[Doug]

Here is my two cents worth on this very contraversial issue

1) None of us know you personally, I think you should go to your mentor (if you don't have one, get one!!) and ask him/her what they think.

2) My "beef" w/ some local camps is sometimes the clinitions aren't the best. From some of my expierences (have been to 8 camps in last 2 years), I have found newer officials benifiting more from a "more expensive" camps, just because of the clinitions and the way it is run. Please undersand I am not trying to degrade anyone who attends local camps (i do myself), or runs them, some are great, but others aren't. The important thing are taht these camps are being run, the coordiantors have a passion and wish to share the knowledge, that is great!! I have no knowledge of what camps are like in your area (in my area, the local camps are horrible, but we're wking on them...), that is why i suggested you talk to your mentor, but i think if you want to make sure you get a lot out of it, go to a good camp, NOT a collegiate camp, but a good 2-man camp. Talk to the camp coordinator and ask him for input, "I am a young official and i am looking to get better and learn the ropes, is this camp the camp for me?" When you are being clinitioned, tell the clinitions this is your first year, they will understand (if they dont', they don't belong there!). I commend you, a first year offical being so passionate about officiating. Keep it up, and let us know how it turns out!!