Finding the best summer sports camps for your child is difficult; we know this! There are so many different programs to choose from, and it can be stressful, especially if you’re considering an overnight camp. It is crucial for you to have confidence in the program and the safety of your player. While you want to ensure they are going to expand their sports IQ, you also want to make sure your child will be happy throughout the camp and participate in activities that are fun and unrelated to sports to keep it from being repetitive or boring.
First and foremost, you should determine what type of summer sports camp you are looking for. There are two types of sports camps: prospect and skill. A prospect camp is geared towards high schoolers looking to advance their skills for college recruitment, while a skills camp is designed for players who want to improve their skills but don’t necessarily have collegiate sports in mind. We will break down a few more essentials to help you make the best decision for you and your child.
Location & Safety
As a parent, you know convenience is key! You will want to select a location that is convenient for you and fun for your child. Kids want to be able to play their favorite sports and participate in other fun camp activities surrounded by other kids their age. It is essential that the camp you send your child to has a good balance of both!
Understand what will be provided at camp and what you will have to supply: It’s important to know whether food and beverages will be provided, what equipment the camp will have, and what attire is required or provided. And, of course, ensure that the location of the camp is safe – what is the surrounding area like? What safety mechanisms are in place at the site to ensure a secure campus?
Looking into a camp that you love, but it’s far away? Ask if they offer transportation services like airport transfers!
Coaches & Staff
Camps can be pricey, so you want to make sure you are getting a solid value. Before sending your child to a summer sports camp, it’s important to know the mentorship and coaching staff they will be surrounded by. Make sure the coaches are educated and have previous coaching and playing experience. A summer sports camp must be dedicated to the player’s achievement in an enjoyable and engaging way. We wouldn’t want you to send your kid to a sports camp where they will be reprimanded and overworked. Instead, look into camps where the coaches are leaders and experts who are committed to excellence and fun, and will serve as role models for your child.
In addition to the coaches and counselors your child is being mentored by, we recommend understanding what experience the Camp Director and Leadership have. The Camp Director onboards these coaches and counselors, so it’s essential to understand the organization leader’s communication, safety, and scheduling experience.
Schedule/Time frame
Now it’s time to think about what will the day-to-day experience look like. First, let’s determine the program length that best suits your player. A summer sports camp should be around a week to allow your child to settle in, find his/her community, and have enough time to make a quantitative impact on your camper’s skills and character. We recommend looking for a camp that promotes fun on and off the field. Check out a summer sports camp that creates a schedule that gives athletes proper time to improve their skill set but also allows for other activities unrelated to the field. These various activities promote character development, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Finding The Best Summer Sports Camp Doesn’t Have to Be Hard!
The ideal summer sports camp is a unique & tight-knit community and a place to grow and socialize with others while doing what you love. What’s better than giving your child that independence and camp feel for an entire week? Don’t fear the unknown: with a bit of guidance, you will be able to make the right decision for your family.
Ready to take the next step? Check out the Signature Sports Camp locations and dive into a schedule that combines elite sports training with adventure and the outdoors. All locations are led by experienced coaches and directing staff, who put an emphasis on safety and responsibility. We’ll see you this summer!
