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