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What Are the Different Types of Track and Field Camps?

M.J. Casey
M.J. Casey

Track and field camps are an excellent way for young athletes to improve their skills. These camps come in several different types. They vary by cost, length of stay, track events offered, and coaching expertise. The type of organization running the camps will usually determine the environment of the camp.

The cost of track and field camps is directly related to who sponsors the camp. Camps held by a local high school or recreation center tend to be non-residential and low-cost, and use local talent for coaching. Collegiate athletic departments may offer the next step up. Their camps typically draw from a wider population base and are likely to offer residence in their dorms, on-staff trainers, and known coaches. Pricing tends to be higher to match increased costs.

Specialized track and field camps may be geared toward sprints or distance races.
Specialized track and field camps may be geared toward sprints or distance races.

Specialized track and field camps focus on one subsection of the events. For example, the camp may cover the throwing events, sprints, or distance races. These are often held by private companies who tour the country offering clinics or short camps and who are hosted by local sporting goods stores. Running clubs also sponsor these types of clinics. Still other camps cater to educating sports professionals and offer internships to trainers, conditioning experts, and dietitians.

Some weight loss camps offer track and field events as part of their sports programs.
Some weight loss camps offer track and field events as part of their sports programs.

Serious athletes will pay more to attend regional and national training camps. These camps cater to athletes looking forward to international competitions, including the Olympics. Students planning to run track in college will often check out the coaching staff of the college by attending a weekend track and field symposium. Some athletes will attend track and field camps for the purpose of cross-training or simply for a change of pace.

Track and field camps may offer coaching in every running event, including hurdles.
Track and field camps may offer coaching in every running event, including hurdles.

Many track and field camps are packaged with other interests. These may include studies in a foreign language, computer skills, social graces, or religious fellowship. Other specialized camps serve handicapped children and young adults. Urban youth and disadvantaged young people are also targeted for track and field camps. Weight loss and fitness camps may offer track and field events as part of their sports programs.

Track and field events in the United States are governed by USA Track & Field (USATF), with headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. This nonprofit organization supports the Junior Olympics and selects the athletes who will represent the United States at the Olympics and other international events. Camps offered by the USATF are elite; attendance is by invitation only. The camps are targeted at emerging athletes and coaches.

Discussion Comments

Ivan83

I went to cross country camps for a few summers in high school. All I really remember from them is going on incredibly long runs in crazy hot weather.

I was never the best runner to begin with and a lot of that was because of lack of motivation. I'm not sure how I ended up at the camps but suffice it to say that I wasn't excited to be there. I think the last time I went for a run in July was 30 years ago.

backdraft

I threw the discuss in high school and college and I thought for a while that I might have a shot at the Olympics. I went to track and field camps every summer for almost as long as I can remember.

They really did help. I got to work with a lot of different coaches and they gave me a lot of valuable advice. The discuss is all about timing and mechanics, almost more than strength, so having an experienced coach working with you can do wonders for your distance.

jonrss

There was a sports camp offered at my high school that was designed to improve speed and endurance. It was a mixture of weight training and structured runs that would make you faster and improve your cardio and muscular endurance.

It was taught by someone with a track background but people from lots of different sports showed up. There were foot ball and soccer guys and even a few baseball players. Speed and endurance benefits you in almost any sport.

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    • Specialized track and field camps may be geared toward sprints or distance races.
      By: Gabi Moisa
      Specialized track and field camps may be geared toward sprints or distance races.
    • Some weight loss camps offer track and field events as part of their sports programs.
      By: kai
      Some weight loss camps offer track and field events as part of their sports programs.
    • Track and field camps may offer coaching in every running event, including hurdles.
      By: william87
      Track and field camps may offer coaching in every running event, including hurdles.