School is almost out which means summer camp is coming up.
For those sports parents getting ready to send their student-athlete off to camp for the first time, here is a quick checklist for things to consider:
1. Coaches Certification: make sure the coaches, all the coaches, are certified in CPR, concussion management, and have passed background checks.
2. Coach Experience: Don't be dazzled by a coaching roster stacked with Div I players. Div. I? Yes, and? Athletic ability and coaching experience are two very different skill sets. Find out exactly how long your son or daughter's summer coaches have actually....coached. And at what level. They should have experience coaching at your kid's level to be effective communicators.
3. Multi-Sport Summer: Better to spend time in camps in different sports than at three football or basketball camps over the summer. This helps the student-athlete to get comfortable being uncomfortable - different coaches, campers, expectations, and muscle group and skill development.
4. Parenting Plan: Is your current parenting plan working for the child as a road map or as a weapon against the ex? The summer parenting plan should work around summer camps and clinics rather than camps working around the plan. Use the "Best Interests" standard.
