Coach Steve Rau

All over the country baseball camps and clinics are popping up. These events can be as small as a dozen or so players, to as large as a few hundred kids. Camps could be of the daytime variety or may involve staying over night at a college dorm. Whatever the size or type of camp/clinic you may be seeking; there are a few things you want to be aware of before you open up your checkbook.

The following camp features will guide you as a parent in making a decision about what is the right baseball camp or clinic for your child.

• 6:1 player to coach ratio; anything less does not give the campers enough individual attention.
• At least one adult baseball coach for every college or high school player working the camp. Most camps will hire college or high school level ballplayers to help the lead instructors.
• Make sure the camp has some form of insurance coverage. Injuries are inevitable; don't let those costs come out your pocket if your child happens to get injured.
• Check out the facilities. Is the facility adequate in size for the number of campers expected?
• Make sure you know what the camp will do in the event of rain.
• Be wary of out of town organizations. There are scams out there.
• Video analysis. Does the camp do any type of video analysis for its participants? This is a feature that is extremely valuable to the learning experience of the player.
• Stay away from camps that have more than 100 campers. These camps often emphasize quantity over quality. Your ballplayer will receive much more individual instruction in a smaller venue.

Baseball camps are great for kids. A well run camp will teach ballplayers, not only the necessary skills, but also how to respect the game. Hopefully, after your child attends a baseball camp or clinic, he'll leave as a better ballplayer and develop a greater love for the game.