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.