How to Choose The Right Sports Camp

Recreational - Beginner
If your child is just starting out in a sport, it is important to make sure that they are having fun. If their budding interest is not immediately associated with a good time, that enthusiasm will quickly subside. It is also important to let the child determine the sport or activity that best suits them. This doesn't mean as a parent or guardian you can't offer options or sign them up for activities that they don't necessarily initiate. It does mean that they shouldn't be forced into a sport or activity in which they are dragged kicking and screaming.

Do your homework and find out what the options really are. Just because your friends' kid is going to soccer camp, doesn't mean that it is the right choice for your child. The exciting part about being a kid today is that there are so many options available. "Adventure Sports" or "Extreme Sports" might seem like daunting types of activities in which to encourage your child to participate, but they can sometimes be the option that best suits some. The most important thing is to have them develop life skills that they can use off the athletic field. So don't limit their choices to the traditional sports that are well established.

Find out what classes, camps and clinics are available that fit your price range and time schedule. Don't invest big money in a premiere overnight camp that is beyond your child's interest, ability or maturity level. Failure at this point will mean a quick exit from that activity and major frustrations. Start with a day or weekend long clinic in your area to see if the child might enjoy it. Many colleges now sponsor parent-child camps which are a great opportunity for you to spend quality time with your child and to find out for yourself what it takes to be successful at a given sport.

Intermediate-Advanced:
Now that an athlete has determined that they enjoy a particular sport or activity and have shown an interest in taking their skills to the next level, provide them with the competition that will give them a better understanding of where their abilities rate. If they are a star on their local school team and are finding the competition to be beneath them, sports camps are a good option.

Don't just send them to the same old camp that they have been going to for years. Challenge them to step out of their comfort zone. Most camps give discounted rates to groups of players or teams which can be a good compromise between an athlete feeling too isolated and having some friends around while still getting to compete at the next level and meeting other players of similar abilities.

If playing at the college level is of interest to your athlete, look into local or regional college camps for which they feel they might someday be able to compete. There are college programs out there for everyone. If academics are a major priority, look into Division III programs or Ivy League schools. Although the thought of an athletic scholarship is tempting since college price tags are a major investment, don't be turned off by the fact that these schools don't offer money for athletics. There is still a good deal of "academic" and "need based" money available. Many times these schools will offer surprising and disproportionately better packages and acceptance rates than those offered to other students who don't excel at extracurricular activities.

If price and travel are a concern, there are often camps that offer special training for outstanding athletes at a fraction of the regular cost. Here the student athlete will be able to really challenge themselves against a higher level of competition. These elite camps are purposely designed for prospective recruits and it is a great way to get to know the coaching staff, campus and community. This is an excellent way to be proactive in your college search so that when the time comes to make a decision it is based on experience rather than fancy rhetoric from people without your best interest in mind.

Many times parents have unrealistic expectations related to their child's abilities and skills. Parents should take the time to go to different levels of college or elite competitions so that both parent and child can evaluate goals and abilities appropriately. Being honest with each other, is always the best policy. It might be a rude awakening, but the long-term happiness of all involved will be the reward.

Elite:
To get to the next level, it is important to test the waters in order to make sure the athlete is ready not just physically but psychologically to be successful at the next level. If participating at the college level is a goal, a great way to determine what level an athlete belongs at is to move from local or regional competition to the national stage.

Look into camps or training centers in other parts of the country. At this point, financial concerns can be a major issue but don't let those be an immediate deterrent. There are many opportunities for financial assistance. Be careful that the sources of any money that is obtained are sanctioned by the appropriate organizations. Many colleges offer camps for elite athletes that are used solely to determine whether or not they want to recruit the player or even to offer an athletic scholarship or a portion of a scholarship.

Too often elite athletes get railroaded into situations that they are not prepared for on many levels. Emotional maturity, financial responsibility, time management and realistic expectations all play a part in being successful at this level. Plan the next step before you and your child are bombarded with empty promises and ideas of grandeur from people who have no intention of providing the necessary support to make these dreams come true. Keep in mind, they are often interested in the athlete as a commodity and have no interest in their happiness or well-being.

These are exciting times for the elite athlete with mind-boggling money and adventures available to a rare few. Appreciate and cherish the gift of athletic ability. It can provide a treasure chest of financial rewards. More importantly, it can introduce you and your child to lifelong friendships that will remain long after the money is gone.

Byline:
Jami Dansingburg is the president of Profile Sports LLC, a company whose mission is to advance, enhance and encourage youth athletics. She is also the owner and operator of www.sportscampsonline.com, the definitive resource for finding and evaluating the appropriate sports camp for your budding athlete. Sign up for the SportSource eZine by going to the SportsCampsOnline homepage.