Picking the Right Sports Recruiting Camps this Summer
Today we are thinking strategically about college sports recruiting camps to help you spend your time and money wisely this Summer💰
Follow these tips to save your time and potentially save $100’s in the recruiting process 👇
Picking the Right Sports Recruiting Camps this Summer
What Makes A Camp “Right”?
Everyone’s college sports recruiting process is unique.
Want evidence? Look no further than the comments on our recent tweet…
What is best for you when looking for a school may not be best for other people.
Everyone has an opinion about where the best place to get recruited to play college sports is and most of it is based on personal experience. Naturally this varies based on where someone grew up, the college sports recruiting camps where they had a positive experience, and other factors.
While it can be helpful to read the recruiting suggestions of others on social media, every prospective college athlete ultimately needs to come up with their own plan of action.
Here’s what we suggest for determining the “right” college sports recruiting camps based on what grade year you are in school:
During Your First Two Years of High School
Plain and simple - 99% of high school athletes should not be worried about “exposure” opportunities or college sports recruiting camps this early in their athletic career.
Instead, find affordable options around your area that focus on skill development. The best sports camps are typically run by colleges but some youth organizations also do a good job.
If there are local NCAA Division III schools in your area, check out their Elite camps (also known as I.D. camps or Prospect camps) to gain valuable context about what level player you are. There is no better way to figure this out than playing directly against the older Junior and Senior recruits the coach invited there to evaluate. You might not walk away with a college offer, but you will have a very clear picture of what you need to improve on moving forward.
In your free time or with a sports travel team, find ways to challenge yourself against older or more skilled competition. Nothing helps a young player develop faster and gain the confidence they will need later in their career than playing up.
This early on we suggest skipping the larger, more expensive camp options in favor of what is around you (think local). Prioritize your sport, but also remember to find time to enjoy your Summer. There will not be many unstructured ones left like this in your life once college gets going so it is important to enjoy time with friends and family.
Summary: First Two Years of High School
In summary, do not stress. The “right” camps will likely be local options in your area, especially if they allow you to play against older/better competition. Save your money and focus on getting better, not "exposure”.
As a Rising Junior or Senior in High School
Later in high school, begin to target recruiting camps and showcases where college coaches recruiting your level will be in attendance. Let’s walk through how you can ensure this happens:
Reach out on social media or via text to ask them where they or their assistant coaches will be over the Summer. This is a great way to demonstrate interest in their college or university while informing yourself about their recruiting schedule so you can choose camps accordingly.
Let college coaches know where you will be playing. This seems simple, but far too often recruits do not take this proactive step. If college coaches are not responding, post your Summer schedule as your banner on Twitter (X) or as a pinned post on IG.
Said simply - you cannot expect to be seen by the schools you want to attend if you never reach out to see where they will be recruiting.
Once an exposure event or recruiting showcase arrives, foster a relationship with college coaches that you work with by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in playing at their school. Come prepared with a few questions and specific things that appeal to you about their college or university so they know you’re serious. Don’t do this half-heartedly or to everyone you meet because it is easy for college coaches to tell when it is not genuine.
Summary: Last Two Years of High School
In summary, be proactive and reach out to college coaches so you know where they will be recruiting and where you should attend. Be willing to talk with coaches that are working with you during events and get to know them. You never know who they might recommend you to in their college coach network.
Closing Thoughts
Finally - a few thoughts to keep in mind as you evaluate recruting camp options:
If you are aiming for high-academic D3 school, is there a GPA requirement?
Does a recruiting camp you’re considering attending share what college coaches are attending in advance?
How far is the college recruiting camp from home? Will you have to drive or fly?
Cost? (Ask for financial assistance if your family cannot afford a recruiting camp)
Remember that when it comes to college sports recruiting camps, more is not always better.
Paying to attend an extra camp without a plan is about as good as heading to band camp hoping to get an offer to play college sports.
Make a plan and choose the “right” camps for you.