Camps, Camps, Camps
Camps
Audience:
Coaches, Parents, Players
Topics:
Age Group
14u, 16u, 18u
Last Updated
Sep 21, 2025
When to Start Attending Camps
Many families wait too long to think about camps, assuming they’re only important once recruiting starts. In reality, the earlier you begin, the better. Camps are not about getting signed on the spot—it’s incredibly rare for that to happen. Instead, the purpose is visibility: being seen, making a positive impression, and building relationships with coaches and players. The earlier you begin attending, the more opportunities you have to get comfortable in these environments and grow your exposure.
Choosing the Right Camps
Camp selection is arguably the most important part of the process. The cost of going to the wrong camps isn’t just financial—it’s lost opportunity. Every camp missed in front of the right coaches is a missed recruiting chance. Too many athletes only attend “big name” Power 4 or SEC camps, only to find themselves without realistic offers when their recruiting window opens. By September 1st of a player’s junior year, you’ll already know if Power 4 schools are interested. Don’t wait until then to make adjustments—be intentional early. Choose schools that fit your player’s talent level, goals, and academic interests. Honest conversations with your travel ball coach can help guide these decisions, and their recommendations are often invaluable.
Preparing for Camp
Once you’ve committed to a camp (and yes, everyone has to pay—NCAA rules require it), the real work begins. Preparation should go beyond physical training. Research the school, know the program’s culture, and send a short email to the coaching staff letting them know you’ll be attending. This proactive approach shows genuine interest and puts your name on their radar before you even step foot on campus.
Making the Most of Camp Day
When camp day arrives, effort and attitude matter as much as skill. Hustle between stations, show coachability by being open to feedback, and engage respectfully with staff and players. Coaches notice the “little things” more than you might think. Our post-camp evaluation checklist highlights exactly what they’re looking for and can help you gauge how you performed.
Following Up After Camp
Your job isn’t finished once camp ends. A thoughtful thank-you email to the coaches goes a long way, and it reinforces the impression you left in person. Players should also use social media strategically—X is the platform coaches watch, while Facebook updates are really for parents. Consistent follow-up is what keeps your name fresh in the minds of recruiters and helps build lasting connections.
Guidance for Coaches
Coaches play a critical role in helping athletes and families navigate the camp process. Having honest conversations about camp selection may feel uncomfortable at times, but it’s one of the most valuable things you can do for your players. The benefits are clear: families save money by avoiding “long-shot” camps, athletes get in front of the right coaches, and recruiters gain better awareness of your players.
Key responsibilities for coaches include:
Have camp conversations early and often – Guide families toward schools that match the athlete’s ability and goals.
Create a plan for each player – Use our camp planning template [insert link] to track which camps align best for each athlete.
Engage with college coaches:
Before camp – Send a short note introducing the player(s) who will attend and what makes them stand out.
After camp – Reach out for feedback on performance and next steps.
Promote your players on social media – Post about upcoming camp attendance and share highlights afterward. Use our pre- and post-camp templates [insert link] to make this easy.
By staying proactive and organized, you not only help your athletes maximize their opportunities but also strengthen your credibility with college coaches.