SWIM FOR
THE KIDS
August 30, 2026
OVERVIEW.
The BIG SWIM is a fundraising swim challenge. Funds raised from The BIG SWIM go directly to Brigadoon Village, who are committed to bettering the lives of children, youth and families living with a chronic illness, chronic condition or special need in Atlantic Canada.
The BIG SWIM 2026 is coming home to Brigadoon August 30, 2026!
This year, participants don’t just swim for Brigadoon — they swim at Brigadoon. The BIG SWIM 2026 is coming home to Brigadoon Village to bring swimmers closer to the heart of the mission! It’s so perfect we can't believe we didn't think of this before!
WE ARE ALL CAPABLE OF SO MUCH MORE
THAN WE CAN EVEN BEGIN TO COMPREHEND
EVENT DETAILS.
The BIG SWIM has always been about supporting Brigadoon Village. Hosting the event at Brigadoon creates a deeper connection between the event and the fundraising that helps send more children to summer camp. Brigadoon Village is located on Aylesford Lake at 1650 North River Road, Aylesford, NS.
The BIG SWIM will include three route options at Aylesford Lake, all starting out from the GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock at Brigadoon. Swimmers will have the option to swim 1 km, 5 kms, or 10 kms in Aylesford Lake.
Participants will also have the unique opportunity to stay onsite right at Brigadoon during BIG SWIM weekend to get the full Brigadoon camp experience, including:
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Staying overnight in the same cabins campers use,
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Sharing meals in the dining hall, and
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Experiencing camp activities throughout the weekend like archery, high ropes, and campfires
Click here for a full Virtual Tour of Brigadoon Village
The full BIG SWIM weekend will include:
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Saturday, August 29: Orientation paddle for the safety kayak team, safety meeting* for all swimmers & volunteers, group dinner, followed by a campfire at Brigadoon. Everyone has the option to stay overnight at Brigadoon that night!
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Sunday, August 30: BIG SWIM day
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Monday, August 31: Back-up date for the swim, if needed
* NOTE: swimmers may opt to attend a virtual safety meeting in the week leading up to the event instead of the in-person one Saturday afternoon
Registration will open April 8 at noon AST; stay tuned for more updates.
For more details, refer to our FAQs - expanded FAQs coming soon
CHARITY.
Brigadoon Village and its dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to bettering the lives of children, youth and families living with a chronic illness, chronic condition or special need in Atlantic Canada.
BECOME A BIG HELPER.
It takes lots of hands to bring The BIG SWIM together.
Join us and be part of the magic of BIG SWIM weekend.
There are lots of different roles and shifts so there’s something for everyone! Coming to support a swimmer? No problem we can make sure you're still there for your person by assigning you tasks that work around that!
For more information, contact: support@givetolive.ca
KAYAKERS.
At the 2026 event, swimmers will not be required to have their own kayaker. Our Water Safety team will be recruiting for support kayakers on the routes and anyone interested can contact WaterOps@givetolive.ca.
