| If your going to invest time and money in a | | | | learned skill. If the truth is, you're really |
| power skating camp to help your kid(s) be a | | | | just looking for an autograph, go hang out in |
| better hockey player(s) then you neet to | | | | the parking lot after the ice session. It's |
| consider a few facts: | | | | cheaper and you will still get the autograph. |
| | | | |
| You are probably going to be spending some of | | | | 4.Who are the people instructing? What are |
| your time, every day, for a week, or more, | | | | their qualifications? Don't be shy, ask for |
| driving your skater(s) to and from the | | | | and check references, qualified instructors |
| arena... you are spending hundreds of dollars | | | | are proud of their credentials. If they are |
| on the camp...there is a very good chance | | | | offended by you asking this question then |
| that you will be having to buy more sticks, | | | | take a second look at how they run their |
| skates and equipment, and you want your kids | | | | camp. It may be an extension of their |
| to get what you're paying for...ahhhh... and | | | | attitude. 5.What guarantee do you give |
| there in lies the questions! | | | | that this camp will make a lasting difference |
| | | | and be a good experience? This is a tough |
| 1.To begin with, before you register for any | | | | question... ask it anyway. Listen for what |
| camps, decide what you want the skater in | | | | you hear as a response. The head instructor |
| your family to improve on. What is the | | | | should have clear and concise goals of how |
| number one focus... is it skating, | | | | the camp will be run and what the results are |
| stickhandling, hitting and checking, what is | | | | that they are looking for from the skaters. |
| secondary focus, what are your expectations | | | | If your skater is a little slower in learning |
| for the skater? Take the time to discuss and | | | | a particular skill for example, how do they |
| talk about it. We have seen way to many | | | | deal with that? What is the answer you want |
| times, dad wants skater to learn to skate | | | | to hear? Read:" if you really feel this camp |
| faster... skater has worked hard all winter | | | | sucks then we will give you your money back". |
| and wants to have some fun on the ice, play, | | | | |
| and hang out with his friends. Not quite on | | | | 6.What type of follow up do you provide? Does |
| the same page. Anyway, just get to what ever | | | | the program provide follow up with tips or |
| it is, because these two guys are talking | | | | support via Internet (e-mail) that supports |
| about two very different camps!! | | | | what the skater learned during the camps. Is |
| | | | there someone to e-mail or phone for |
| 2.Is this program going to actually work and | | | | questions or reminders? Do they have a |
| am I going to get value for my dollar or is | | | | program during the hockey season that |
| it just another rip off? Find out the history | | | | provides a once a week development program, |
| of the camp and ask around to see if you know | | | | for example? |
| someone who experienced the camp and can | | | | |
| support its results. Be careful who you ask, | | | | 7.When will I see results? There is only one |
| their expectations may be different than | | | | answer here folks. And it should be said with |
| yours. What do you value in a Skating Camp? | | | | confidence and conviction. Immediately! |
| How many skaters will be on the ice at any | | | | |
| given time? What is the coach to skater | | | | Lastly and one of the biggies... 8.With all |
| ratios? 35 players is just too many skaters | | | | the posters and brochures on the wall to |
| on a regular ice surface ... period. Never | | | | choose from, how do I tell the good from the |
| more than 8:1. | | | | bad? Caution: Be wary of poster wars. General |
| | | | rule of thumb... if the poster is really busy |
| 3.Is this camp 'Program Driven' or is it | | | | and confusing, it's all about the marketing |
| 'Celebrity Driven'? Just because the camp | | | | and the program results are secondary. |
| boasts celebrity name Instructors, Pro | | | | |
| Players or the instructors have 'worked' with | | | | Now, Go back to #1 on this list and get to |
| Professional teams, is absolutely no | | | | what you're looking for. Then read 2-7 over |
| indication that these people know how to | | | | again and make the calls. |
| teach. Teaching and coaching is a trained and | | | | |