Mini Cudas Developmental Program
The Mini Cuda program is designed for beginners who are not able to swim an entire length of the pool. It is geared towards 5- and 6-year-olds, however we have had 4-year-olds meet the prerequisites before. Mini Cudas must meet the following prerequisites without any floatation devices:
1- Holding onto the side of the pool, move hand over hand, independently.
2- Independently submerge their entire head.
3- While being held by an instructor, move their arms and legs without grabbing onto the instructor.
4- With the assistance of an instructor, jump into 3 feet of water.
5- Be able to participate in a 30-minute lesson.
This is the list of skills that we focus on, in Mini Cudas. We begin with instructors holding the students and move toward independence, throughout the season.
o Holding onto the side, submerge completely blow bubbles under water surface, 5 times.
o Float on stomach for 5 seconds, (assisted/unassisted).
o Float on back for 5 seconds, (assisted/unassisted).
o Streamline on stomach, from the wall, for 5 feet, (assisted/unassisted).
o Streamline on back, from the wall, for 5 feet, (assisted/unassisted).
o Using a kickboard, flutter kick on stomach 15 yards, (assisted/unassisted).
o Using a kickboard, flutter kick on back 15 yards, (assisted/unassisted).
o Using a kickboard, breaststroke kick on stomach 15 yards, (assisted/unassisted.)
o Travel 15 yards on stomach, (assisted/unassisted).
o Travel 15 yards on back, (assisted/unassisted).
o Jump into deep water, surface, and travel 15 yards, (assisted/unassisted).
Mini Cudas are assessed on the first practice, to ensure they meet the prerequisites. Parents will be given progress reports halfway through, and at the end of the season. If you have any questions about if Mini Cudas is the right fit for your child, please contact [email protected].
Mini Cuda Helper
Coaching Mentorship Program
Brooktree Swim Team offers the opportunity for older swimmers (13 year old or older as of May 31, 2026) on the team to volunteer as a Mini Cuda Helper.
Mini Cuda Helpers will work with the coaching staff in small group instruction at our Mini Cuda level practices. This affords the Mini Cuda Helpers the chance to participate in and experience coaching youth swimmers. They also get to learn from our coaching staff a variety of teaching and coaching techniques. The coaching staff plays role of mentor to the Mini Cuda Helpers through the season. Mini Cuda Helpers become leaders of the team and also play mentor to younger swimmers. They have a big impact on our team not only the current season, but in years to come.
The position is a great spring board for swimmers wanting to get into coaching after high school. Countless Mini Cuda Helpers have gone on to be offered paid coaching positions with the team. The position of Mini Cuda Helper is a 100% volunteer role in which attendance is very important. Volunteer hours will be logged and signed for use of the volunteer.
Expectations of Mini Cuda Helpers:
- Mandatory attendance
- Desire to learn about teaching and coaching techniques
- Communication with the Head Coach and Board Representative, including absences
- Positive mentorship of younger swimmers
- Demonstrate leadership among the team
- Develop relationships with younger swimmers and show them support at meets
- Logging of hours volunteered to be signed off by coach or designated person
Mini Cuda Helper ApplicationThe Brooktree Swim Team will be accepting applications for Mini Cuda Helpers for summer 2026. If you are age 13 or older, a Registered Brooktree Barracuda, and would like to become a Mini Cuda Helper, please complete the application.
High School swimmers, this is an excellent way for you to get A+ or Volunteer Hours and give back to the future competitive swimmers of Brooktree.
