06 May Maximizing Good Memories from Summer Sports Camps

Summertime to most kids means no school, getting to sleep in late and just take it easy. However, many young athletes and performers test themselves by attending high level summer sports camps, showcases or intensives. Their goals include getting stronger, learning new skills, becoming noticed by college coaches and recruiters, and making new friends. 

Unfortunately, often unhappy campers return home with injury or illness souvenirs after attending specialty camps or intensives. 

Following are some tips to better put your camper in the position of writing the upbeat “How I Spent my Summer” essay upon returning to school:

• • Try not to rush from a tough spring season or summer program right into a intense specialty sport camp or dance intensive
    • Specialty camps teach higher level skills with increased repetitions against more talented competition. Taking time off right beforehand can increase camp enjoyment and the overall learning process.
  • By the same token, don’t leave camp and step right into full fall sport/dance activities
    • Insufficient recovery after high level camps increases risk of overuse injury and may not allow full utilization of newly acquired skills. A bit of time off before and after intensive camps is the best recipe for success.
  • Eliminate the mystery of injuries
    • Limping into camp already hurt often leads to painful flare ups and early rides home. Don’t suffer this disappointment. Visit with a sports medicine specialist to  get an accurate injury diagnosis with a sensible rehabilitation program, specific injury prevention tips, and realistic expectations for camp.
  • Continue any rehabilitation or injury prevention routines while at camp
  • Observe days of rest
    • Camp doesn’t have to be all work and no free play. Take a minimum of one day off per week from organized activities to reduce risk of overuse injuries. 

• Don’t forget the sunscreen

• • Nothing like major sunburn to create an embarrassing and painful early camp departure.
• Bring necessary medications
  • Many medical conditions, such as asthma, can worsen when exercising at higher levels in unfamiliar environments. Visit with your regular physician or sports medicine specialist to discuss illness control and get an adequate supply of medications.
• Know what medical resources are available
  • Ideally, high-level camps or intensives will have high-level medical support such as athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other sports medicine specialists. In the real world, this important coverage is often sorely lacking. Identify local off-site resources and even make appointments ahead of the camp. The quality and availability of medical support can make or break your experience, so choose camps that have this type of team behind you.
• Remember fluids are your friend
  • Summer camps often take place in hot and humid environments that require early and regular access to fluids and salt sources. Water is a sensible first choice, with fluids containing salt and sugar more for exercise lasting over an hour. While sport beverages can work, using infant electrolyte replacement fluids can be more effective in overly humid environments.
• Food is Recovery
  • If exercising several hours per day isn’t challenging enough, add in being away from home for the first time, unappealing or boring cafeteria food, or even worse, living in an apartment without access to prepared food. High level performance needs high level nutrition. Focus on the following items:
    • Post-exercise protein intake – good sources include chocolate milk, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter
    • Fruits and vegetables – especially berries and cherries which are natural anti-inflammatory agents that can reduce post-exercise muscle soreness
    • Meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and leafy green vegetables for additional protein along with iron sources

Dr. Chris Koutures is a dual board-certified pediatric and sports medicine specialist who practices at ActiveKidMD in Anaheim Hills, CA. He is a team physician for USA Volleyball (including participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympics), the U.S. Figure Skating Sports Medicine Network, Cal State Fullerton Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Chapman University Dance Department.. He offers a comprehensive blend of general pediatric and sport medicine care with an individualized approach to each patient and family. Please visit activekidmd.com or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/activekidmd/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/activekidmd/), or Twitter (@dockoutures).