Like back to school advertising in July and Easter chocolate in the stores right after Christmas, it seems way too early to be thinking about summer basketball camps. We are still in the middle of our season are we not? That said, many of the most popular camps have already opened their registration (and are filling up fast).
I have heard from coaches who are getting asked by parents which camp their young athlete should attend. There are so many great camps locally and within a reasonable drive that it’s not hard to find one that will help further develop the skills of your players, and create some great memories as well.
Here are three that I have personally instructed at or observed that I recommend:
- PGC Basketball Camps: PGC runs amazing camps that develop both basketball skills and youth leadership skills. I was an observing coach at a full-week overnight camp in Cambridge last summer and was blown away by their focus on developing young people and young basketball players. They are known as a gold standard in camps across North America. For the first time ever, they are coming to Ottawa, from August 14th-18th at La Cite Collegial. They are running their “Playmaker College” camp here as a day camp from 9:00 – 4:00 each day. Players will have two gym sessions and two film room and leadership development classroom sessions per day. They are also running overnight camps in Southern Ontario (including some specifically for Point Guards and for Scoring). Athletes are housed in dorms and the camp includes three gym sessions, three classroom sessions, and three meals per day. The energy, spirit, and youth development focus in these camps is off the charts and the basketball instruction is top notch. These camps also attract really good players and have great instructors. Registration opened last week and they fill up fast.
- Right Way Basketball: Right Way is a local organization founded by former Carleton Raven Mike Kenny. Mike runs really good camps. The instruction is great and Mike, who is a teacher, also includes discussions to help athletes develop as young people. Their Super Skills Camp is for players in Grades 5-8 and their True Competitor Camp is meant for players in Grades 8-11. Attending a RW Camp is never a bad decision IMO.
- West Ottawa’s Summer Jam: This one is run by our association. Myself and Brian Cameron (Head Coach of our U14 Girls team and a former assistant coach with Lakehead University) are the lead instructors. We run a morning session for ages 13 and younger and an afternoon session for 14-18 year olds. It includes a mix of recreation and competitive players and a focus on fundamentals and fun. We are still finalizing dates but are hoping for the week of August 21. Registration for this one will happen in March/April. Here’s a link to last year’s web page to give you a sense of the camp.
Hope that helps! Feel free to reach out with camps that you recommend.