Advice for Summer Sport Camps

During the summer, hundreds of thousands kids will go to sport camps. Many universities and colleges sponsor these for various reasons. One main reason is money. Once all the bills like the use of the dorms and the cafeteria have been taken care of, camp directors and coaches make a bundle. Over the past 20 years, camps and their costs have escalated. Today, they have camps for everything.

Financing a camp can be expensive and a financial burden on a family. If you decide to go, start budgeting for it as soon as possible. Call or write ahead to find out the total cost before you go.

Let's take a look at the sport of basketball. They have specialized camps for point guards, centers, power forwards, ball handling, shooting, rebounding, defense, team play, fast break situations, passing, and even fitness. They specialize to help an individual improve on their weaknesses. Team camps are a bit different. In those camps, you just play games against other teams.

Before you go to any sport camp, ask yourself this question. Why am I going? You need to have a defined purpose why you are attending. Most camps are for improvement only. For example in Swimming, you might be attending to work specifically on the backstroke. In Volleyball, it could be for improving your setting skills. Soccer could be for goalie skills. You have to know what your purpose is.

Next make sure that you can afford this particular camp. You have to make sure that it will meet your needs. If you want to learn about free throw shooting, don't go to a ball handling camp.

Check the cost and what it covers for you at a camp. Are there any hidden fees? One camp that I worked at didn't charge for meals or snacks. Be sure you know what it covers. Things like instruction, rooms, food, t-shirts, and insurance need to be on that list.

Take only what you need. If you know that you won't be going anyplace but, the gym or pool, you don't need dress clothes. The more stuff that you take, the better chance you will loose something. It also means more work for you.

If you are on medication, find out if they have a qualified medical or training staff on duty. Know who you are rooming with. Sometimes two people can't coexist together for one reason or another. If you can select your roommate, that sometimes help.

Always keep your belongings under lock and key. Don't go flashing around money or leaving out while you are gone or taking a shower. Just don't even let anyone know what you have. The same can be said about another's person belongings. Leave things that aren't yours alone.

Take notes or keep a dairy. This way you can review things that you have learned each session or each day. This is important for when you return home, You can review what you have learned. Take pictures of your friends. this will make the experience more enriching to you.

Know your boundaries. Remember you are a guest. You are not allowed free reign of the campus. There are individuals that responsible for you. Don't abuse this privilege. Usually, the coaches or directors will go over the rules the first day with you. If you have any doubts, just ask.

Arrive on time and leave when you are told so. If you are going to be late because of circumstances beyond your control, call ahead. When it is checkout time, don't wait till the last minute. There is usually too many people trying to do this at once.

Once you return home, evaluate your experience. Was it worth the time and money? Did you get accomplished what you wanted to? Did you take away something that will help you in the future? Was it an overall good or poor experience? These questions will determine if you return again. It may also help you with telling others the value of a camp experience.

Lastly, and very importantly, you want to learn but, you also want to have fun. If you can't do that, it may not be worth your time and money.