My son attended the NALC for three straight years, including this past July. He did go with a few of his teammates from his club team, but enjoyed it—this year more so than last. The USNA was very vigilant about keeping the kids hydrated in the 100 degree heat, which, by the way, helped my son, I think, during this weekends tryouts. He loves the food there. As a parent, I love the USNA culture (i.e., discipline, punctuality, manners, etc.) infused into the camp. Many of the counselors are midshipmen who play for the USNA lacrosse team, whereas the UMd camp counselors were kids on the MD lacrosse team, but college kids, nonetheless, who were mainly interested in making beer money. Registration and pickup were all a breeze. A group of us parents also stay overnight in Annapolis at the Annapolis Marriott and have dinner in town and go out before and after. The USNA is also very welcoming to the parents in terms of allowing the parents attend the different sessions (8 or 9 total). It’s also a great introduction to overnight camp, since it’s only three nights and 45 minutes away.

Anonymous wrote:All I heard from a friend's son was that some kid set off an axe bomb in one of the rooms.

Ha! My son attended NALC (third consecutive year) and told us the same story.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of the college summer camps are great! Maryland, Navy, Loyola, etc...

Keep in mind that the boys enjoy the camp - not because of the training BUT because they spend a week away from home and like minded kids that play lacrosse.

If your kid is already a skilled player, he will most likely enjoy the camaraderie aspect of the camp. At least for my kid, he can't remember learning a single thing BUT has no problem telling me about the fun he had.

That's a bit bizarre your kid didn't learn anything from the camp. I started sending mine to Navy camp at 8, and both years he came out learning a lot. Mine didn't sleep over though.

My son has also attended both Maryland and Navy camp. I agree with previous poster, my son didn't learn anything new. However my son has been playing lacrosse for many years. The camps reenforce the things that you already been taught from playing rec and clinics. The camps are about reps reps reps and more reps. The kids have a blast hanging out with other boys that love lacrosse and being boys.

I would highly recommend the overnight stays instead of the day camps if you can swing it. Added bonus - "QUIET TIME"

Anonymous wrote:All of the college summer camps are great! Maryland, Navy, Loyola, etc...

Keep in mind that the boys enjoy the camp - not because of the training BUT because they spend a week away from home and like minded kids that play lacrosse.

If your kid is already a skilled player, he will most likely enjoy the camaraderie aspect of the camp. At least for my kid, he can't remember learning a single thing BUT has no problem telling me about the fun he had.

That's a bit bizarre your kid didn't learn anything from the camp. I started sending mine to Navy camp at 8, and both years he came out learning a lot. Mine didn't sleep over though.

All of the college summer camps are great! Maryland, Navy, Loyola, etc...

Keep in mind that the boys enjoy the camp - not because of the training BUT because they spend a week away from home and like minded kids that play lacrosse.

If your kid is already a skilled player, he will most likely enjoy the camaraderie aspect of the camp. At least for my kid, he can't remember learning a single thing BUT has no problem telling me about the fun he had.

Seconding the previous post on the heat, my son had no issues even if it was 100+ degrees outside a few of the days. The coaches and the camp staff appropriately supervised both proper hydration and eating. Also, in between practice and games, they stayed in air conditioned rooms.

I suspect the way the camp progresses from individual skills to 5x games over the last couple days helps when dealing with the heat, at least mentally. I'd imagine the players would lose enthusiasm if the camp consisted of non-stop individual drills and reps for 10-12 hours per day. I had the chance to watch as the final games were played the last morning of the camp. My son's age group (12-13 yr old campers) appeared to be very enthusiastic. They were broken into 10 total teams of around 20 players per team and played with max intensity.

Hope this helps.

All I heard from a friend's son was that some kid set off an axe bomb in one of the rooms.

The NAVY team is VERY on top of the boys staying hydrated and frequent water breaks are mandatory. They take the heat issue seriously and look out for the campers. The boys learn a lot and have a blast! Personally I wouldn’t send my son to any other summer lacrosse camp because (in my opinion) it’s too hot and no way anyone does this better than Navy. Very highly recommend!

Anonymous wrote:My 12-year old son participated in the 20-23 Jul overnight camp. Had a blast and learned a ton. Spoke highly of the coaching and approach from individual skills the first half of camp to 5x games against quality competition during the back half. He has been to multiple lax camps the past few years and enjoyed this one the most. We're planning for him to attend again next summer.

Thanks for the review. I've heard several parents complaining about various local lax camps their kids did this summer, so it's nice to hear the Navy one is a good choice so I think we'll do that one next year too if we get in.

Not that our boys shouldn't be able to manage the heat and yes the tournaments this year were incredibly hot, esp. that last one, but how did your son say the heat/humidity was in Annapolis? I was worried that the boys would be sluggish and wouldn't learn as much as a result.

My 12-year old son participated in the 20-23 Jul overnight camp. Had a blast and learned a ton. Spoke highly of the coaching and approach from individual skills the first half of camp to 5x games against quality competition during the back half. He has been to multiple lax camps the past few years and enjoyed this one the most. We're planning for him to attend again next summer.

Anonymous wrote:We do swim camp and it is fantastic. I would send him.

For the two years we've been to swim camp there is a mix of groups of friends and kids alone. My son has never had an issue making friends.

My son has gone to the lacrosse day camp alone every year for the past 4 years. LOVES it. His friends don't play lax, so he goes alone. He has had the best time there and has made a new friend every year. I hope your son decides to go! GO NAVY!

We do swim camp and it is fantastic. I would send him.

He doesn’t need to hold hands with anyone. He can just play lacrosse and make new friends.

Experience with navy lacrosse camp?
Our 8th grade son is thinking of going in July. Do most people sign up with friends? All of his friends who play lacrosse have already gone to camp so he would be on his own.
Thanks for any insight.