Here are some commonly asked questions about my camp.

(Q) Do you allow boys to attend?
        I have been asked this question many times. Although there are many camps which do allow boys and girls, I do not feel that it is a good idea. The physical differences at any age don't permit them to play mixed basketball. At co-ed camps, the girls often take a "back seat" as far as the attention and instruction they receive from the staff. My camp is for girls only. It also eliminates any unnecessary social distractions.

(Q) What is the player to coach ratio?
      We attempt to have no more than 10 girls on a team to allow for maximum playing time in the games. Individual skill will be taught in smaller groups with some one-on-one coaching as well. The girls will play at least 2 full games per day with their team of 10.

(Q) What is your coaching background?

      I have been a high school coach for 9 years and was a college coach for 5 years. I have been teaching the fundamentals of basketball, not only to the players I coach, but also to thousands of young girls at free clinics in the winter and at my camps in the summer.

(Q) Why so much emphasis on fundamentals?

Many coaches at all levels do a great job with game strategies, but so few of them teach the basics such as the correct way to shoot a basketball. When you watch professional men and women unable to hit a reasonable percentage of free throws, it is appalling to me. I feel that a young basketball player must be taught the proper shooting format an early age if she is ever going to enjoy the game.

Q) Do you get involved with the teaching?
      I am at a camp every day. I give lectures on various aspects of the game, i.e. shooting, rebounding, passing etc. I do not coach a team at the camps which gives me time to monitor skill progress. I often take a player aside during a game to work on a particular fundamental.

(Q) How many girls come to your camps?
      We have grown every year, and last year we had approximately 2700 campers over the summer and fall. Day camps usually run between 75-150. Overnight camps are between 125-250.

(Q) What are the directions?
      About 3 weeks prior to the start of each camp, we mail out directions along with some tips on what to bring and registration information. Directions are also available on-line by clicking the links on our schedule page.

(Q) What is included in the tuition?
      Each camper receives a Sarah Behn Basketball Camp T-shirt. The shirt is given at registration.

(Q) Do you accept credit cards?
       No, we do not accept credit cards. We take cash, personal check, cashier's check or money orders. Final payment is due on or before June 15th, but if payment is not made until the first day of camp, payment must be made with cash, money order, or cashier's check for overnight camps.

(Q) What is your tax i.d. number?
       Our tax identification number is 04-321-4311.

(Q) Who is on your staff?
      We have a registered nurse or trainer on hand at all times to attend to minor scrapes and bruises. Our coaches are college players, high school coaches, and college coaches. They are predominantly female and present themselves in such a way that parents would be pleased to have their daughters look up to them as role-models.

(Q) What about lunch at the day camps?
      A snack bar will be available at all of the Day Camps. Items included will be ice cold sodas, bottled water, Gatorade, snacks, gum, and pizza by the slice at lunch time.

(Q) What is a typical day like at the day camps?
      Here is a schedule from last year's Tuesday at our Hingham Camp. Naturally, times and events could change slightly this year.

TUESDAY

"TEAM SPIRIT DAY"
8:45-9:00      Staff  meeting
9:00-9:15      Attendance, stretching
9:15-10:00    Drills & Agility stations and Strength and Conditioning Training: 4 at 10 minutes each (shooting, rebounding, passing,dribbling)
10:00-10:45  Hot Shot: Sarah explains, coaches demonstrate
10:45-11:20  Games/Team practice & free throws
11:20-12:00  Team practice, free throws/games
12:00-12:45  Lunch
12:45-1:00    Staff meeting: Campers of the day nominations, etc.
1:00-1:30      Lecture: Sarah on "Man to man team defense" explanation of one-on-one tournament
1:30-2:15      One-on-one tournament
2:15-2:55      Games/Team practice, shooting drills
2:55-3:40      Team practice, shooting drills/games
3:45-4:00      Camp wrap-up, camper of the day, announce "Wacky Wednesday"
4:00              Camp Dismissal

(Q) Will she learn to play other positions besides the one she plays now?
      I feel that the Summer is the time to learn as much as you can about the game of basketball, including all of the positional play. Many coaches "slot" players into a certain position based on size and/or speed. We attempt to allow them the freedom to experiment at all positions.

(Q) How do you accommodate both the beginners and the more accomplished players at the same camp?
      We split the campers into 2-3 divisions based on age and ability. We constantly evaluate progress and move players up or down so that they will feel comfortable at a level with campers who have the same skills.

(Q) Will you help build my daughter's confidence and self-esteem?
      Not every camper is going to go on to play competitively in High School or College. However, by learning the fundamentals of basketball and seeing progress during the week, the game can become fun. When campers enjoy what they're doing and see their own improvement, they start to feel better about themselves.

(Q) Does everyone get a trophy?
      Not every camper is going to  come away with a trophy because that does not mirror what happens in real life. I feel that recognition should be given to those who strive to learn and excel during the week. We typically give awards for Camper of the Day, Camper of the Week, Championship Teams in each division, Most Improved, Best Defender, Best Rebounder, Most Hustle, and Most Valuable Player.

(Q) Are you insured?
      We are a fully insured Massachusetts Corporation operating under the name SKB Enterprises, Inc. DBA Sarah Behn Basketball Camp.

(Q) What is the security like at Wheaton College and at the Governor's Academy?
       Both Wheaton and the Governor's Academy are totally enclosed campuses in a lovely neighborhood. Campus police are everywhere patrolling the grounds. The dorms are locked at all times to secure the personal belongings of the campers. We also have additional administrative staff to ensure the safety of the campers.

(Q) How are the dormitories monitored?
       We usually have 2 dorms all to ourselves. We have Dorm Mothers, as well as female directors, coaches, trainers and nurses staying in each dorm.

(Q) How do I handle roommate requests?
      I am sensitive to the fact that this is probably the most important thing that campers want to know. We send out a Roommate Request Form, and our Office Manager does her best to place campers with their friends. The rooms can sleep 2 or 3, and in addition we can place groups of friends in rooms that are next to each other. If a roommate is not requested, we will match them up by age, and hopefully, by town or area.

(Q) What is the Camp Bank at overnight camps all about?
       Because we prefer that the campers don't have to handle money during the week, we have established a bank for them. At registration, parents may deposit money to be used by their daughter at the Camp Store. A bank account number will be given to be used when making purchases. A ledger will be kept on each account, and what is left at the end of the week will be given back in an envelope at the Camp Store at the Awards Ceremony. We do not take any credit cards.

(Q) What is for sale and how much should we put in the Bank?
       The Camp Store, which opens several times a day, is well stocked with different beverages, snacks, and pizza in the evening. Sarah Behn Basketball Camp shorts and other clothing items are available as well. Parents typically deposit $75 or so for food and beverage, and additional money to buy clothing. Cash and/or checks can be used for deposits into the bank and to purchase clothing during registration and the Awards Ceremony.

(Q) Can the campers bring coolers, snacks, radios, TV's, etc.?
       Wheaton and the Governor's Academy do not allow food or beverages to be stored in the rooms. Radios are a great idea. You can probably do without a TV for the week. (I'm sure it would be a healthy change of pace.)

(Q) How is the food at Wheaton and the Governor's Academy?
       Three hearty meals a day are offered cafeteria style. There are many options at each meal so that all campers can find something they like. There are various stations, i.e. salads, pasta, pizza, ice cream, along with the multiple choices of hot and cold meals. Beverages are unending.

(Q) Can we bring our whole team?
       This is encouraged particularly at the Junior High and High School levels. I feel that if a team can get to know each other both on and off the court in the Summer, that they will function better as a unit when the season begins. We set up competitive leagues so that they can test themselves against other teams.

(Q) Is it just basketball all day long?
       Although there is clearly an emphasis on learning the game of basketball, I feel that the social aspects of camp are important as well. Every day there is free time for resting, swimming, or just "hanging out". Perhaps the most enjoyable event of the week at overnight camp is the Thursday night Talent Show.

(Q) When are the games at overnight camp and can parents attend?
       We will have 3 games a day: one in mid-morning, one in mid-afternoon, and one in early-evening. Times and locations will be posted, and parents are encouraged to attend as often as possible.

(Q) Do you offer any other programs after the Summer?
      I have one vacation clinic at the Mansfield SportsPlex and 3 Pre-Season weekend programs in Mansfield, Southborough, and Scituate.

(Q) What is a typical day like at the Overnight Camp?
      Here is a schedule for Wednesday from last year's Wheaton College Camp. Naturally times and events may change slightly this year.

"Wacky Wednesday"

7:30 - 8:30     Breakfast
9:00 - 9:30     Stretching/shipwreck
9:40 - 10:15  Drills & Agility Stations & Strength & Conditioning Training
10:15 - 11:00  Games
11:00 - 11:45  Games
12:00 - 1:30    Lunch
1:30 - 2:10      3 on 3 tourney
2:10 - 2:30      Positional play: Commissioners break players up into 3 groups by position. Teach more advanced moves pertaining to position
2:30 - 3:10      Games
3:10 - 4:00      Games
4:00 - 5:00      Swimming
5:00 - 6:15      Dinner
6:15 - 7:00      Hot Shot: All courts 1-4
7:00 - 7:45      Dana Barros: Detroit Pistons
7:45 - 8:00      Camp wrap up: Camper of the day, wacky wed. winner, shooting games, announce Q&A with female staff
8:00            Staff game
9:00             Camp store open
10:30            Retire for the night
11:00            Lights out