TIME FOR SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS

Summer is one of my four favorite times of the year.  (Confession:  I'm a pretty positive person and there's not much I don't like.)  It provides me with the opportunity to spend many of my summer days watching my sons play ball and eat watermelon with their friends.

It is also an awesome responsibility as working with this group always feels like you're working with young people with such potential.

We are very fortunate in Bergen County as there are many excellent coaches in many different fieldsThis first blog will address some of the things you may want to consider before sending your son or daughter to a day camp this summer.

What has been important to me is that my sons and daughter grew socially, emotionally, mentally and physically through the summer.  The camp they were attending was going to play a role in that growth.  We wanted them challenged among the best and for their horizons to be expanded in all areas of their lives. Your first step is to decide what priorities you have when choosing a camp.

Consider the following as you choose camp for your children:
MISSION:  Does the camp have a goal, a direction?  How does it plan to help your child grow?  What are some of the core values most important to it?
PHYSICAL SAFETY:  Is there a trainer on staff?  Does the equipment look in good condition?  Are players expected to wear the appropriate equipment when on the field of play and is safe play practiced?
WHAT TO BRING:  Most camps have a list, but don't be scared away from the camp that requires equipment when you have a child new to a sport.  Sometimes just a phone call to the camp director can help as there may be equipment that can be lent for the week without making a major purchase.
EAT AND DRINK:  Brown bag for lunch or can your kids purchase it?  Are drinks available for purchase or should you bring them?  Most kids bring coolers with them these days.
BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR STUFF!  Kids need to be responsible for their belongings.  Moms and dads can help.  Write BOLDLY your name on equipment/bags/thermos/etc.  Keep a short list of things to bring.  Check to see that your child has it when you leave in the morning and when you pick up in the evening.  Kids should keep all of their equipment zipped up in a bag when they go to lunch or are in a meeting.  This will help them build good practices.
RESEARCH:  Use your friends.  Ask them about camps their kids have been to in the past.  Use Google.  Especially regarding Heat Safety Issues and proper hydration.  A site like KIDSHEALTH can be helpful.

Coach Haemmerle has been coaching high school football since 1988 and lacrosse since 1995.  He served as Defensive Coordinator for 9 state championship football teams and currently is the Head Lacrosse Coach at Bergen Catholic HS.  His 2014 Crusaders were Bergen County Champions and achieved a 19-1 record earning them "Team of the Year" honors for North Jersey.  He is the director of Central Bergen Lacrosse Camps.