Will Summer Camp Help My Competitive Athlete Reach Their Goals?

If you're the parent of a young athlete who plays on travel teams, you know the hard work, focus, and drive it takes to continually grow. You want the best for your child, and you're probably thinking about all the ways they can get better at their sport.

So, you might be wondering, "Can a summer camp help my child reach their sports goals?”

It’s a fair question, and the answer is a big “yes.” At Future Stars Summer Camp, it's not just about skills. We take an all-around approach to helping athletes grow. Here’s how your athlete and their goals are supported every summer.

Does Future Stars Provide the High-Level Training Environment My Athlete Needs?

Future Stars Summer Camps are held at top-tier facilities, often the same ones used for NCAA and other high-level competitions. You can expect your child to train on fields and courts built for elite performance. 

See what two parents of former campers have said about the facilities:

“My son loved camp last summer and we’re coming back again this summer. I also love how they use the college fields and courts to train the kids so they can really see what it will be like when it’s their time to get there.”

“I absolutely love this camp!!!! My nephew did a week of football camp here and loved coach Vitti and his staff! It was great that he could play on an actual college football field and work on his techniques. Great camp. My sister said he'll for sure be coming back every year!”

This training environment makes sure your child trains in a place that is good enough for any serious sports journey.

Our programs generally cater to athletes of all ages offering specialized instruction tailored to their developmental stage. However, specific programs, such as our volleyball camps, often include high schoolers preparing for crucial fall tryouts. 

Whether your child is honing skills for an AAU basketball team or a select soccer club, Future Stars provides the intensive, focused instruction necessary to advance in any competitive youth sports environment.

How Will Future Stars Challenge My Already Advanced Athlete and Foster Growth?

A common concern for parents of highly skilled athletes is whether a summer camp can truly push their child’s athletic development further. 

Future Stars coaches have the experience and knowledge to teach both the technical and tactical part of each sport. The camp day is also carefully planned, with several hours each day spent on skill development and playing strategic games.

One parent, whose children attend Future Stars, perfectly captures this sentiment:

“Both of my children ages 13 and 10 have been attending Future Stars for the last several years. My son has been attending basketball camp, and my daughter soccer camp and they both absolutely love it there. Both being involved in travel sports, I was worried the level of play would be lower, but they both have had great experiences.”

How Are Campers Grouped?

Campers are grouped into appropriate skill groups through an early assessment. 

This grouping is fluid and can be adjusted throughout the day to ensure every child is consistently challenged. Coaches actively join in drills and games, often controlling the level of play or making skillwork more challenging. 

Higher-level campers often work with coaches specialized in advanced play. Advanced skilled players can also be bumped up into older kid groups as well. Even when chances arise to work with developing athletes, there’s value in leading and demonstrating fundamental skills. 

Unlike a specialized clinic, Future Stars offers a unique advantage: a full-day program that combines skill development with fun. This gives kids a little break from the often repetitive, year-round schedule with the same teammates and coaches. 

How Does Future Stars Build a Strong Mindset and Sportsmanship in Competitive Athletes?

Many young athletes are naturally driven, and that's a good thing! Our coaches, many of whom have played and coached at high levels, are experts at guiding campers by focusing on athletic development and integrity.

One major emphasis is on sportsmanship. Kids learn how to win and how to lose with grace. This is a foundational skill that helps them both on the field and in life.

Athletes also discover that making mistakes is just part of getting better. Progress isn't always a straight line, and that's okay. They gain crucial tools to handle disappointment and frustration, two essential skills for anyone dealing with the ups and downs of competition.

What is the Training Philosophy and Daily Structure at Future Stars?

Future Stars’ core belief is simple: kids play and learn best when they love the game. To truly excel, kids need to enjoy what they're doing.

This philosophy is applied to younger and older campers in unique ways:

• For our younger campers, fun is the top priority. We weave it into every activity, so they build a really positive connection with their sport right from the start.
• As athletes get older and more advanced, our program shifts. We teach them the dedication and hard work needed to reach their goals. This means helping them understand what it truly takes to improve and building that desire to constantly get better.

Ultimately, this self-driven motivation campers develop helps them build self-confidence, which sticks with them long after camp is over.

Who Are the Coaches, and What Specialized Training Do They Offer?

The coaches are a key part of what makes Future Stars special. Many of our staff coach at the high school or college level, while others lead competitive travel teams. They also bring years of experience working with young athletes, meaning your child gets top-tier guidance from people who understand their sport.

Our assistant coaches are just as impressive! They're often current or former college athletes, which offers a nice mix of experienced leadership and fresh, current athlete perspective for our campers.

To help athletes develop at a higher level, Future Stars uses specialized training tools like video analysis to fine-tune techniques, agility ladders for better footwork and speed, or special sport-specific target equipment.

These tools work hand-in-hand with our traditional coaching. Each athlete is given multiple resources to develop skills and refine their technique.

How Does Future Stars Partner with Parents to Support Athletic Goals?

Future Stars is dedicated to working together on your child's athletic journey. You’ll receive progress reports that keep you up-to-date about your child’s growth.

Coaches regularly communicate with parents and are happy to connect directly with your child's outside coaches if they have a specific area of focus in mind.

You are welcome to observe camp activities, though it is recommended to speak with the coaches to determine the best times to watch. End-of-week scrimmages, competitions, or all-star games are typically the most exciting times to observe, showcasing the skills developed throughout the week.

Beyond instruction, coaches can provide recommendations for drills and exercises your child can practice at home. This ensures growth and skill refinement long after camp is over, providing a clear path for continued development.

What Are the Real-World Advantages and Success Stories from Future Stars?

We're proud of the achievements of former campers. They’ve gone on to play at impressive collegiate programs, demonstrating how Future Stars helps foster not only athletic talent but also the dedication, discipline, and well-rounded character needed for success at highly competitive academic institutions and beyond.

Here are just a few examples:

• One former Future Stars camper went on to play tennis at Emory University in Atlanta, a highly respected NCAA Division III program known for its strong academics and competitive athletics.
• We’ve seen campers successfully transition to collegiate soccer, with recent alumni playing for teams at Skidmore College and Tufts University. Both schools offer a fantastic balance of high-level competition and rigorous academics.

Help Your Child Reach Their Athletic Potential This Summer

For competitive athletes, attending Future Stars provides advantages beyond what training with travel teams can offer. Your child gains exposure to new coaching styles and teammates, which allows them to step outside their usual competitive bubble. 

Future Stars Summer Camp is a place where your athlete will hone their skills, develop their character, and cultivate a lifelong love for the game.