Swimming for the Signal Mountain Green Giants is more than just a sport - it's a lifestyle, according to Bo Chamberlain, who has three children on the team and is starting his second year as the team's president.
"It's a fantastic experience for kids of all ages," he said. "Over the summer they become kind of like a family."
Sign-ups for the 54th season are being held at Signal Mountain Town Hall Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $85 per child with a discounted charge for each additional swimmer.
The time commitment for the team, open to children ages 5-18, consists of a morning practice every day for 30 minutes to an hour, two three-hour weeknight swim meets and two night practices per week.
The team's calendar is also full of family nights and social and community events, such as participating in the local Fourth of July parade.
"There's so many social parts to it; it's more than just a sports team," said Chamberlain. "It's almost like you've sent your kids to swim camp."
He said his kids love being on the team, particularly seeing all of their friends and having a good time with the coaches. He added that the team usually does fairly well.
"It's very competitive," said Chamberlain. "We have a lot of kids who swim year-round."
The summer league only lasts six weeks and is a good way for kids to blow off steam while they are out of school, he added.
"Kids like the relaxing, fun atmosphere," said Chamberlain, though noting that the team also teaches children the value of hard work and the merits of good sportsmanship. "Some of the most responsible kids I know are swimmers."