The roar of voices and sounds of splashing water filled The University of South Carolina’s Natatorium at swim camp this summer. The university invited swimmers of all levels to attend a week-long event geared toward building swimming technique and having fun, with a competitive environment.

The camp is for swimmers of all abilities ages 10 to 18, with a special focus on strengthening technique. To accomplish this, the camp uses underwater technology in the natatorium allowing the swimmers to view themselves through camera recordings, so they are able to better study and critique their form.

“We keep this camp very technique-based. It’s very simplistic,” camp director and associate head coach at USC Jason Calanog said. “So it could be anyone learning how to swim to actually having World Champions here. So, we accommodate for a little bit of everything, and we adapt to everyone’s skill level.”

Featuring lectures on stroke technique and stroke drills, the camp aims to improve the swimmers’ technique. Throughout the course of the week, campers received expert training from coaches with extensive experience, even some who have had success in the SEC and NCAA . Campers also have the opportunity to receive video analysis with coaches individually.

“I was a professional swimmer,” Nils Wich-Glasen, the men’s assistant coach and recruiting coordinator said. “And obviously you work on a lot of details, and through that, I did a lot of clinics as well. And I think I’m just trying to share some of my knowledge that I accumulated over the years from very good swimmers myself.”

Campers are able to experience the life of a collegiate level swimmer by living in the dormitory located by the natatorium. Surrounded by swimmers of similar ages and ability, campers live, eat and spend every hour of the day with their peers. Campers and coaches alike work to create a fun and encouraging environment to empower each other.

Coming from Texas A&M after nine years as the associate head coach, Calanog was drawn to USC because of the opportunity to go to a new school, and a new environment. He wants to continue to build traditions and have the best team atmosphere possible. Calanog came to the swim program at USC in the summer of 2024.

Associate head coach Calanog says he hopes to create a family environment for the team.

“And the same thing for these camps here,” he said. “Just a chance for the boys and girls to come together and become a family and learn what we do here in South Carolina.”