Top 3 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Hockey Camp

Whether you’re a first-time hockey parent or a seasoned vet, finding the right summer or seasonal hockey camp for your player can feel overwhelming. With so many options — from elite skills training to fun-focused day camps — how do you choose the right one?

At Lamplighter Hockey, we believe that great development starts with great decisions. So before you hit that “Register Now” button, here are the top three questions you should ask to ensure the camp aligns with your goals and your player’s needs.

1. What Is the Camp’s Focus: Development, Competition, or Recreation?

Not every camp is designed to build high-level skills, and that’s okay — but it should be clear about its purpose.

• Development camps will prioritize skill work, skating technique, and hockey IQ.

• Competitive camps often feature scrimmages, faster-paced drills, and exposure to scouts or coaches.

• Recreational camps may include off-ice activities and are more about having fun than fine-tuning technique.

Pro Tip: Be honest about your player’s goals. If they’re trying to make a jump in their game, they may need more intense, position-specific coaching. If they just want to stay sharp and have fun with friends? A lower-intensity camp may be the perfect fit.

2. Who’s Coaching — and What’s Their Track Record?

The coach makes or breaks the experience. Period.

Before enrolling, research the coaching staff:

• Do they have experience at your player’s level?

• Are they currently coaching teams or are they former players?

• What is their coaching style — motivational, disciplined, tactical?

A great coach knows how to push players without burning them out, and how to make complex skills approachable. Look for camps with low coach-to-player ratios, and don’t be afraid to ask for references or feedback from previous attendees.

3. How Will My Player Be Grouped — by Age, Skill, or Position?

One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in hockey camp settings.

Ask how the camp groups players:

• Will your 10-year-old be skating with 14-year-olds?

• Will your defenseman be working on forward-specific drills?

• Are goalies included with tailored coaching or lumped in as targets?

Smart camps create smaller groups based on skill level, age, or even position. This ensures your player is being challenged — but not overwhelmed — and gets meaningful reps that match their role on the ice.

Bonus Considerations:

• What’s included? (Meals, jerseys, dryland training, video analysis?)

• Is there off-ice education? (Nutrition, mental skills, leadership?)

• What safety protocols are in place?

Final Thoughts

The right camp can fuel a love of the game, build confidence, and sharpen skills heading into next season. The wrong camp? It can lead to burnout, boredom, or even injuries.

By asking the right questions — and doing a little homework — you’ll set your player up for the kind of experience that truly lights the lamp.

Want to rep the off-season right?
Check out our Lamplighter Hockey gear for parents, players, and goalies grinding through camp season. Because training hard deserves style, too.
👉 lamplighterhockey.com