A Parent’s Guide to Choosing a Summer Lacrosse Camp
If your child is a lacrosse enthusiast, then a summer lacrosse camp can be an excellent opportunity for them to improve their game, gain valuable life skills, and have a blast. However, with so many options available, choosing the right camp can be a daunting task. This blog post will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to choose the perfect summer lacrosse camp for your child.
Determine Your Child’s Goals and Skill Level
Before you start looking for a lacrosse camp, it’s essential to understand your child’s goals and skill level. Ask them what they want to achieve from the camp. Are they looking to enhance their basic skills, or do they have more advanced goals, such as making the school team or getting scouted for college? It’s also crucial to assess their current skill level. Many camps cater to various age groups and skill levels, so choosing the right one that aligns with your child’s aspirations is key.
Research Camp Options
Once you have a clear idea of your child’s goals and skill level, it’s time to research different lacrosse camps. Is your child is younger, newer to the sport, or just wants to have a fun in a less competitive camp experience? Local high school and youth camps would be a great starting point in your research. If your child is looking for a more competitive atmosphere, is interested in playing in college, then a college camp or specialty lacrosse camp that draws from a larger region may be a better place to start.
College camps are also a good way to get a feel for a college and its coach to see if your child may be a good fit if you are in the middle of the college recruiting process. Paying a few hundred dollars to find out you don’t like a college or coach is a lot better than paying a semester’s worth of tuition and having a miserable semester finding out the same thing.
You can start your research by asking your child’s lacrosse coach, teammates, or other parents for recommendations. Often time campers will go to camps with some of their existing friends or teammates. Online resources and social media can also provide a wealth of information on lacrosse camps in your area or within a reasonable traveling distance. Consider factors like the camp’s reputation, location, cost, and the specific skills and activities they offer. Make a shortlist of camps that seem like a good fit.
Check the Camp’s Credentials
Safety should be a top priority when selecting a lacrosse camp for your child. Check the camp’s credentials, such as coaching staff qualifications, certifications, and affiliations with lacrosse organizations. Reputable camps often have coaches who have played at high levels and have coaching certifications, which can give you confidence in their ability to provide quality instruction.
Moreover, look into the camp’s safety measures, including supervision, medical support, and emergency procedures. Your child’s well-being should be the camp’s utmost concern. With record breaking heat happening more often, you should also check how the summer camp handles hot days. Do they have facilities for indoor sessions or lights for night sessions?
Read Reviews, Get Recommendations and Evaluate the Location
Reading reviews from previous campers and parents can provide valuable insights into the camp’s quality and experience. Look for reviews on the camp’s website, social media, or independent review websites. Additionally, reach out to other parents whose children have attended the camp to get their first-hand opinions.
Also consider the location of the camp. Is it a day camp or an overnight camp? Depending on your child’s age and your family’s preferences, you may opt for one over the other. Think about the convenience of transportation and whether it’s better for your child to stay on-site or come home each day.
Assess the Camp’s Schedule and Curriculum
Examine the camp’s schedule and curriculum to see if it aligns with your child’s goals. Find out if the camp focuses on specific aspects of lacrosse, such as stick skills, shooting, defense, or game strategies. There are also camps dedicated to most positions, including goalie and face-off camps.
Consider the camp’s daily schedule, including the balance between lacrosse instruction, drills, and other activities. A well-rounded experience that includes skill development, education, and off-field fun can be a great choice.
Understand the Costs and Payment Options
Lacrosse camps can vary significantly in cost, so it’s important to understand all the fees involved. In addition to the base registration fee, consider any extra costs for equipment, transportation, or optional activities. Explore payment options and inquire about discounts or financial aid programs if necessary. While camps do want to make money, most want to grow the sport of lacrosse and make sure all kids have the opportunity to learn the sport. So many do offer financial assistance in some form.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect summer lacrosse camp for your child can be a rewarding experience that enhances their skills and provides them with lifelong memories. By understanding your child’s goals, researching options, and assessing factors like credentials, reviews, curriculum, costs, and location, you can make an informed decision. The right camp will not only help your child excel in lacrosse but also foster personal growth and create lasting friendships in a fun and safe environment.
About the Author
Will Oakley has been coaching and sometimes directing high school and middle school summer lacrosse camps for more than two decades. He has been a college coach at the NCAA D1, D3 and college club levels and is currently helping coach the Cox High School boy’s lacrosse team in Virginia Beach as of 2023
