College camps, showcases, combines, and now the ever-present “Junior Days” have become a major part of the recruiting landscape. These events can provide valuable development, high-level competition, and opportunities to get in front of college programs. However, not all events are created equal, and attending the wrong ones can cost you significant time, money, and opportunity. If you want to use camps strategically, you must approach them with a clear plan.
When evaluating recruiting events, I encourage families to use what I call the Three C’s: convenient, cost-effective, and competitive. First, choose events that realistically fit your schedule and recruiting calendar. Traveling across the country every weekend is not a strategy — it’s burnout. Be intentional about where you invest your time. Second, evaluate cost versus real opportunity. Exposure matters, but overspending does not equal better recruiting. Often, a smaller, targeted camp with genuine coach interaction delivers more value than a massive, expensive showcase. Third, compete where your ability level matches the field. If the competition is too low, you will not be challenged. If it is too high, you risk getting lost in the crowd. The right competitive setting maximizes meaningful reps and true evaluation.
One of the biggest mistakes athletes make is relying on camps as their primary recruiting strategy. Camps should support your recruiting plan, not replace it. Many large showcases host hundreds of athletes. When that happens, there are simply too many players and too few repetitions. Limited reps mean limited opportunities to demonstrate your abilities. In many cases, college coaches already have recruiting lists prepared before the camp even begins. They know who they plan to watch closely. If you show up unannounced and unprepared, your exposure may be minimal.
Before registering for any event, confirm that the head coach or your position coach will actually be present. If the coach you are trying to impress will not attend, they cannot evaluate you, build a relationship with you, or move you forward in their recruiting process. That often means you have spent a significant amount of money for little to no exposure. Never assume a coach will be there — verify it.
The smartest way to use camps, combines, and showcases is through preparation and communication. Start by researching schools that are a realistic athletic and academic fit. Target events where coaches from those programs will be in attendance. Next, communicate before the event. Do not show up as a stranger. Email coaches to introduce yourself, share your recruiting profile, include your highlight video, confirm your registration, and provide your jersey number and position. This simple step dramatically increases the likelihood that a coach will intentionally evaluate you.
Finally, prepare for the event as if it were a game. Arrive in peak condition, understand your strengths, warm up properly, compete with confidence, and demonstrate coachability. Before the event, prepare thoughtful questions about the academic program, team culture, development philosophy, and recruiting timeline. Coaches notice athletes who show maturity and genuine interest in their program.
Camps are a tool in the recruiting process, not a shortcut. Strategic camp selection saves time, money, energy, and frustration. More importantly, it positions you as a serious recruit rather than just another name on a registration list. Recruiting is not about attending the most events. It is about attending the right events with preparation, communication, and purpose.
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