This post may earn affiliate income from links and/or review products to help support this site from the companies .
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST IS IN SPONSORSHIP WITH HOTELS4TEAMS, BUT ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE MY OWN
The answer to the question of whether to send a child to sports camp depends entirely on the child. A child, with talents that make him or her, an asset to a team, also help the parent decide the answer. Motivation for why the child wants to go to camp is another important determiner in making the decision.
Talented
A child that knows the sport and just needs practice would benefit from going to sports camp and playing more. A coach can give a parent tips of whether sports camp would benefit the child and the team. Sports camps give children, especially who do not have a place a practice, a team and safe place to gain knowledge and learn tips of how to win games.
Motivation
The why question. Many kids just want to go to camp to be with their friends. Sometimes, that means they have little or no talent or interest in the game. These kids are more likely to suffer injuries and cause problems for counselors and coaches. Some also, unfortunately, run away from a bad home situation. This could prove a positive is one of the parents is abusive. However, the kid should have some talent for the sport.
Types
Two types of camps exist: practice camps and “showcase” camps. Practice camps teach campers, the finer points of play with additional tips on increasing their skills. Showcase camps have a famous player instruct the campers and often these are the ones talent scouts attend to find future players. Even if, a child attends a sports camp, there is no guarantee that a team will take him or her on in the future. When deciding on sending a child to sports camp, make that clear to both of you.
Camp schedule
The camp schedule should have at least four hours of daily lecturing. This eliminates the inactivity of the campers and provides knowledge that can lead to better performance. Sports camp is all about a sport and should include playing with instruction.
Cautions
Because of the intensity of camp, injuries happen. Most injuries are stress injuries to the larger parts of the body. Playing hard without stretching can cause these. Some camps provide warm-ups and cooldowns which help to reduce this problem. Beware of some brochures that show famous players just do not deliver. Feedback from other campers and the camp organization itself should provide adequate help in determining what to expect from a camp.
Talking to the coach and other players, as well as to your child, should determine whether to send him to sports camp or not.
