The Creighton School of Wrestling CSW was established to provide a successful youth wrestling program in the Palo Alto/Mid-Peninsula area that serves youth of all ages. Info: 650-219-6383; www. creightonschoolofwrestling.com MULTI-SPORT Addison-Penzak JCC-Silicon Valley APJCC Summer Camp is a great way for kids to let loose, meet new friends, enjoy new & exciting experiences, swim, go on cool field trips, see amazing shows, and have fun! We offer a variety of camp programs, from traditional day camp to specialty camps. Info: 408-357-7416; www.SiliconValleyJCC.org Auburn Recreation District Variety of camps for all ages: spring break junior tennis, beginner golf, junior golf spring camp, Young Rustler’s Camp (horsemanship), British soccer camp, spring break gymnastics, Discovery Day Camps. More info: www.auburnrec.com Bald Eagle Sports Camps A great blend of non-traditional “ultimate” games along with traditional FUN summer activities, especially the softsword premised series of “Zaber Games” that no other camp in the Bay has. Every activity is inclusive of any level athlete, and our message creates encouragement from coaches and teammates all week long. Even the “non-athletic” or “non-sports” child will feel motivated to play and love our camp, but the highly
picking the perfect camp
Bob McFarlane of Bald Eagle Camps knows a thing or two about running a good summer camp. Here’s his insider tips: › 1. Quality Programming: Anyone can open a sports camp, but how credible is the person who is designing the program, creating or choosing the games, and training the coaches? What is unique about their camp? The answer should be a benefit to you and your camper, not “all the proceeds go to our Athletic Department." › 2. Coaches and Coach Ratio: Who are the people in charge of your kid all day and how responsible are they? What is the background of the leaders, and what is the training process for all of the coaches/counselors at this camp? Also, how many coaches per camper are guaranteed? › 3. Service: Is it easy to access their resources and can you get in touch with someone? How responsive are they on email and how helpful is their website? What is it like when you get to their camp, do you feel good about leaving your child there, or just ok? What do the other parents say? All of these things are indicators as to the quality of the camp. They don’t magically care more once your child arrives. › 4. Reputation: This can be hard to find, but do your homework. Ask about recent growth. Longevity doesn’t always mean they are a success — parent referrals are what matter. Are they just great at advertising but their turnover is high? Talk to the person in charge, but be prepared for them to have their reasons how their camp is different. Ask for 3 parent numbers to contact as references, then ask the same questions and see if the answers match up. › 5. Extras: It’s all the little things that make a 5-Star experience happen, just compare going to the Ritz or a Motel 6. Camps really aren’t that different. What are the details that happen at one camp that don’t happen at other camps? If you ask this question and all they can say is “they get a T-shirt” then you are likely looking at a poor camp. As an owner, I’d be able to rattle off 15-20 different ways we provide top notch service to our campers and parents. If they can’t tell you what’s special about their camp, you are in the wrong place. › BONUS: Once you’ve tried out a camp, go off of what your child says about it. Give it the whole week as sometimes it takes a bit for the whole experience to unfold. You know your child. At the end of the day the key question remains “do they want to go back?” There are plenty of experiences out there for them to love, you don’t need to spend your money at the “it was ok” camp.
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February 21, 2013
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