Camp Info
 

I'm signed up for my first camp this weekend and have yet to receive any information regarding agenda, schedule, or what I need to bring in terms of note-taking or equipment. I've sent several follow-up emails to the camp coordinator and received only a "be at this place at this time" reply. Not very helpful that.

So that I don't end up bringing everything including the kitchen sink with me, do you all have any advice in terms of what to bring to instructional camps like this? This is a combined camp for college and HS and I'm attending the HS portion. Thanks in advance.

Take at least one pair of long pants to any camp you attend. Always have a notebook and pen on you when in a classroom setting. Always bring both black socks and white ankle socks.

Bring a pair of khaki long pants and khaki short pants and one or two plain polo shirts. Bring a pair of athletic flip-flops to be comfortable between games.

Why bring the items I colored in red?

So that you don't look like the camp rookie or wannabe by putting on the camp tshirt over your uniform everywhere you go.

Socks: Because some camps prefer campers where white socks when wearing shorts.

Khakis/polo shirt: Just so you look semi-professional when away from the court.

Also, his camp is held in conjuction with a college camp. Never know whose eye you might catch. You wanna look the part.

You also may want to bring a VHS tape or something to use in case they are using video on one of the courts.
You can NEVER bring enough socks!! If you wear something under your officiating shirt then bring several of those. It sounds small but make sure that all of the "other" clothing that you wear/bring does not have any type of HS/College logo on them, you want to give the impression you are impartial.
As always don't forget to mark your socks and underwear with a laundry safe marker!!!
And finally make sure you bring BLACK SHOES to officiate in. Very important. Honestly, I know people who dont bring them.
Have fun and best of success

Had a buddy who was attending a camp in my hometown. At was at the same venue ref'n for the locals. Camp required long pants and he didn't bring any. Luckily I had an extra pair I keep in my trunk for him to use.

Don't forget your meds. Oh yeah - some camps will give you a higher rating if you bring a bunch of hot moms.

Make sure not to wear "ABCs" camp shirt to "DEFs" camp. Some camp directors take that serious!

"Do you know where you're at camper? This isn't so & so's camp, it's mine." :D

Is your camp this weekend or later this month?

Not in my neck of the woods. Black socks are a no-no (no idea why...maybe because it looks bad?). Ask the people in your area what is acceptable and do that.

All of the camps that I go to (NCAA-W) will specify either pants or shorts. Most say you can wear either, but I only wear pants when I have to or its specified. When wearing the shorts, I always wear white socks (below the ankle). I was blasted at a camp for wearing black socks one year. As far as the flip flops, khakis and polo shirt, I only wear this kind of stuff after the games are over for that day. I stay in my gear incase I am asked to fill in. IMO, its not proper to change and walk around the gym in such attire while games are going on, unless you are a big dog!!!!!

Already had that covered. ;)

However, when I at the gym in between games, striped shirt comes off and is replaced with the camp's T-shirt. And the sneakers come off and are replaced with the flip-flops.

I can't imagine why anyone would be blasted for wearing black ankle cut or no-show socks when wearing shorts.

I'll bet the evaluator was "advanced age". :D

It's one of those "Rome" things....that's why it's best to bring white socks just in case.

Ahh...thats better. I do the same.

I'm planning to attend a JC camp this summer....will take your advice.

Well, that was interesting
 

So the camp got over Sunday night and here are some random observations:

• Homework - do this and get as much feedback as you can from as many people as you can about the different camps, how they operate, and their effectiveness in helping to improve your game. I was limited in choices due to vacation restrictions at work in June/July so this was the only state camp that worked for me. As it turns out it was mainly geared toward college officials so you have to go along with some stuff that is not relevant.
• Equipment - thanks to the feedback received on this forum I had plenty of everything needed. As it turns out we needed non-patch uniforms, shorts, and white socks which I had so that part was fine.
• Conditioning - it was dang hot the first two days and the gyms were not air conditioned. Standing there dripping sweat while trying to process clinician feedback was difficult. While I thought I was in good shape from lifting/running prior to camp I'll need to incorporate more interval training next time.
• Rules - this should be evident, but this camp was not a rules camp. You are expected to know the rules ahead of time. Not sure why I thought this would be different, but since this is a self-study area anyway I'm going to continue working on this myself.

In general the camp was worth it, but I will probably look for one next year more geared toward HS. I received good feedback on some areas of development, but the best thing came from one of the clinicians who is a current NBA ref. He does rec games during the off-season and during each game/period he'll work on one thing to develop (mechanics, clock awareness, arm position, etc.). Color me stupid but I had never viewed rec games that way (i.e., for development instead of a paycheck). I'm going to look into doing some rec games in preparation for next season now, concentrating on the development areas pointed out during the camp.

Thanks for sharing, Rufus. Good stuff. This thread has been very helpful.