The answers to the following frequently asked questions should be
read as introductory rather than definitive. In all cases, you should
consult the Bylaws
& Rules section
of this site to review SCSC bylaws, guidelines, and pool rules.
General
Membership
Facilities & Hours
Events
Swim Lessons
Swim Team
General
Who is on the current Board
of Directors for SCSC?
View the current Board of
Directors here.
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What are the pool
rules?
All members of the Club must follow the SCSC Pool Rules to stay
in good standing. View
the Pool Rules.
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Can my older child
come to the pool without me?
Children under twelve (12) years of age must be accompanied
and supervised by an adult (18) at all times while on Club premises.
The Club is not a babysitting service: Unsupervised and misbehaving
children may be disciplined by the guards and repeated offenses
could warrant intervention by the Board of Directors. View
the Pool Rules.
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How can members
keep membership costs from rising?
Members can easily contribute to holding down the costs of Club
operations:
- Know where your children are and supervise them at all times.
One of the biggest finances issues is keeping the showers in good
working order; be sure your child is not one of the group that
plays in or misuses the showers.
- Report the abuse of showers and playground equipment by any
child to the Guard Office immediately.
- Relatedly, if you see a shower was left on, TURN IT OFF. (It's
your Club $$$ going down the drain....)
- Report the abuse of vending machines by anyone to the Guard
Office immediately (or go hungry, or thirsty).
- Volunteer your time at the Club to organize an activity or complete
a task. Visit the contact page
for names and numbers.
- Offer your professional services to the Club at a discounted
rate.
- Please remember that ALL guests need to pay the applicable fees upon entering the pool.
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I lost my key fob;
how do I get a new one?
You may request a new key fob at the Guard Office when you enter.
The cost for each new fob is $5, payable up-front. It may take a
week or so to get your new fob; during that time the Guards will
admit you with your Bond#.
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What is the cost
for additional key fobs?
The cost for each new fob is $5, payable up-front. It may take a
week or so to get your new fob; during that time the Guards will
admit you with your Bond#.
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After morning swim lessons, everyone is asked to leave the pool, line-up,
and reenter. Why is this necessary?
Everyone must clear the facility and reenter when the pool officially
opens after swim lessons to ensure that only registered members
and their guests are admitted. This step is taken to log in members
and ensure the Club is protected from the potentially devastating
liability of unregistered guests using the facility. Because members
may leave their belongings in the pool area it is typically a painless
process. The Board continues to examine new ways of addressing the
ease/speed of checking in.
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Is food available at the Club?
The SCSC Snack Shack is run by Bip n Bops of Eldersburg and offers a range of items from pizza, to pretzels, hot dogs, ice cream and drinks, as well as specials (like their signature "garlic knots"). The facility also offers vending machines with snacks and drinks.
In addition, the Swim Team holds Hot Dog Days throughout
the summer and often sells ice cream from their shack. The ice cream
truck is a frequent visitor to the Club on hot summer days. The grills are always
available if you should wish to grill at the pool (bring your own charcoal).
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Membership
What does it cost to join SCSC?
The cost to join the South Carroll Swim Club includes a bond fee, a new member administrative fee, and annual dues. The cost to purchase a bond is currently $850.00 for a family membership (all members residing in the same home); the one-time administrative (initiation) fee is $150. Once you have purchased your bond, you pay annual dues for use of the pool. (Only the bond fee is refundable when you decide to end your membership; because they are administrative and operating costs, all other fees are nonrefundable.) More on how to join the pool.
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How can my family join SCSC?
To join, a family needs to complete the Membership Application, purchase a bond and pay the annual dues. When you no longer desire to be a member, you submit your bond for redemption. Once your bond is sold, you will receive a check for the amount of the current market value of the bond. Sometimes there is a waiting list for memberships. When that occurs, you must first get on the waiting list. When your number comes up (as existing members sell their bonds and you move up the list), you will be extended an offer to join SCSC.To get on the waiting list, you must submit a waitlist application along with a $50 nonrefundable application fee. More on how to join the pool.
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Does SCSC offer single memberships?
No, SCSC does not offer single memberships; all 600 memberships
are family memberships. This item has surfaced several times in
the past. The Board of Directors continues to promote the mission
that SCSC is first and foremost a family-oriented
facility (not a health spa). As such, specially-priced single memberships
are not available. However, there is no restriction on any individual
buying a family membership if they are so inclined.
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How long is the waiting
list?
There is currently no wait list. Join the pool now. The waitlist typically includes over 100 families. The number of families who are offered memberships each year depends on the number of families who turn in their bonds. As families are offered memberships, they are removed from the list and remaining families progress up the list. If a family is offered a membership and declines, the offer goes to the next family on the list. Sometimes, we offer a membership to 3-4 families before it is sold so movement on the waiting list is affected by this as well. View the current waitlist.
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Where am
I on the waiting list?
The waiting list is online and is updated every 30-60 days. The
date of last update is posted above the list. You may search the
waitlist to determine your place on it.
View the current waitlist.
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What is
the process for purchasing a membership bond?
When your Membership Application is received, you are notified that a bond is available, you are given 30 days to make a buy/no buy decision and another 15 days to submit the bond fee (total of 45 days to pay from time of notification). Note that the Club does not have an incremental payment program. The 30/15 program applies to the off-season interval (September 1st - April 30th). During the swim season (May 1st - August 31st), the 30/15 duration is reduced to 14/7 (14 days to decide, 7 days to pay) to allow us to achieve full membership during the open season. If for some reason you are unable to accept membership your name is removed from the waitlist (there is no "move me to the bottom of the list" option). Should you want to reapply to the club (be reinstated on the waitlist), you will be required to repay the nonrefundable application fee.
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Can I pay
my initial bond in increments over time?
No. The bond price must be paid in full when a membership offer
is extended to you. However, you may pay your annual dues and/or your bond and new member
fees by credit card. Click on Membership at the top of the page and scroll down for details.
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Can I pay with a Credit Card?
YES. Beginning with the 2008 season you have the option to pay annual dues and/or the
Bond and New Member Initiation fees by credit card. SCSC uses PayPal for secure and safe credit card transactions. All credit cards charge a fee for using the card. Since SCSC can not absorb these fees, they are passed on to the member.
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What is
the process for redeeming my bond?
To redeem your bond:
- Have all parties whose names appear on the front of the bond sign the back of the bond. (The SCSC bond is a legal document, and submission of your signed bond represents your intent to sell your membership. )
- If you have lost or misplaced your bond, then submit a notarized letter indicating your intent to redeem your bond. Include your bond number with this letter.
- Be sure to include the address where your your refund should be sent.
- Mail the bond (or notarized letter) to:
SCSC
Bond Redemption
P.O. Box 1183
Sykesville, MD 21784
Note: Your bond must be sold before a refund will be issued. This process may take 120 days or more if we have to offer the bond to several families before membership is accepted. For more information on Membership Bonds, review the Membership page.
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August Privileges? What are they and how do I participate?
Each year, all families on the waiting list are offered an opportunity to utilize the facility for the month of August for a nominal fee of $195. Although all families are extended an offer for August privileges, only the first 80 families who send in the application/fee are eligible (the 80-family limitation is per definition of the SCSC By-Laws). All families on the waitlist as of June 30th will receive an August Privilege invitation in the mail around the July 4th timeframe. Please note that August Privilege fees are non-refundable.
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When must SCSC dues be
submitted?
Annual dues will be due (postmarked) on or before April 1st. After the April 1st deadline, a 10% late fee will be automatically assessed EACH MONTH that dues remain unpaid. You can expect to receive a dues invoice in the mail in late February. If you do not receive your invoice....
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I just purchased a bond; when do I have to pay the dues, and how much are they?
Dues for the swim season are invoiced in late February and must be paid in full by April 1st. After the April 1st deadline, a 10% late fee will be automatically assessed EACH MONTH that dues remain unpaid. Families who are offered memberships before the dues invoices are sent out, will receive an invoice in late February. Families that receive a membership offer after the dues have been invoiced must submit the dues payment along with the other fees. The membership offer letter will explain exactly what is needed at the time of membership purchase.
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Why are dues submitted so early in the season?
With 600 member families it can take a great deal of time to process checks, turn around requests for bond redemptions, and make offers to new members. Thus, in 2002, the membership approved moving the due date back one month, to April 1st.
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What is the SCSC policy on guests?
Guest fees for 2011 are $8.00 per guest from opening to 5 pm and $5.00 per guest after 5 pm. In 2010, pre-paid Guest Passes (guest fee punchcards) are available for $70 for 10 guest visits (a savings of $1 per guest). Guest Passes must be ordered in advance. There is no limit to the number of guests a member may bring. However, any member wishing to bring in over 10 guests must notify the club office in advance so that additional lifeguards can be scheduled. A staffing fee is required if the number of guests exceeds 25 at any one time. There are no discounts given to large parties; however, you may purchase a guest pass to reduce fees. All guests must be registered at the front desk for insurance/liability purposes. Any family who is caught sneaking in guests will have their membership revoked immediately. No exceptions are given as this represents a major unwarranted liability to the Club!
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What is a Guest Pass and how does it work?
The Guest Pass entitles 10 guests to enter SCSC accompanied by the member who purchases the pass. The cost of the Guest Pass is $70; passes must be ordered in advance. This represents a savings of $10 over the price of paying individual guest fees. Guest Passes can be purchased by active members only and will be available throughout the swim season. There is no limit to the number of passes that can be purchased; however, lost passes cannot be replaced nor will unused portions be refunded. The pass MUST be presented by the member at the time of the guests’ entry or current guest rates will apply.
To purchase a Guest Pass:
- Pick up an order form at the guard desk.
- Return the completed form with payment (cash or check).
- Check back at the guard desk 2-3 days later and pick up your pass. The pass may be used immediately upon receipt.
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Facilities & Hours
What are the Pool Rules?
The Pool Rules define the rules and regulations that all members
(and their children) are expected to abide by to allow SCSC to provide
a safe and family-oriented environment, which enriches the community.
Failure to abide by these rules can result in loss of membership.
You may access the Pool Rules from the Bylaws
& Rules area of the site.
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What are the
hours of operation at SCSC?
Weather-permitting, SCSC is opened every day from Saturday of Memorial
Day Weekend thru Labor Day in September. The first weeks of
operation are an abbreviated schedule (4:00- 8:00) until public
schools are let out for the summer. Once schools are out, the
hours are:
Sunday - Friday: Noon - 8:30 pm
Saturday: 11 am - 9 pm
The pool is closed to open swimming during event nights (elementary,
middle school and adult nights). In all cases,
check the online calendar before
venturing to the Pool.
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Can the facility close without
notice?
Yes. For those "iffy" days, you would be advised
to first call the facility to confirm they are open. Rules for Thunderstorms are: Pool will be shut down for 3 hours after the last lightning is
seen and 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard. To check before
heading out, the Pool Phone number is: 410-635-2811.
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What are the guidelines
for leasing the outdoor pavilions at the pool?
Each of the two outdoor pavilions at the Club may be reserved
in 4-hour increments only by members of South Carroll Swim Club.
The upper pavilion may not be reserved on Sunday nights because that is Grill Night. For complete information, consult the Pavilion
Rules.
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How do I reserve the Pavilions?
The Pavilions are reserved through the Guards at the Guard Office. You should download the pavilion rules and reservation online and submit it for the time slot you are interested in. Note that the upper pavilion cannot be reserved on Sunday evenings because it is used for Grill Nights.
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How can I see what dates the
Pavilions are available?
A hardcopy schedule of available Pavilion dates is maintained in
the Guard's office. You may sign up starting Memorial Day Weekend for pavilions. You should download the pavilion rules and reservation online and submit it for the time slot you are interested in. Note that the upper pavilion cannot be reserved on Sunday evenings because it is used for Grill Nights.
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What are the Pavilion Rules?
The Pavilion Rules outline reasonable expectations in using the
Pavilions to ensure a safe and family-oriented environment is maintained.
You may access the Pavilion Rules from the Bylaws
& Rules area of the site.
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Who may rent the SCSC
Banquet Hall, and when it is it available?
The SCSC Community Room is an excellent banquet facility available year-round for rent to members and nonmembers. Renters may elect to bring their own food or to choose their own caterer. Get more information....
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Events
What is Grill Night?
On Sunday nights, the Club provides the charcoal and has the grills
"lit and ready to go" beginning about 6 pm in the Uppoer Pavilion. Members take turns
grilling meals they bring to the Club as a calm and relaxing way
to wind down the weekend.
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Can I
use the Grills any time other than Grill Night?
The Grill's provided at the Club may be used by any
member, any time, so long as the member provides the charcoal/lighter
fluid and uses the grills in a safe and responsible manner. On Sunday
nights, grills are reserved for "Grill Night."
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Are there special youth
and adult events?
Yes. Each year the Activities Director(s) schedules a special activity night for Elementary and Middle School students.
Additionally, an Adult Night is scheduled. During these nights,
the pool is "closed" to the general membership. Dates and times
of these events are listed on the Calendar
and Events pages.
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How do I find out about
special events?
The summer list of events is "officially" published in May, prior
to the Memorial Day pool opening; review the Calendar
or Events pages for details.
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Swim Lessons
Are swim lessons offered at the Club?
Yes. Group swim lessons are offered in two-week intervals beginning
in June. The program is organized very similar to the YMCA program
where different levels are available based on the swimmers' ability
and objectives. Normally three sessions will be offered between June
and July. All three sessions offer 30-minute morning lessons and
the 2nd session offers evening swim lessons. Download the registration form now. Once you are assigned to
a class, we ask that you don't deviate from the assigned session
so that the ratio of instructors to students may be properly maintained.
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How old must a child
be to take swim lessons?
A child should be Four by the time of the lesson. Additionally,
the child must be able to be "separated" from the parents for the
30-minute interval. Exceptions to the above must be reviewed with
Swim Coordinator/Coach Kim Easterday.
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How do I sign-up?
Download the registration form now, or pickup a registration form at the Guard's Desk beginning Memorial Day weekend.
In past years, demand for swim lessons has been high and the
programs have "scheduled out" within two weeks. Don't be late!
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How much do swim lessons
cost? Is there a price break for more than one child?
The price of Swim Lessons is determined in May of each year. In
2011, the price will be $40 per child. There is no price break for families
with multiple children participating because each child requires
the same amount of dedicated time and attention from the instructor.
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Are private swim lessons
available? What are the costs/schedules?
Private swim lessons are available but are not coordinated through
the Club. A number of Senior Lifeguards sign-up each year to provide
private swim lessons. A list of the Lifeguards and their home phone
numbers is available at the guards' office. Contacting and scheduling
a guard for a private lesson is handled solely between the interested
family and the guard. The Club is not responsible for a guard that
may fail to show-up on a designated date/time.
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Swim Team
The South Carroll Serpents are SCSC's winning swim team. The Swim
Team is managed as a distinct organization within SCSC. Read
more about Swim Team.
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