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There are many things to consider when deciding which summer hockey program to choose. First, ask your child if they would be interested in attending a summer hockey camp. A child that doesn't want to be there will just be unhappy and probably won't retain anything that they were taught. I would consider having one of your childs friends sign-up also for the same session so there would be a feeling of belonging and have a person to interact with. Look for longevity. A camp that has been around for a long time is a good sign. References. Ask for them, I'll give you phone numbers to call actual people who have had their child come to me.

Next you want to decide what level of play your child is at. Are they a beginner, novice, or advanced. Some hockey schools only cater to certain levels of play which limits your options. You should look for a camp that can service all levels of play. The reason some hockey schools do this is to 1. charge outragous rates, and 2. because they are not capable to coach all levels. Last it is easier to work with one level only. For instance, a camp that only works with "Elite" players does so because Elite players are easier to work with. They are Elite for a reason, because they are good. All it takes to coaching them is to tell them the drill to do and stand back and watch them go through it. Not much work in doing that.

Watch out for the camps that are money making machines. What I mean by this is, any camp that offers dozen's of sessions is bound to have watered down coaches. One reason hockey schools will do this is to keep out the competition. They will buy as much ice as possible to the point where there are no suitable times left. Hockey schools that do this don't care if a session doesn't fill up, because they know some of the others will be oversold. It's simply a numbers game. Overlapping sessions is another thing to watch for. Two sessions going on at the same time in two different locations. Mr. XYZ Hockey School can't possible be at two places at once. The person that you expect to be working with your son or daughter can't possible be at each session. This one gets me furious. Good people pay to have me work with their child, they get me, period.

Hockey schools that use famous names to impress parents and children do so for exactly that reason. Mr. XYZ Hockey School put Pro. Joe in the NHL is rediculas. The guys who make the pro's have done it because they are exceptional hockey players. A one week camp is not going to put the players in the position in reaching the NHL. I have helped along some players who have reached the pro level. I will not use them to market my hockey school. I was just one person along the way who may have had an impact on that person. Also look for people who may have been paid to endorse the school. The coach of the Bruins is not going to recommend Mr. XYZ Hockey School. Lastly, the camps who do have pro's show up usually pay them to do so. A player that has or does play in the pro's seems appealing, but are they able to coach and teach in a way that your child will understand. They are usually there for the WOW factor. Leave the coaching to coaches.

There are programs that the local arena will put on. I don't recommend them because they usually have a kid who has played some High School hockey teach it. The low cost is certainly appealing, but remember that they own the ice and can charge a low price to entice you into going to them. One more instance you can say you get what you pay for.

Instructors should be a big factor in deciding on what camp to attend. Sure you want the best, but does your child need the best. Let's face it your child could be playing hockey one day and change their mind the next. It happens more often than you think. Look to see if the instructors listed are local people that are actually attainable. How many times do you hear that Mr. XYZ is in the building but you don't actually see him? He is lurking in the shadows. Notice if the instructors have actual coaching background that you can confirm. Are the instructors certified by USA Hockey to be able to coach? There are some hockey school owners that aren't anything but good motovational speakers or good marketing people. These guys have no playing experience that I have been able to confirm.

State Licenses and safety. Each state requires that each and every camp to follow a strict code of regulations. Local Boards of Health require that we all follow regulation 105CMR340 of the Dept. of Public Health. What this means for you is that it ensures you we are following all safety precautions from background checks to making sure all kids don't drink water out of the same cup. We have to be certified in CPR / AED & First Aid. Without this we are not legally able to operate in the state. We are then issued a license to work in that community and we have to publish it on all of our liturature for the public to see. If you don't see it listed on the camp's brochure then they are not licensed. Without that license you have no idea what or who is safe enough to interact with your child.

Parents when considering a camp ask yourself what is important. Is it cost, is it location or is it the instructors. You should want them all and get them. Do I want your son or daughter to go to my hockey school. Absolutely! I will take anyone who is willing to learn and have fun doing it. If I wasn't able to have fun and had to be serious 100% of the time I wouldn't be doing what I do. I enjoy teaching young, enthusiastic people the game of hockey.