How do you compare summer basketball camps to know which is best for your child? Much of your decision should be based on whether your kid wants some fun and exercise or if she wants serious training for high school, college or even professional play.
Fun and exercise can usually be gained by attending a local basketball day camp. The student has a week of training on the basics of the game. Usually these camps are lead by local coaches and high school players and are aimed at the middle school or even the elementary child. They are usually cheap and easy to get to.
If your child is more serious about basketball camp, you will have to make some serious decisions. To compare basketball camps, consider the following factors:
Location
Is the camp near enough for you to conveniently get your child back and forth? Will she be residing at the camp? If so, is the camp's location going to present undue expenses and complications for your family?
Cost
How expensive is the camp? Compare to others by searching online. Check for hidden costs like transportation, insurance, equipment fees, food and laundry service.
The price should be affordable, but a higher cost can be justified if the goal is a college basketball scholarship. Also consider that the price tag should be high enough to include comfortable accommodations and wholesome food, as well as a qualified staff.
Is the medical insurance sound? Look over the details to see if your child will be adequately covered if injured.
Staff
Staff is probably the most important consideration. Who will be working with the players? Coaches, retired basketball players, people who really know how to train the students? Will they get quality training? Is the staff well paid or just friendly volunteers? Does the staff care about the aspirations of each child? Will they push the campers to excellence while still be respectful and kind?
Brochures published on the camp should give you some of the answers you need. Ask around and talk to other parents who have sent their kids to the camp. What kind of reputation does the camp have?
Will a doctor or nurse be on staff? Does the camp require medical records and keep a student's medical issues in sight? How do they deal with medical emergencies?
Discipline
The camp schedule should offer some clue as to the actual training your child will receive at the camp. It should not be laid back or relaxed-you are paying for physical training and discipline-but you do want a fun atmosphere.
What are the camp rules off the court and are they enforced?
All these considerations can help you decide which camp is best for your student. Deciphering them wisely can make a change a summer wasted into a summer well spent.
 | Summer camp can be a great learning experience for kids or a trying nightmare for child and parents. Learn the questions to ask so that you can make a choice that will satisfy your child. |
 | How can a parent determine if a summer camp is safe? The chance of harm is always a risk, even at the safest summer camp. Most camps are extremely safety conscious, and a parent can choose one that is especially vigilant. |
 | Going to overnight camp is an enriching experience for many kids. Certainly, your child's camp will send a packing list for what to pack for camp, but you can expect some of the following essentials to be on it. |
Camp care packages would be nice to send, but what should you put in it? What kinds of things would a kid who's already going to be pretty busy need or want? |
Teens looking for summer employment can apply for a host of summer camp jobs for teens. Most camps are looking for teens to be counselors, serving as role models to the younger campers and junior staff members. |
