Consider a few facts: You are probably going to be spending some of your time, every day, for a week, or more, driving your skater(s) to and from the arena... you are spending hundreds of dollars on the camp...there is a very good chance that you will be having to buy more sticks, skates and equipment, and you want your kids to get what you're paying for...ahhhh... and there in lies the questions!

1. To begin with, before you register for any camps, decide what you want the skater in your family to improve on.  What is the number one focus... is it skating, stick handling, hitting and checking, what is secondary focus, what are your expectations for the skater?

Take the time to discuss and talk about it.  We have seen way to many times, dad wants skater to learn to skate faster... the skater has worked hard all winter and wants to have some fun on the ice, play, and hang out with his friends.  Not quite on the same page.  Anyway, just get to what ever it is, because these two guys are talking about two very different camps...!

2. Is this program going to actually work and am I going to get value for my dollar or is it just another all talk no results type of camp.

Take time to find out the history of the camp and ask around to find out if you know someone who experienced the camp and can support its results.  Be careful who you ask, their expectations may be different than yours.  What do you value in a Skating Camp? How many skaters will be on the ice at any given time?  What is the coach to skater ratios?  35 players is just too many skaters on a regular ice surface ... period.  The ratio should never more than 8 students to 1 coach.

3. Is this camp 'Program Driven' or is it 'Celebrity Driven' ?

Just because the camp boasts celebrity name Instructors, Pro Players or the instructors have 'worked with Professional teams, is absolutely no indication that these people know how to teach.  Teaching and coaching is a trained and learned skill.  If the truth is, you're really just looking for an autograph, go hang out in the parking lot after the ice session.  It's cheaper and you will still get the autograph.

4. Who are the people instructing? What are their qualifications?

Don't be shy, ask for and check references, qualified instructors are proud of their credentials.  If they are offended by you asking this question then take a second look at how they run their camp.  It may be an extension of their attitude.

5. What guarantee do you give that this camp will make a lasting difference and be a good experience?

This is a tough question... ask it anyway.  Listen for what you hear as a response.  The head instructor should have clear and concise goals of how the camp will be run and what the results are that they are looking for from the skaters.  If your skater is a little slower in learning a particular skill for example, how do they deal with that?  What is the answer you want to hear?  Read: "if you really feel this camp sucks then we will give you your money back".

6. What type of follow up do you provide?

Does the program provide follow up with tips or support via Internet (e-mail) that supports what the skater learned during the camps.  Is there someone to e-mail or phone for questions or reminders?  Do they have a program during the hockey season that provides a once a week development program, for example?

7. When will I see results?

There is only one answer here folks.  And it should be said with confidence and conviction.  Immediately !

Lastly and one of the biggies...

8. With all the posters and brochures on the wall to choose from, how do I tell the good from the bad?

Caution: Be wary of poster wars.  General rule of thumb... in our experience if the poster is really busy and confusing, it's all about the marketing and the program results are likely secondary.  Great hockey school and power skating camps talk about what's in it for you.

Now, Go back to #1 on this list and get to what you're looking for.  Then read 2-7 over again and make the calls.