Thursday, June 27, 2024

ARE SUMMER CAMPS GOOD?

 Q. Another parent asks, "Are summer camps good?

A. Yes and No. Some camps are used as "babysitting" outlets. Whereas a few that actually teach, become "watered" down only because of the amount of campers, but the intent of the camp has teaching as it's focal point. Then there are some camps are a complete waste of time.


Camps where screaming - yelling (not teaching) actually do a disservice.  Speak to the camp directors and get beyond the rhetoric, check out their staff then research the company via their website, blog and social media outlets. We find that camps that are "sponsored" by a NBA player in which the player is active and present are good camps especially if the camp has a clear "boss".  The person in charge should be approachable and have a concise, organized, & detailed approach to teaching. Also consider the amount of time of camp.  In my opinion, camps that run for more that 3 hours can be counter productive in actually basketball development.  Many players (people) struggle with being able to focus 100% of their attention on task at hand for periods over 2 hours. Therefore, clinic / camps that operate beyond the actual attention span of the campers might hinder development.


Please find a sample of a traditional full day camp: (9am-3pm)


Warm Up: 15 minutes

Stations: 60 minutes

Games: 60 minutes

Lunch: 60 minutes

Guest Speaker: 45 minutes

Stations: 30 minutes

Games: 60 minutes

Contests: 30 minutes


So the question lies, where is the development time?


Hopefully our latest blog entry can help you, your son/daughter, your friend and others.  Be sure to be on the look out for next blog entry.


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