Editor’s Note: Five years ago the lives of two New American friends of CFNA, who did not know how to swim, were lost in a swimming accident. Each year thereafter, CFNA has sponsored a safety awareness swim event for the benefit of New American youngsters. This year, Summer Intern Lydia Knorp played a big role in getting this event organized. Here she shares her experience.

This summer CFNA continued its commitment to provide the community with learning opportunities through its Learn to Swim Program for children. From July 26th through August 3rd, with the help of 11 volunteers, CFNA took 40 New American children to the Marquette Pool for swimming lessons and a devotion.

Over the 4 days of this program, the Marquette Recreation Center and Riley Schelp, a previous CFNA intern, provided swimming instruction. It was a great opportunity for our children at CFNA (many who do not know how to swim), to learn how to stay safe in the water and have fun with their friends. Throughout the week many students expressed, “Look, look Lydia! I can swim!!”

The Marquette Recreation Center was incredibly accommodating and welcoming as they helped make our event run as smoothly as possible. The staff had a shared passion with us of helping our community. One of the staff who helped us with our swim program expressed his support for our program as he stated, "I want to take a minute to thank you for what you do for our community. Even if these kids do not say it, I know they really appreciate all that you do."

Thank you to all of our volunteers. This event truly would not be possible without you! We thank God for providing all the people and resources needed to make our swimming program possible this year.

By Lydia Knorp
CFNA Summer Intern

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