Youth Sports Camp - It’s about the fundamentals
I remember attending a youth sports camp back in 1970 and was intimidated to say the least. That was the first time I had competed against kids other than from my hometown and the experience was scary and exhilarating at the same time. I still remember those camp instructors and cherish those memories of youth and athletics. I ended up having a ball! I also remember some kids that didn’t have the same positive experience. And I clearly recall why they didn’t.
Forward to the summer of 2007 and the sports camp industry is now in full swing. All across the country thousands of kids pay (or should I say their parents pay) a large chunk of change to attend a sports camp. Reasons for such enrollment vary from attempting to improve basic motor skill acquisition and fundamentals to simply needing something to do once school lets out.
A good sports camp can be one of the best experiences in a kids’ young life. It was for me. Unfortunately, for some, it doesn’t always turn out that way.
As I approach retirement I’ve learned that a youth sports camp, or any sports camp for that matter exists primarily to: 1) generate revenue for the camp director(s), 2) financially fund the camp director’s athletic program, 3) use the camp as a recruiting tool (for college programs anyway) and 4) help kids improve their athletic skills. In that order and pay special attention to the order!
Summer sports camps as a whole have well earned reputations for being primarily concerned about the dollar first and the welfare of the camper second. Obviously some are better than others.
Finding a good sports camp depends on what you’re looking for. And the individual footing the bill (yes, usually a parent) needs to do a little camp investigation prior laying down the credit card. Find out what you’re paying for first.
A quality camp that specializes in coaching youth sports, ages 8-12, should provide the following benefits:
Fundamentals- The cornerstone of all athletics is fundamentals. Unfortunately many parents and their kids don’t recognized or appreciate that fact. Proper stance, step sequences, body positions, throwing motions, leverages, hand placements, etc. Real exciting stuff, I know, but if the camp brochure isn’t placing a strong, detailed emphasis on basic fundamentals then find one that does. Anyone involved in coaching youth sports will tell you that it’s not a lot of fun, for kid or coach, when bad habits have to be corrected and taught correctly. Unless all you want and expect to pay for is recess then expect a strong emphasis on youth sports fundamentals.
Organization- Is the camp duration well organized and make the best usage of instructional and competitive time frames? Are competitions conducted fairly with talent distributed evenly. Don’t waist your time and money on camps that are loosely run and poorly organized.
Adequate Instructional Staff- This is a most important component for a quality youth sports camp. A quality staff takes time and pride in coaching kids. If a camp enrolls large numbers, say 200-300 kids, and only offers 3-4 instructional staff members then I would pass on that camp. A reasonable instructor to camper ratio is around 10 instructors per 200 campers. Don’t be overly impressed in a camp that heavily promotes an appearance by high profile athletes (pro or college) unless, of course, that’s all you expect out of the camp. Keep in mind that the majority of the high profiler’s are not at your camp to teach youth sports fundamentals either. I say that if they are not directly involved in one-on-one instruction, then quit taking up a kid’s time.
Room and Board- Most kids that I know don’t mind roughing it a bit but the lodging arrangements, should they be required to stay a day or two, should provide a clean room with bed or bunk with clean linens. Having them bring a sleeping bag is usually a good idea. Lodging should be properly supervised with well defined policies for behavioral conduct and respect given the facility and staff members. Consequences for misconduct with disciplinary actions should be well defined and followed. Meals should be nutritionally balanced and have required attendance. Make sure attention is given to limiting or eliminating soft drink consumption and excessive visits to the desert aisle. Darn!
Certified Athletic Trainer on Staff- This one’s a no brainer. If there isn’t a Certified Athletic Trainer on the camp staff providing health care for your kid then don’t go to the camp, period! Also make sure you have a primary health insurance policy in effect prior to attending camp. Most camps will require this anyway.
Recreation Time- Well, it can’t be all business. Coaching youth sports also requires an little fun with active social activities. The recreation time shouldn’t overshadow the instructional camp quality, though.
Achievement Checkout- Each camper should leave camp with a checklist of acquired skills, fundamentals and accomplishments. Kids are better able to refine and develop what they have learned at camp it they have this important checklist. A competent instructional staff gains great satisfaction from identifying a kid’s strengths and weaknesses and helping them improve both. That’s the benefit and reward of coaching kids and good staffers take it seriously.
On a final note make sure your kid is ready, physically and emotionally, for the youth sports camp they will be engaged in? It’s VERY IMPORTANT not to throw them in athletic situations where they get unfairly beat up, demoralized, and totally humiliated because they are enrolled in a camp that’s way over their head and they can’t keep up and compete with an honest effort. Besides, it’s not 1970 anymore!
Help a kid smile, today. It’s a Win, Win!
Ike
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