Value to summer residential camps?

[Guest]

I have a 13 year old kid. Never sent a kid to any residential soccer camp but I know there are lots. My kid has mentioned wanting to go to one of these. PTFC has one: https://www.ptfccamps.com/Default.as...TLE_titleLabel

Is there any of these camps that have value or is it just way to get the kid out of the house for a few days this summer?

[Guest]

No doubt some negative Nellie know-it-all out there will respond by trashing all available residential camps in Oregon, arguing that the coaches suck and the whole regional system of soccer sucks. My take is that there's value enough in what you said, getting the kid out of the house for a few days, while getting the chance to play lots of soccer. That's the value I see, so I signed my son up for PTFC's residential camp.

[Guest]

No doubt some negative Nellie know-it-all out there will respond by trashing all available residential camps in Oregon, arguing that the coaches suck and the whole regional system of soccer sucks. My take is that there's value enough in what you said, getting the kid out of the house for a few days, while getting the chance to play lots of soccer. That's the value I see, so I signed my son up for PTFC's residential camp.

I am guessing this is a mainly a profit maker for them. I don't mind that, but If it is just baby sitting for a few days my daughter will not care for it based on prior day camps she did. If anyone has had there kids at something that was worthwhile that would be great. Doesn't have to be residential. We last did a soccer camp 2 years ago over spring break and it was not a good experience as it was built for every ability, which means the lowest ability. Thanks for your input. You are along the same thinking as me.

[Guest]

For a soccer camp to be of any value it needs to be large so it has appropriate skill level groups (unless it had a tryout requirement) and it needs to run all or most of the summer. It takes several days just to size up the skill level of the player and place the kid in a group where he/she belongs based on skills and weaknesses to be improved (unless there was a tryout requirement to qualify for an advanced camp or to determine where the player should be placed). Camps that are just a week or two long and which lump all players together regardless of strengths and weaknesses are useless other than as a baby-sitting exercise.

[Guest]

All these camps are good for Rec, Select, OYSA low to mid premier level players of which there are many. If your kid plays higher than this, I doubt there is value for your player. If not, sign them up, the disparity of their ability and those attending will be fine and they will probably have fun!

I have a kid that is playing at a very high level right now and one that is Select/lower level Premier, the latter enjoys the game for its teammate friendships and not too much pressure.

I am personally familiar with the agenda/drills outline and training packet for PTFC camps and feel confident they are “typically” useful and fun for the player level I described.

[Guest]

All these camps are good for Rec, Select, OYSA low to mid premier level players of which there are many. If your kid plays higher than this, I doubt there is value for your player. If not, sign them up, the disparity of their ability and those attending will be fine and they will probably have fun!

I have a kid that is playing at a very high level right now and one that is Select/lower level Premier, the latter enjoys the game for its teammate friendships and not too much pressure.

I am personally familiar with the agenda/drills outline and training packet for PTFC camps and feel confident they are “typically” useful and fun for the player level I described.

Thanks for the perspective, though I am unclear. When you refer to the player level I described, were you referring to your kid who loves playing with their buds or both players?

[Guest]

A PTFC camp has no value whatsoever other than baby sitting. I can't believe they mislead people talking about academy, ODP, etc. Wow.

[Guest]

Thanks for the perspective, though I am unclear. When you refer to the player level I described, were you referring to your kid who loves playing with their buds or both players?

Rec, Select, Low to Low-Mid level OYSA Premier level players should get value out of these camps.

If your kid is around this level, I agree with the parent that said the camps are valuable for just having time with the ball and time to practice some new skills while having some fun doing it.

[Guest]

Rec, Select, Low to Low-Mid level OYSA Premier level players should get value out of these camps.

If your kid is around this level, I agree with the parent that said the camps are valuable for just having time with the ball and time to practice some new skills while having some fun doing it.

For that money join some small group training with better players.

[Guest]

For that money join some small group training with better players.

Or consider it for what it is. A camp experience where the kids get to live in a dorm, away from their parents and siblings for a few days, playing soccer throughout the day. The fact some of you all are judging it based purely on the level of play is amazing, and suggests you've gotten away from the idea that having fun should be amongst the goals for our soccer playing kids.

[happydad]

That overnight one does look like it would be a blast for kids!...unfortunately once they are playing at a higher level club there will be a ton of conflicts between club practices, tourneys, ODP, etc. I feel like scheduling anything for my son that doesn't conflict with some soccer event is threading an eye through a needle these days, lol.

[Guest]

Or consider it for what it is. A camp experience where the kids get to live in a dorm, away from their parents and siblings for a few days, playing soccer throughout the day. The fact some of you all are judging it based purely on the level of play is amazing, and suggests you've gotten away from the idea that having fun should be amongst the goals for our soccer playing kids.

Yes I agree it depends on what you want your kid to get out of the experience. None of these camps are going to signficantly change their game, but being away from home and playing a ton of soccer is good for them.

[Guest]

Like some others have said a week long camp isn't going to make or break a kid's talent or ability to play at a high level. But I loved anything where I got to go and stay somewhere with my teammates/ friends. At worst your kid is getting a week of playing soccer all day and having fun with friends. Imo it's worth it for them to just go and have fun. Practice being away from home for college. It's just a bonus if they happen to learn from the coaches

[Guest]

Like some others have said a week long camp isn't going to make or break a kid's talent or ability to play at a high level. But I loved anything where I got to go and stay somewhere with my teammates/ friends. At worst your kid is getting a week of playing soccer all day and having fun with friends. Imo it's worth it for them to just go and have fun. Practice being away from home for college. It's just a bonus if they happen to learn from the coaches

My son attended a residential camp last year and he enjoyed it. He said the skill level definitely varied, as there is no barrier to entry, but thought the competition level was pretty decent. More to your point though, he loved staying in a dorm and hanging out with the other campers. So, we signed him up again.

[Guest]

A PTFC camp has no value whatsoever other than baby sitting. I can't believe they mislead people talking about academy, ODP, etc. Wow.

my daughter came back crying after the 1st day and refused to return. I’m not exactly sure what happened but the refused me a refund.