2025 Pool Rats
Swim team info:
Hello Orchard Brook Homeowners! It’s that time of the year to start thinking about getting back into the water. Whether your kids have been on the team before or haven’t yet given it a try, we would love to have all kiddos who are interested. Children ages 5-18 are welcome. There will be a Junior Rats program for the younger ones ages 5-7 that just aren’t ready to compete yet but want to come and improve their skills and be part of the team. Junior Rats must be able to successfully swim a half-length of the pool and will be tested on the first day. If they do not pass, perhaps your child would be better interested in OBHA swim lessons (swim lessons are run through OBHA and separate from Orchard Brook Pool Rats Swim Team). We will welcome swimmers from outside the community, within the Belle Aire/Herrick/DGN school district and previous Orchard Brook residents. There will be an additional fee for non-residents.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 15th. From 6:00-8:00 PM, you can register your swimmers. From 6:00-6:30 PM there will be a parent information meeting going over what to expect during the season, volunteer positions and the opportunity to ask questions. This is perfect for first time families or even those who have participated before but would like to know a little more about the season and team. The meeting is optional you can still register without attending. We highly recommend attending this meeting as it will cover the most frequently asked questions from new families to our seasoned veteran families.
To register there are 3 forms for you to fill out: Registration Form, Volunteer Retainer Acknowledgement, and the Trident Conference Waiver. In addition to the forms, you can submit registration payment along with the required retainer check. We will also have our swimsuit and apparel representative available onsite to help answer questions about swimsuit sizes.
You may register after 4/15; however, if you register on or before that date, you will receive a free Orchard Brook Pool Rat t-shirt. Shirt size orders will be taken that evening (or add to your registration form if dropping off. Please be sure you indicate adult or youth). Shirts should be available prior to our first swim meet.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at the following email addresses:
Carrie Blonigen: carrie_kennedy@hotmail.com
Terese Prena: reeset78@yahoo.com
Pool Rat Uniform and Apparel:
Click here to order your Pool Rats swim suit, caps and gear. Select pick up at check out and your ordered will be passed out at practice before the first meet.
Pool Rat Practice Times:
- Tuesday, May 27 – Friday, May 30: 11& older 8-9am, 10 & under 9-10am
- Beginning Monday, June 2 – Thursday, July 3: Monday – Thursday 11 & older 8-9am, 10 & under 9-10am, Junior Rats 9-9:45am
- Fun Fridays 9-10am all ages, including Junior Rats
Swim Meets:
- Thursday, June 5th – Orchard Brook at Hinswood
- Tuesday, June 10th – Oakhurst at Orchard Brook
- Thursday, June 12th – Meadows at Orchard Brook
- Tuesday, June 17th – Orchard Brook at Oakhurst North
- Thursday, June 19th – Stonebridge at Orchard Brook
- Tuesday, June 24th – Hinswood at Orchard Brook
- Thursday, June 26th – Orchard Brook at Oakhurst
- Tuesday, July 1st – Orchard Brook at Meadows
- Tuesday, July 8th – Possible Orchard Brook Intrasquad Meet
- Thursday, July 10th – Silver Conference Meet at Oakhurst North
- Saturday, July 12th – Gold Conference Meet at Metea Valley HS
We will welcome swimmers from outside the community, within the Belle Aire/Herrick/DGN school district and previous Orchard Brook residents. There will be an additional $25 fee for non-residents.
- 1 swimmer = $150 ($175 non-resident)
- 2nd swimmer = $140 ($165 non-resident)
- Family Cap = $330(non-resident Family cap = $380)
- Swimmers 15 years of age and older = $70
- Junior Rats $125 for first, $110 thereafter
There are several “Special Jobs” that we need help with and a list of those jobs are linked below. In addition to volunteering at meets, each family is responsible for taking a “special job.” Sign up here
A couple items to note:
One last note, a retainer check in the amount of $150 will be required to ensure that all families do their part and volunteer at meets. We need all hands on deck during these meets in order for them to take place. We truly do not want your money, rather your help. If you are not able to work your required volunteer time, consider hiring a teenager or lifeguard you know to work for you. We love shredding all checks at the end of the season, and don’t want to cash any. Thank you for your understanding.
If you have any questions, use the contact form below.
About the Pool Rats…
The Orchard Brook Pool Rats Swim Team is open to children in the subdivision age 5 through 18. Kids can be part of a fun and competitive swim team right in their own neighborhood. Our swim team is part of the summer-only Trident Swim Conference, which consists of eight swim teams from other subdivisions and home associations in DuPage County. The season begins in early June and ends in an all-teams conference meet in early-mid July.
The Pool Rats are coached by young people in our community who participate on their high school or college swim teams and have a strong desire to work with our children. The team is managed by an Orchard Brook home owner who volunteers to oversee the team and coaches for the summer. Additionally, parents contribute their time and talent to running swim meets and helping with team events.
Registration fees and mandatory fundraising cover the many expenses of the team (conference dues, coaches’ salaries, swim meet supplies, etc.) and a few fun things too, like awards night.
Practices for Pool Rats are held every weekday morning. Swim meets are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Contact the Swim Team
Please send inquiries about the swim team via the form below:
Orchard Brook Home Association 