Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about finding camps, booking, safety standards, and more.
For Parents
How do I find the right camp for my child?
Start by using our search filters to narrow down options by sport, location, age group, and price range. Read reviews from other parents, check the camp's certifications, and look at the coach-to-camper ratio. We recommend contacting camps directly to ask specific questions about your child's needs.
How do I know if a camp is safe and reputable?
All camps on YouthSportsUSA go through our verification process, which includes checking business licenses, insurance certificates, staff background check policies, and safety procedures. Look for the "Verified" badge on camp profiles. We also display authentic reviews from families who've attended.
What's the difference between day camps and overnight camps?
Day camps typically run from morning to late afternoon, and your child returns home each evening. Overnight (or residential) camps include lodging and meals, with campers staying on-site for the duration of the program. Half-day camps offer shorter sessions, usually 3-4 hours, perfect for younger children or those new to organized sports.
Can my child attend a camp for a sport they've never played?
Many camps welcome beginners and offer programs specifically designed for kids new to a sport. Look for camps that list "beginner" in their skill levels. These programs focus on fundamentals and making the experience fun and non-intimidating.
What should my child bring to camp?
Each camp provides a specific packing list, but common items include: appropriate athletic clothing, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks (for day camps), any required sports equipment, and any medications with proper documentation. Overnight camps will have more extensive lists including bedding and personal items.
What if my child has allergies or medical needs?
Reputable camps have protocols for managing allergies, medications, and medical conditions. Contact the camp directly before registering to discuss your child's specific needs. They should be able to explain their medical staff, emergency procedures, and accommodation capabilities.
Can I get a refund if we need to cancel?
Refund policies vary by camp. Each camp's cancellation and refund policy is listed on their profile page. We recommend reviewing this carefully before booking. Many camps offer partial refunds for cancellations made well in advance, and some offer transfers to different sessions.
For Camp Owners
How do I list my camp on YouthSportsUSA?
Visit our "List Your Camp" page and complete the application form. You'll need to provide business documentation, insurance certificates, and details about your programs. Our team reviews applications within 3-5 business days. Once approved, you can customize your profile and start receiving inquiries.
What does it cost to list my camp?
We offer several listing tiers. Basic listings are free and include your camp profile with essential information. Premium listings include featured placement, enhanced profiles, and lead capture tools. Contact our camp relations team for current pricing and promotional offers.
What verification documents do I need?
Required documents include: valid business license, general liability insurance certificate (minimum $1M coverage), proof of background check policy for staff, and first aid/CPR certifications for key staff members. Additional certifications (ACA accreditation, sport-specific credentials) are encouraged.
How do I respond to inquiries from families?
You'll receive inquiry notifications via email and in your camp dashboard. We recommend responding within 24 hours to maintain a high response rate, which improves your visibility in search results. You can communicate with families directly through our secure messaging system.
Can I manage multiple camp locations?
Yes! Our platform supports multi-location management. You can create separate profiles for each location while managing them from a single dashboard. This is ideal for franchise operations or camps with multiple facilities.
How do reviews work?
After a camp session ends, we invite families to leave reviews. Reviews are verified to ensure authenticity. You can respond to reviews publicly, which helps show your engagement with families. Camps with consistent positive reviews rank higher in search results.
Booking & Payments
How do I book a camp?
Find a camp you're interested in and click "Request Info" or "Book Now" (depending on the camp). Some camps handle bookings directly on their websites, while others use our inquiry system. You'll receive confirmation once your registration is complete.
Is my payment information secure?
We use industry-standard encryption and partner with trusted payment processors. Your payment information is never stored on our servers. For camps that process payments directly, we verify they use secure payment systems as part of our verification process.
Can I pay in installments?
Many camps offer payment plans, especially for overnight or extended programs. Check individual camp profiles for payment options, or contact the camp directly to ask about installment plans.
What happens if a camp cancels?
If a camp cancels a session, they are required to offer a full refund or transfer to another session. Camps must have cancellation policies clearly posted. If you encounter issues, contact our support team for assistance.
Account & Technical
How do I create an account?
Click "Sign Up" in the top navigation and enter your email address. You can browse and search camps without an account, but creating one lets you save favorites, receive personalized recommendations, and manage inquiries in one place.
I forgot my password. How do I reset it?
Click "Log In" and then "Forgot Password." Enter your email address and we'll send you a reset link. If you don't receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact support.
How do I update my email preferences?
Log into your account and go to "Settings." You can manage which emails you receive, including newsletters, camp recommendations, and promotional offers. You can also unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of any email.
Is my personal information shared with camps?
When you inquire about a camp, we share the information you provide in the inquiry form with that specific camp so they can respond to you. We never sell your personal information to third parties. Review our Privacy Policy for complete details.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Our team is here to help with any questions about camps, booking, or using our platform.