Competitive Swim Training Young Athelete

Question
Hello,

I am a mother of an 11 year old competitive swimmer and we live in the Bahamas.  She has been swimming competitively locally now for three years competing in local inter club meets as well as the Bahamas Nationals and has medaled in the meets.  Last year was our first year competing abroad at the Plantation Swim Meet in November and you can tell the difference in the swimming.  Whiles I was pleased with her perfomance I realize that there isn't a lot of chance for further training here as the caliber of coaches aren't the same.  I was wondering if you can direct me to a good swim camp abroad that does summer camps where I can send her for additional training as well as what you can recommend for us to do at home ourselves in regards to training.  I had her in the gym doing some cardio as well as some strength training but was advised that the weights wouldn't be good for her.  She is really into swimming and I would really like to help her get the best opportunity for training possible.

Thanks,
Lillith

Answer
Lillith--
First of all, the best way to find a camp is to go to usswimming.org and do a search on the find a club link and find a club that is somewhat convenient for you to get to and see what they offer.  When I was associated with Santa Clara Swim Club we had many times when foreign(Philipines, Europe)athletes would train with us and live with host families.  It was a great experience for us and them.
As for her training at home, cardio stuff is great and at 11yrs. old starting with strength training is good, just don't do much heavy lifting.  We always had our 11 and 12 year olds starting to lift weights, but, again, not heavy and always under control and with supervision.  
Hope this helps a little
George