Which Sports Camp Is Right For You?

Sara Allen and Michelle Valenti
Active.com

The term sports camps conjures many images, from splashing around in the YMCA pool to running soccer drills under the mid-summer heat. These days, there are so many camps to choose from, it is sometimes confusing when you are trying to pick the right one. Follow these guidelines for assessing an athlete's age, ability and skill, and choosing the camp that best suits their needs.

Beginner

If the athlete enjoys a variety of activities, look for a recreational or beginner camp that covers a number of sports, and emphasizes learning the basics in a fun and positive environment. These camps are often held at a local school or recreation facility.

Research the camps in your area and talk to people that have gone to those camps. Contact the coaches to find out what kind of environment the camp has and what their goals and priorities are for the session.

Grant Serafy, head soccer coach at Mercer University says that you should, "See if the staff has the credentials to match the experience the athlete wants. Who makes up the staff is one of the most important elements of a good camp."

Above all, decide what kind of experience the athlete wants to have. Is it more important that they go to the same camp as their best friend, or that they go to the camp with the best coaching staff?

Don't forget adventure or extreme sports camps. These offer a new twist on the traditional camp experience, by letting kids can break away from the norm and learn to surf, skateboard, ride BMX, mountain bike, and more. Camps aren't just about developing athletic skills. They are a place for kids to develop valuable social and life skills too.

Intermediate

If the athlete has developed a passion for a single sport they are probably ready to attend an intermediate or advanced camp where they can hone their skills, increase their knowledge and feed their passion. But don't rely on the camps you are already familiar with.

Jillian Albee of Adrenaline Lacrosse says, "Different camps offer different focus, skills, coaches, people, location, facilities, program structure and expectations. The list goes on and on."

If your son or daughter is interested in playing sports in college, look into camps at local and regional colleges. This will give the athlete exposure the elite camp environment.

No matter which level of camp you choose, there may be varying skill groups within that camp. Participants may be put in the lower group because of their age, despite having the experience of kids in the upper levels. If you feel the athlete would benefit more from a different level, don't be afraid to ask if they can be moved up or down.

Elite

Finally, if an athlete has their sights on playing for college there are two main camps to decide between, and it would be good to experience both if you can afford it.

The first are camps specifically for recruiting, often called elite training camps. These offer some instruction, but mostly offer a great opportunity for players to show their skills in a game setting. The sole purpose of these camps is to be seen by college coaches, and to provide a setting for coaches to see a large number of athletes in one place at one time.

Since these camps are expensive, make sure there will be college coaches actually attending. Research the camp before registering and call the camp to request a current list of coaches that will be there. College coaches are busy and their schedules can change, so the list of coaches on the camp brochure may not accurately reflect the list of coaches present the day of camp.

Also, if the individual is interested in a specific school, be sure to email the coach. Let the coach know the player is interested and which camps and tournaments he or she will be attending.

The second type of camp is a college specific camp. The majority of colleges offer their own camps and this is a great way to be seen and show the coach you are really interested.

Ronald Baum of Homerun Softball says, "Going to a camp at a college is still the best way to check out a school and meet the players." If you are interested in a certain school, and they have a clinic, you should attend.

Baum does warn that if you're looking at a college camp, with the hopes of being recruited, make sure that college is looking at you. Find out if they are still recruiting for that year and check the school's website for additional information.

At these elite-level camps, athletes should be on their best behavior. Coaches are not only watching how the kids react on the field, they are also watching how the kids react off the field. Many players blow their chances with a school by goofing off with friends or showing up late. It is really important to be on your best behavior at all times.

Remember to keep your options open and have an open mind. The one thing that hasn't changed when it comes to memories of camp is that they should be fun, so above all, enjoy your camp experience.

Join the discussion: Which sports camp do you like?