Summer camp is a rite of passage for many young people. It is the time to stay away from home, if the camp is overnight, and to make friends that will last a lifetime. However, if you really want to enjoy a summer camp, then you don’t just pick any – you pick a camp that best reflects your interests. For those who enjoy theatrics, theatre camp might be the way to go. For those interested in science and technology, then science camp might be right for them. And if you love field hockey, then field hockey camp might just be for you.
If you are considering attending a field hockey camp for the first time, there are bound to be some questions you have.
What Types of Field Hockey Camps Are Available?
No matter what you’re looking for while searching around for the right summer field hockey camps, there’s a fit for everyone. At Revolution Field Hockey Camps, we offer a total of eight different kinds of experiences:
Overnight Field Hockey Camps: For those who don’t mind spending a few nights away from home, this is a four-day, three-night all-inclusive field hockey opportunity. This includes a comfortable dorm room accommodation, all-you-can-eat buffet meals, entertaining evening activities, and – most importantly – more than six hours of top-notch field hockey training each day.
Extended Day Camps: Does the thought of getting over six hours of field hockey instruction each day sound awesome? Would you rather just head home once you’re done and sleep in your own bed? The daily drills and activities typically run from 9 am-9 pm, so basically, the only thing you wouldn’t be doing at camp is getting some rest. Lunch and dinner are included.
Day Camps: We also offer day field hockey camps that generally run during a typical workday. Check-in on the first day is at 8:30 am, but the first session will start at 9 am and finish at 3 pm.
Half-Day Camps: It’s never too early to start training in a fun and positive environment! We offer half-day camps for all children ages 6 and up. Don’t have any field hockey equipment? No problem! We’ll have equipment available that can be borrowed.
Top of the Class Camp: Do you have a goal of eventually playing field hockey in college? This camp focuses specifically on following those athletic dreams into the next phase of your life, with guidance and instruction from multiple NCAA head coaches.
Team Camps: Field hockey camp isn’t just about coming to hone your individual skills…why not bring the whole team! We encourage it and will assign the appropriate housing and training goals for your squad to make the experience as customized as possible.
Rise Camps: This camp combines our traditional focus on the game’s fundamentals with a unique and intense experience where we challenge campers to not only play as part of a team, but think and commit to being part of one, as well.
Core Camps: Are you a talented player looking to take your game to the next level? This program is designed to provide a high level of individualized instruction and feedback, led by Katharine DeLorenzo, head coach of Middlebury College, and is limited to 50 players.
What Will I Learn at Camp?
There is a wide variety of field hockey skills that you will develop when you attend a summer camp. These skills vary by position, with special lessons for goalies. However, there are many things that every camper will learn: goal scoring, team play, defense, tackling, positioning, ball control, and passing and receiving.
For goalies, there will be additional lessons in communication, footwork, clearing, accuracy, kicking, diving, and strokes.
Do I Need to Be a Great Athlete to Enjoy a Summer Sports Camp?
You do not have to be the best athlete to enjoy a summer sports camp, and you do not need to be the best field hockey player to enjoy field hockey camp. In fact, that is what the camp is there for: to teach you to be a better player and to help you develop your skills to the best of your ability.
When you go to a camp, you will most likely be divided into groups with other campers of similar age and skill level. This way, you do not need to feel intimidated by older, more seasoned players, and you do not have to learn at their advanced level.
Do I Need to Be in Great Shape to Attend Field Hockey Camp?
You do not have to be in perfect shape. In fact, going to any summer sports camp is a great way to get into shape if you aren’t already. However, while you do not need to be in perfect shape, you do need to be in good health. You will need to fill out health waivers before going to camp, and in certain states, you will even need to get those waivers filled out by your doctor.
Field hockey is strenuous, and you are going to be doing a lot of work while you are there. While the joy of the sport makes the work worth it, it is a sport that requires a fairly decent level of fitness in order to endure the long days.
Where Are Field Hockey Camps Located?
Just like many other camps, you can find field hockey camps all over the country. In some places, field hockey has not yet been fully discovered, and the sport is hard to find. However, if field hockey is big in your area, then it is likely that there will be a camp somewhat close to you.
If you are planning on attending an overnight camp, one will be even easier to find because you can go farther away to join. However, it’s likely you do not have to worry about traveling long distances. Field hockey camps are located in many different states.
What Should I Bring to Field Hockey Camp?
Again, what you should bring is determined a lot by what type of camp you are attending. At a sleepaway camp, you will need a lot more stuff than at a day camp.
At an overnight field hockey camp, you will need to pack many of the same things that you need at any overnight camp: pajamas, toiletries, shower shoes, bathing suits, towels, tennis shoes, flip flops, recreational activities for break times, and snacks.
Whatever camp you are attending, you will also need some field hockey gear: a stick, mouth guards, sunscreen, shin guards, goggles, pads, kickers, and gloves. A helmet if you are a goalie or are interested in becoming one, along with socks and cleats.
What Are the Coaches’ Backgrounds at These Camps?
The coaches who work at field hockey camps can vary by the level of play expected for that individual camp. For example, a more elite camp with campers planning on playing in college might have instructors who have more skilled knowledge and insider tips. Junior-level camps, on the other hand, do not need this specialization, and they might be run by talented high school or college players.
No matter the level of the coach, what is almost guaranteed are trained, hard-working individuals who know how to play field hockey and love the sport and teaching it.
No matter your athletic ability or the type of field hockey camp you end up attending, if you love the sport, then you are sure to have a blast with people who share your interests.
Ready to take your field hockey game to the next level this summer? Find a Revolution Field Hockey Camp near you and register today!
