Oregon State Volleyball Camps

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages are appropriate for your camps?

We advertise the camp for ages 12-18.  Please call (541) 737-7490 if you have a camper that may be younger or older than this age range.  We are flexible and will make every effort to cater to your needs.

Do you offer scholarships or any form of financial aid to campers who may not be able to afford the camp prices?

Unfortunately, we are not allowed to offer any form of financial aid or scholarships to campers.  This is considered an NCAA violation.  Athletes who attend our camps are considered, in essence, "recruitable" by OSU.  Because of this distinction, any benefits that are given to them in the form of financial aid, scholarships, or anything else of value is considered a major violation and would result in sanctions toward OSU. 

What is included in the camp fees?

Everything is included in the camp fees except the purchase of a volleyball at the end of camp, which is completely optional for all campers.  The volleyballs cost $35.00 and are paid for at camp, typically not in advance.  All other fees, including housing, meals, instruction, etc, are included in the camp registration prices. 

Can I attend both of the Specialized Skills Camps?  Do I have to work on the same skill both days?

Yes, you can attend one or both of the Specialized Skills Camps.  You can pick a different skill for each day you attend.  You are not limited to one skill over two days of camp.

Which camp is appropriate for me?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions, and the answer varies.  Choosing a camp depends on what the camper wants to get out of coming to the camp.  If they only want to focus on one particular area or skill, a Specialized Skills Camp is appropriate for them.  If they want a well-rounded, more broad training session, consider one of our All-Skills Camp (either overnight or commuter).  Consider also where the camper is with their school teams - what are they trying out for in the Fall, what are their goals for their school season, etc.

Do campers have to have any previous volleyball experience?

Absolutely not. 

Do campers have to be a club player or have club playing experience?

Absolutely not.

How are campers divided at the camp?  What is your evaluation session?

Campers are divided by the coaching staff, based both on age and skill level.  Similar skill levels will be grouped together.  We believe this is the best way to facilitate learning in a relaxed and fun environment.  We will never put a first-year player with a college recruit.  On a similar level, we will never put a 12 year old with a group of 18 year olds.  While these are just examples, these are the basic principles that we adhear to when dividing campers into groups. 

Each camp begins with an evaluation session.  Campers go between stations and are tested on basic volleyball skills.  We use the evaluation session as a tool to help us divide campers into their appropriate skill and age groups.

What if I feel I was placed in the wrong group?  Can you change groups during camp?

Coaches will constantly be evaluating campers and will move campers between groups as appropriate.  Chances are, if you were put into the wrong group, our staff will notice.  If you, as a camper, have a question about where you were placed as a group, you are always welcome to bring that to the attention of your coach. 

Parents who believe their campers were placed in the incorrect group MUST have their child bring the issue to their coach.  Questions from parents or others regarding group placement will not be considered until the camper in question has raised the issue with his or her coach. 

How do I sign up for camp?

You may register online, or you may register by mail.  All online registrations are paid for by a credit card and will have a nominal, non-refundable surcharge added onto the total cost of camp.  All mailed registrations are paid for by check or money order.  If you wish to have a camp brochure and registration form mailed to you, please call (541) 737-7490.

How many kids are in each camp?  What's the coach to camper ratio?

In 2009, we had 80 campers in each specialized camp, 120 campers in the overnight camp, and 100 campers in the commuter camp.  This year, the capacities of our camps have increased because we've added three more courts for our use. 

The coach to camper ratio is never more than 16 to 2.  At least two coaches will be on each court at all times. 

Who stays with the kids at the overnight camp?  Is safety a big concern?

The safety of our campers, for all camps, is our first and foremost priority.  At no time will campers be alone on campus - they will always be with a partner, a group, a coach, etc.  We also collect signatures of people checking campers in and checking campers out.  When campers check in, they MUST indicate to our staff who will be picking the child up at night.  If that indicated person doesn't show up to pick up the camper, the camper is not released. 

In the dorms, there will always be at least three full-time camp coaches staying with the campers at all times, plus three Oregon State players as well.  So at any given time, there will be at least 6 supervisors in the dorms.  The OSU Coaching Staff also does routine checks of the dorms in the evening to ensure security and safety.  Dorms are locked at all times and require a special key for entrance, which only the campers, the camp director, and the dorm staff have.