activities. There is also the check-in and checkout process, airport pick-up/drop-off, paperwork, session organization, shuttle van driving and other duties as assigned.
The duty schedule revolves around the four ability groups in the camp. Staff members are assigned to one of the following each session: Blue (fastest, oldest), Red, Longhorns, and Orange (not as fast, youngest). Group assignments rotate so that all counselors work with all age groups and ability levels over the course of camp, and work directly with Texas coaches Bob Bowman, Carol Capitani, Mitch Dalton, Erik Posegay, Trevor Maida, and Chad Mylin.
Time off is provided on a weekly basis, and typically runs from 4:00 p.m. until 12:00 p.m. the following day. The Director is available 24-hours a day. All staff is on duty for the first camp meeting and stroke session on the first evening of each session. A weekly staff meeting is held on the first night of each session after the director’s camper rules meeting.
Staff must arrive in Austin on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 for Orientation and camp set up. Required staff orientation and set up begins Wednesday, June 4. Camp begins Sunday, June 8, and officially ends Wednesday, July 9. Counselors may depart on Thursday, July 10. Late arrivals must be approved/arranged in advance by the Camp Director. Airport transportation provided. Per diem will be provided when meals are not being held in the dorm cafeteria or provided when camp is in session. It is expected that staff participate in ALL end of camp activities unless arranged in advance with the director.
Starting salary is $800 per camp session. Staff attending the orientation/set-up week will receive an additional $300. Returning staff receive an additional $100/session for each year of previous experience with the Camp, up to a $1200/session maximum. Staff working more than three sessions will receive an additional $200/session for additional sessions worked. Room (with private bath), meals, garage parking, recreational sports pass, NIKE camp apparel package, and travel expense help up to $600 ($100 for each session worked) provided. Salary is paid in TWO installments: July 1 and August 1. Staff needs to plan for this payment schedule.
All applicants must complete and submit a Camp Employment Application, and obtain a UT EID available HERE by clicking “Get a UT EID.”
Please have TWO references sent a letter of recommendation directly to the camp on your behalf, and separate from your application. These may be e-mailed to: longhornswimcamp@athletics.utexas.edu
Employment is contingent on 1) passing a criminal background check performed by the University of Texas at Austin Human Resources Department, 2) completing required online child protection training course, and other required UT Compliance modules, and 3) completing ALL required HR paperwork PRIOR to arrival. Staff members must also provide a three-year driving record and complete an online driving course in order to drive camp vehicles. 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 current registered coaches with USA Swimming.
Counselors must have completed at least 75 credit hours of college coursework. It is preferred that counselors have competitive swimming, and/or coaching / teaching, camp counseling, or experience working with children/adolescents. 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.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
Questions should be directed to Jon Alter.
FACILITIES OVERVIEW |
| Lee & Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center | Eddie Reese Outdoor Pool |
| 1900 Red River St. Austin, TX 78712 |
1900 Red River St. Austin, TX 78712 |
Lee & Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center
All pool sessions are held at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center on The University of Texas at Austin campus. Ranked by Sports Illustrated in 2002 as the second fastest pool in the United States, it is one of the premier competitive aquatic facilities in the world. Since its completion in 1977, there have been numerous American and World records set in its waters, and is home to 24 NCAA national championship teams. The competition pool is nine feet deep, 50 meters by 25 yards, and can create either eight 50-meter lanes or 22 25-yard lanes. Movable bulkheads (stored in the ceiling) can create one of the fastest pools in the world. The diving pool is 18 feet deep, 25 yards by 25 meters, and can create 10 lanes. The Jamail Texas Swim Center will host both the 2027 and 2028 NCAA Men's & Women's Swimming & Diving Championships!
Eddie Reese Outdoor Pool
Named after legendary men's swimming & diving coach Eddie Reese, this $10 million state of the art outdoor facility was completed in Fall of 2020. The stainless steel Myrtha pool can create either 15 25-yard lanes with a movable bulkhead, or 5 50-meter long course lanes and 5 25-yard lanes. The addition of this facility allows Texas Swimming greater year-round training flexibility and ample pool space. You can see more of the facility HERE.
CAMPER HOUSING |
All residential campers are housed in a suite at The Callaway House Austin. All camp meals are served in the Callaway House dining hall. Campers are supervised 24 hours a day by our camp staff in addition to the dormitory’s security staff.
The Callaway House
505 West 22nd Street, Austin, Texas 78705
CHECKING IN & OUT
Check-in occurs on the first day of each session from 2-5 p.m. Campers traveling by air should plan to arrive before 4 p.m. Camp concludes by noon on the last day of each session. All campers check out by 2 p.m. Air departures should be made between 2-6 p.m. Campers are supervised until their departure.
See the daily schedule here!
REGISTRATION |
Who can attend?
Male and female swimmers, ages 8-18, are welcome to attend. It is STRONGLY recommended, but not required, that campers be involved in a competitive swim program (club, high school, YMCA, summer league, etc.) prior to attending. Space in the Longhorns Swim Camp is available on a first come, first served basis.
How do I register my camper?
The easiest way to secure a spot in camp is to Register Online! Online registration locks in your spot instantly upon receipt of payment! Once registered, you receive confirmation instantly via e-mail. Required forms are electronic, and completed during the registration process. All payment must be made online thru your camp account, or checks may be mailed to:
Longhorns Swim Camp
Texas Athletics
2139 San Jacinto Blvd., Room 206B
Austin, TX 78712
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, 2025 timestamp. Once full payment is received and all required forms completed, your spot in camp is secure. Balances received after May 1, 2025 will be charged a $25 late fee. Due to high demand, balances not paid by May 5, 2025 will result in forfeiture of camp space.
How soon should I register? As soon as possible! Camp sessions have sold out since 1999. Online registration for 2025 starts on Wednesday, December 4, 2024! Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. No phone registrations are taken. Our camp typically sells out, and many times very quickly after registration opens!
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 the session of your choice. You may also register for botha session and a waitlisted session. If space opens in your waitlisted session and you wish to move to that session, a session transfer can be requested to the camp director. 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 checked frequently, and enable any spam/junk e-mail blockers to accept e-mails from longhornswimcamp@athletics.utexas.edu. You will receive confirmation e-mails, payment confirmations and statements, as well as any future news or updates regarding camp sessions thru e-mail. The Camp Information Packet is also sent to this address, and contains very important information about the camp sessions.
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 $40 for one-way and $50 for round-trip airport ground transportation.
- If your camper is staying more than one session, and staying in the dorm, there is a $100 charge for each additional night stay. This includes room, supervision, and Saturday morning training (if facility time is available). PLEASE NOTE THAT MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE STAYOVER FEE, AND CAMPERS WILL NEED TO HAVE ENOUGH SPENDING MONEY TO COVER THEM. STAFF WILL HELP CAMPERS WITH THIS.
- There is an additional $100 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 $40 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 two 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.
Do you offer any discounts or scholarships?
The Longhorns Swim Camp offers a University of Texas Faculty/Staff discount to full time UT-Austin employees. For discount information, please inquire by e-mailing the camp from your utexas.edu e-mail address at longhornswimcamp@athletics.utexas.edu. Everyone must pay at least the $175 non-refundable deposit to secure a space. Once your employment has been verified, your account will be adjusted to the current Faculty/Staff rate.
All discounts will follow NCAA and University of Texas rules. Due to NCAA rules, the Camp cannot provide scholarships to attend camp.
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, 2025 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 e-mailed to the camp or faxed to 512-232-1273.
- Camp merchandise is not eligible for refunds after May 1, 2025. Campers who cancel their merchandise order or session after May 1 have their merchandise shipped to them starting August, 2025.
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.
- If a refund has been requested for fees paid by credit card, and 180 days have passed since that payment, a refund check will be mailed to the address on file. This process can take the Office of Accounting 4-6 weeks to process.
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. 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 Bob Bowman, Carol Capitani, Erik Posegay, Mitch Dalton, Chad Mylin, and Trevor Maida lead at least one camp session per day. Josh Davis coaches the final morning workout on the last day of camp. 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 6: Once again, due to the overwhelming and positive response we have received since this was initiated in 2013, our Session 6 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, 20-25 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. 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 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 camp information 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 medications. However, we cannot ADMINISTER medications (eye/ear drops, shots, etc.). Campers who require medications to be administered should be comfortable self-administering, with the camp athletic trainer securing medications until needed.
ALL medications, including over the counter (Advil, Tylenol, etc.), the camp will dispense, or the camper will self-administer, must be given to the camp athletics trainer at check-in in a zip-lock bag with medication, dosage directions, dosage amounts and times, and parent contact information. The trainer will arrange times to help dispense medications. Campers who carry inhalers and epi pens must keep those with them at all times.
What about Memorial Day and the Fourth of July holidays?
For 2025, Camp will start AFTER Memorial Day, and have the 4th of July off!
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. We recommend full size sheets for Callaway House as mattress size may vary based on the assigned room. A sleeping bag also works well. 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, inappropriate clothing, 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?
Suites consist of two double rooms (each with their own bathroom), linked by a living area that has a full-size refrigerator, sink, and microwave. Suites can hold a total of up to four campers, depending on the floor plan. The Camp does not know it's assigned floors until mid-May. Different floors have differing floor plans. The Camp reserves the right to place an additional camp bed in rooms if needed and allowed by the dorm.
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 in one bedroom, and the third would take a potluck roommate of the exact or similar age in the other bedroom. It is recommended that roommates and suitemates register at the same time if possible. 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 up 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.
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 Youth Protection, 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! If a camp group is using the Eddie Reese Outdoor Pool, there is no spectator seating/access to that facility.
Please note that occasional Moody Center events may disrupt parking that is available for spectators. The Camp will notify each session of events so that alternate parking arrangements can be made, but we cannot help with parking arrangements.
FAQs |
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? Callaway House has its own parking garage, and parking may also be found on the surrounding City of Austin streets. Please note this is a pay garage - there is no free parking for camp.
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.
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. Brazos Garage is an alternate parking garage in case of a Moody Center event.
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.
Sorry, the Camp cannot provide assistance with appeals for any tickets issued by The University of Texas or the City of Austin.
Extracurricular Activities
What are some of the afternoon field trips? In the past, we have made trips to the Texas state history museum, IMAX theatre, mini-golf, Texas Team Shop, Texas Athletics Hall of Fame, 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 $100/night 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 the first evening fo their camp, and you will be notified of the proper times. Day campers are ALWAYS dropped off AND picked up at the Texas Swimming Center, unless prior arrangements have been made with the director.
On the last day of camp, 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 the first day of camp? YES! Day campers check in at the dorm. Campers receive their camp t-shirt, as well as find out their schedule for the first evening. They have dinner with camp, and bus/walk to the pool from the dorm for the first stroke session. Day campers are picked up at the POOL at the conclusion of the first evening session.
What about the weekly schedule? Once day campers find out their group, they will be given their pick-up and drop-off times. Day campers follow the same schedule as overnight campers once they are with the camp.
What about the last day schedule? Day campers should be brought to the Jamail Texas Swimming Center no later than 9:15 a.m. regardless of their group. Day campers may be picked up at the Texas Swim Center shortly after 11:30 a.m.
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, 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 the final day, 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 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 in the Registration 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 Camp Information Packet.
What time should I pick my camper up on their last day? 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 information 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 OR PAY FOR THEM IN ADVANCE ONLINE! Airlines do NOT accept cash payments. Almost all major airlines allow advance online baggage check in and payments. Paying this in advance helps make your camper's return trip a little smoother.
Medical Forms
Required forms are completed during the registration process.
If your camper’s medical forms are not complete and on file, they will not be allowed to participate in camp activities, and will not be allowed to check in to camp. Please check your online account. The camp will also e-mail notifications to accounts that have incomplete forms. These can be easily completed thru the onine account.
This is a University of Texas mandate, not just camp policy.
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Longhorn Swim Camp Fax: 512-232-1273 Email: Longhornswimcamp@athletics.utexas.edu |
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