What are some of the differences between the 'Superclinic' and an 'Extended Day Camp'?
The Superclinic (SC) and the Extended Day Camp (EDC) differ from a 5-day camp experience by time, finances, content, etc. The Extended Day Camp (EDC) accommodates campers residing at their own residence; however, we feel this detracts from the benefits of a residential, collegiate experience. The Superclinic (SC) is basically a '1/2 camp' catering to a variety of demographic groups who are unable to attend the longer 5-day experience.
Superclinic (SC): $499
Extended Day Camp (EDC): $580
Can you provide me with more details about being an Extended Day Camper?
It promotes environmental, social and college-prep skills, while allowing campers to keep within an intense and changing schedule. Based on my 25 years of experience, we recommend an awesome residendial experience vs an Extended Day Camper. However, we fully understand family needs and can make either the residential or Extended Day Camper experience work well with your child.
Extended Day Camper Details / Schedule:
Traditionally, we host 2 Extended Day Camper per week. They usually make instant, awesome, lifetime tennis friends. Our Extended Day Campers are invited to come 'hang out' Sunday evening - Monday morning through lunch and dinner. Attending camp with a friend is the ideal way to establish a pre-camp comfort level, but this is non-essential because our experience is that kids 'break the ice' and meet people rapidly.
Why don't you accept beginner tennis players?
Experience has shown us that 30 hours of tennis and tennis-related off-court activities is simply too much for a beginner. Local clinics are better for first-year players/beginners to maintain and improve their interest in our favorite lifetime sport! Committing to a full week of tennis camp has its risks. The Superclinic is a consideration for beginner players as is playing locally this year and coming to the Intense Tennis Camp next year!
What is your definition of an 'Intermediate' Tennis Player?
Our definition of an Intermediate tennis player:
Is attending 2 camps advisable or is it too repetitive?
Historically, several campers participate in both and return to repeat the following year. Is it advisable? That is your choice, and certainly involve your child in this decision. Personally, I like the idea of taking the camp learning experience onto the tournament courts, and perhaps repeating this. Is it too repetitive? Definitely not. There is a lot happening both on and off court with different people.
What meals are provided?
Buffet-style meals are provided Sunday dinner through Thursday lunch at the Boozel Dining Hall. I recommend campers bring $50 extra for food, stringing and spending money.
Is there a camp T-Shirt provided?
Yes! The Intense Tennis Camps provide a dry-fit camp T-Shirt at the Monday evening chalk talk.
Is there medical assistance?
Athletic Training personnel are in attendance during all on-court sessions. Their diagnostic and treatment power is limited. As situations demand, we call parents and transport the camper to Butler Health System FastCare in Slippery Rock if necessary.
What temperatures can we expect?
We have experience 90+ degree temperatures and other heat-related conditions. At the courts, we prodive ample water, Gatorade, ice, shade, cooling fans and help. To beat the heat, before camp, practive in the hottest conditions you can create to be best ready for possible extreme temperature ranges. Ensure you are properly hydrated before each practive by drinking plenty of water and Gatorade. Drink 4-8oz every break. Do not wait until you feel thirsty. During matchplay, use the full 25 seconds between points and 90 seconds on the changeover to hydrate, recover, shade and towel off. Never walk directly to the other side without rest. Realize that your opponent could also feel hot and exhausted. If you are the fitter player, be prepared to play longer points. To help stay cool, wear a hat/visor/bandana, light-colored shirt and sunglasses. Use sunscreen regularly and generously. At the courts, we supply unlimited water, Gatorade and Crystal Light and give you a travelling water bottle. On site, we have sports medicine personnel, tents, sheds, trees, cooling fans and ice to provide shade and first aid if necessary.
In summary: 'SLIP, SLAP, SLOP, SUN & SPLASH'
What happens if it rains? Is there indoor backup?
In the unlikely event of continued rain, two on-site indoor courts are available. Six hard courts are list so we can go past 9:00PM. Also, we will watch informative videos, rock-climbing, swimming, chalk-talks on nutrition, mental toughness, strength training, sportsmanship, rules, goals, doubles tactics, injury prevention, movement skills, breathing patterns, grips, indoor workouts, ping-pong, quizzes, etc. In the event of extended inclement weather, we will pursue travel to area indoor clubs, but there are no guarantees of reserving indoor court time.
This is an outdoor camp!
Is stringing offered?
Yes! $14 for your own string and $20 with our string.
Can I get a 3-person suite?
No. I wish I could simply say "yes", but my contract with SRU and website clearly states: "AIR-CONDITIONED,TWO-PERSON, RESIDENTIAL SUITES" with legal and insurance implications and penalties/fines. 3 person suites do not exist. Campers need to pair up or we can assign a similar age roommate. However, I can control 'next door' suites. Each residential building and each wing have unique designs. 24 hours prior to camp, I meet with the building RA where we are assigned specific suites, at which I can request a specific design. Possibilities of 1 or 4 could emerge, but '3' is virtually impossible.
Can I get a 4-person suite?
You may request a 4-person suite. However, we are contracted for 2-person suites. Campers MUST register with a roommate or request a roommate. Suites are assigned 24 hours prior to the start of camp. If there is an uneven number of same-gender campers, we may use a 4-person suite for 3 campers.
What supervision is provided when the kids are in between sessions and not at the tennis courts?
Camper (and Counselor/Director) health and safety is our #1 concern. Obviously, at the courts, we can observe all campers at all time. We chaperone all meals at the cafeteria and assign our tennis staff at all open times at the suites. In addition, at the suites, SRU staff are on duty 24/7 to host campers and provide building security. Also, the swipe keys issued to us provide 3 layers of key-controlled access to the suites.
Campers are required to wear their SRU-issued key landyards at all times. Please be aware the suites have many security cameras. Our tennis staff, including the director, resides in the suites. Our staff meets constantly amd are well-connected with current technology. Consistent and orderly 'head-counts' are conducted on the campers at least 10 times per day, as well as a well-planned 'lockdown' at bedtime. Please understand SRU is not a 'sterile' campus; rather, it is located on 600+ rolling acres of open space; however we have never had a 'reportable incident' in 25 years of camp... and we plan on maintaining this record. We sometimes use Grove City College's courts 8 miles away and possibly may use local amenities. These trips are optional. Both staff and campers are trained with an "Emergency Action (Preparedness) Plan (EAP)" in the unlikely event of a severe weather emergency. Your kids are safe with us and we are always open-minded for any improvements.
How do you place the kids in groups?
Initially, campers register as 'Intermediate', 'Advanced Intermediate', 'Advanced', or 'Tournament'. This information is collected and given strong consideration. Campers are observed by the full-staff on Sunday evening and placed in color-coded groups for the Monday morning teaching session. Monday afternoon, ideally, campers play 2 mini-matches and this new data allows us to objectively change the groups for Tuesday morning. And this process is repeated Tuesday afternoon thus changing Wednesday's morning assignments. There is constant change and ideally, daily, each kid plays 2 opponents within their 'range'. We rent courts in the afternoon at Grove City College/H.S. to accommodate maximum singles play.
Can you arrange to pick my kid up from the Pittsburgh International Airport?
Yes, with ample advanced notice, this could be possible (approx $40 fee each way)
I see your minimum age is 11 years old. Why can't my 10 year old attend the Intense Tennis Camps?
Having hosted 8-9-10 year olds in the past, we feel there are risks involved with most under 11 year olds at week-long, overnight camps. To keep these youngsters in tennis for life, we feel that 11 years old is the opening age for the residential camps. One exception is when the 10 year old has an older same-gender sibling as his or her roommate. Also, we must be fair to the 11-18 year old campers.
If I register with a roommate, am I guaranteed this assignment will happen?
95% of requests are honored; however, sometimes the same roommate is requested by several people. In these instances, we will use our best judgement and probably contact those involved.