by Karyn Maier, Managing Editor

Selecting a summer youth sports camp for your child should involve more than simply pulling a name from a hat. However, if you rely solely on glossy four-color brochures that boast the endorsement of celebrity athletes or coaches, in effect that’s what you’re doing. Likewise, picking the camp with the most expensive fee schedule doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right one for your child.

How then can you feel confident in choosing a quality summer youth sports camp suitable for your champ? We have some solid tips and advice for you to ensure success.

Safety comes first. Be sure to make a thorough inquiry about the camp’s rules and policies regarding safety equipment, first aid procedures and emergency readiness.

Do your homework. Check the camp’s rating with a third-party accrediting organization, such as the American Camping Association.

Ask for a copy of the camp’s written daily plan of events and activities. A reputable youth sports camp should promptly comply with your request and either mail, e-mail or fax a schedule to you. In addition, as you review the event schedule, keep in mind that a positive camp environment should balance ‘down time’ and recreational activities with athletic events. After all, summer camp should be about more than developing a strong pitch; it’s also a place to enhance social skills.

Make a personal visit to the camp. The obvious reason for doing this is to get a look at the condition and quality of the facilities. However, visiting the camp in person also gives you a chance to meet the staff, as well as speak to other parents and kids who have already spent some time at this camp. In fact, most kids—who are truly the ones ‘in-the-know’--will be happy to share their honest opinion with you. And here’s another tip along this line: ask the parents and kids you meet at the camp how many times they’ve returned. A return rate of at least 70% is an excellent sign.

What level of camp is right for your child?

That depends on several factors, such as your child’s age, as well as athletic interest and development.

If your child is young and/or relatively new to youth sports, then a beginner’s camp is probably the right choice. These camps tend to offer a variety of activities with an emphasis on developing a positive attitude and simply having fun. In addition, beginner camps often convene locally at a park, school or recreational facility for limited hours in the morning or afternoon.

An intermediate sports camp may be more suitable for the youth that has a developed interest in a single sport. This type of environment will provide an opportunity for your child to hone and expand on their existing skills.

Is there a college sports scholarship in your child’s future? There are two paths that can be traveled if this is the case—a college clinic or an elite training camp. The latter is for the purpose of recruitment, where individuals are given the opportunity to be seen in a game setting by a variety of coaches. College camps or clinics, on the other hand, are hosted by individual colleges to give young athletes a chance to visit the school and meet the coach. Be aware that either type of college-orientated camp demands mature and responsible behavior and attitude from your son or daughter at all times. This means that your child should be psychologically prepared for th is type of camp experience, in addition to be being physically adept.

If you’re still not sure which type of youth sports camp is the right choice, speak to your child’s current youth sports coach. He or she is not only likely to be more knowledgeable and experienced with summer youth sports programs and camps in general, but can also offer an honest assessment of your child’s skill level and readiness to help you both get the most out of the experience.