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!
Registration is now open!
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.
This year's 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:
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1 km,
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5 kms, or
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10 kms
Build a Whole Brigadoon Experience
Participants 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 camper cabins on Saturday, August 29,
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Sharing meals in the dining hall, and
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Experiencing camp activities like archery, high ropes & campfires
Click here for a full Virtual Tour of Brigadoon Village
More details on accommodation & meals in the FAQs. A link to book your onsite Brigadoon accommodations & meals will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
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 is now open here!
Have questions?
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Review our FAQs,
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Attend our BIG SWIM Info Session, April 23 at 7:00pm at Owl's Club (34 Oakdale Cres, Dartmouth) on Lake Banook. RSVP here
* The BIG SWIM at Brigadoon Village is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026 on Aylesford Lake. The intended route begins at the GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock, though this may be subject to change based on conditions and safety assessments made closer to the event. In the event that the swim at Brigadoon Village must be cancelled due to conditions that prevent safe participation, the back-up date is Monday, August 31, 2026. Please, note there is no guarantee of a swim either day if conditions do not allow a safe environment for swimmers and volunteers. Also, if deemed necessary there may be route changes made on event weekend, with little notice. These decisions are at the discretion of our experienced Safety Officer, Captain of the Day, and their team. Registration fees are non-refundable.
SWIMMERS.
The 1km, 5km & 10km routes are all loops that start from and end at the GIVETOLIVE BIG SWIM Dock at Brigadoon Village:
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1km: Participants will swim a loop that will be contained to the cove, also known as Little Lake.
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5km: Participants will swim out of the cove into the larger area of Aylesford Lake, where they will do one loop marked by buoys.
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10km: Participants will swim out of the cove into the larger area of Aylesford Lake, where they will do two loops marked by buoys.
Each route has its own respective requirements:
Distance Age Minimum Fundraising Minimum Registration Fee
1km 12 years old* $100 $29
5kms 14 years old* $1,000 $149
10kms 14 years old* $1,000 $149
*The BIG SWIM Director will review individual requests for younger swimmers to participate.
The required equipment for The BIG SWIM 2026 is:
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Latex swimmer cap - provided at event
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Inflatable swim buoy
Optional:
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Wetsuit
Have questions?
KAYAKERS.
At the 2026 event, swimmers will not be required to have their own kayaker.
The BIG SWIM does require that every member of the water safety kayak team to be outfitted with a list of items. Each kayaker is expected to source their own items and transport them to and from the event. The required gear list includes:
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14ft + Ocean compatible kayak with sealed hatches, secured deck lines and a cockpit skirt. River kayaks, tandem kayaks and open cockpit kayaks do not qualify.
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Two (2) Canadian-approved PFDs. One to be worn by the kayaker and one secured to the kayak’s deck fitted for the swimmer
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One (1) safety whistle
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One (1) Compass. Deck-mounted versus hand-held preferred
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One (1) approved rescue throw line
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One (1) bailer. Hand held or pump
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One (1) Paddle float. Solid foam or inflatable
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One (1) Spare paddle
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One (1) Cockpit skirt
There will be a mandatory gear check performed on Saturday, August 29 during the kayaker mandatory orientation paddle and briefing. You will need to be back onsite Sunday as early as 6:00am. Plan your travel and accommodations accordingly. You are welcome to stay at Brigadoon as well.
These items will be provided by The BIG SWIM on event morning:
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One (1) Smoke flare
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One (1) VHF radio
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One (1) Spot Tracker GPS unit
Please, note you are responsible for sourcing your own equipment and the transportation of you and your equipment to and from the event, The BIG SWIM does not provide transportation.
Have questions?
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!
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.
