Culpeper Barnstormers

We are excited to kick off the 2026 Summer Swim Season!

Welcome back to all of our returning swim families, and welcome aboard to everyone joining us for the first time this year. We are so glad you’re here and look forward to another fun summer of swimming, teamwork, and community at Culpeper Rec Club.

Registration for the 2026 Summer Swim Season is now OPEN!
We encourage families to register early so we can plan practice groups and coaching needs for the season.

COACHING STAFF

Head Coach: Dee Viel

Assistant Coach: GiGi DeToll

Assistant Coach: Kathryn Winkie

Our coaches are excited to help swimmers improve their skills, build confidence, and have a great summer in and out of the water.

ELIGIBILITY

Swimmers must meet the following requirements:

Ages: 5–18

Skill: Comfortable in deep water unassisted

Membership: Must be a current member of Culpeper Rec Club

SEASON START DATE

We expect the pool to be open by Memorial Day

Meet & Greet / Parents Meeting: Sunday May 24

First Practice: Tuesday May 26

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Practices will be held in the evenings this season.

Tentative practice schedule (final schedule will be sent before the season begins):

Group 1: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Group 2: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

PRACTICE GROUPS

To help swimmers get the most out of practice, the team will be divided into two practice groups based on age and skill level. Age ranges are provided as general guidelines, but coaches may place swimmers in the group where they will learn and progress best.

Group 1 – Foundations

Primary Coach: Dee Viel

This group focuses on building strong fundamentals and water confidence. Swimmers will work on basic stroke technique, breathing, starts, and turns in a supportive environment.

This group generally includes our younger swimmers (typically ages 8 & under) or swimmers who are still developing their stroke skills.

Group 2 – Technique & Training

Primary Coach: GiGi DeToll

This group focuses on refining stroke technique, improving endurance, and preparing swimmers for competition. Practices may be more structured and include more advanced drills and sets.

This group generally includes swimmers ages 9 and older, or younger swimmers who are ready for a more advanced practice environment.

Flexible Placement

Our coaches may recommend moving swimmers between groups to ensure they are practicing at the level that best supports their development.

For example:

A beginner 9-year-old may start in Group 1 to build foundational skills.

A strong 8-year-old may practice with Group 2 if they are ready for more advanced training.

Our goal is to place every swimmer in the group where they will feel confident, challenged, and successful.

REGISTRATION FEES*

Early Registration (before April 1)

$120 per swimmer

Regular Registration (April 1 – May 31)

$135 per swimmer

Late Registration (after June 1)

$150 per swimmer

*Contact us if registering 3 or more swimmers for our sibling discount!

We encourage families to register early to help us plan coaching groups and team activities for the season.

2026 MEET SCHEDULE

Families planning summer vacations may want to keep these meet dates in mind.

• June 9, 2026 (June 11 rain date) Chestnut Forks @ Culpeper
• June 16, 2026 (June 18 rain date) Culpeper @ FSCC
• June 23, 2026 (June 25 rain date) Culpeper @ Fauquier Swim Club
• June 30, 2026 (July 2 rain date) Relay Carnival @Chestnut Forks
• July 7, 2026 (July 9 rain date) Bye Week – No Meet
• July 14, 2026 (July 16 rain date) Orange @ Culpeper
• July 22, 2026 Regionals @ Orange
• July 25, 2026 All Stars @ Fauquier Springs

We look forward to another fun and exciting summer season with our Culpeper swim family. See you at the pool!