In the Parent Segment, presented by Stop It Goaltending U the App, we share 8 great tips for getting the most out of your goalie camp this summer, and while most are for parents to help their young goalie, we have one just for parents too.

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As summer is now in full swing, one thing we love to do is visit goalie camps. Between us, I think we’ve been to five over the last ten days or so. It’s great to see all the incredible work being done out there—shoutout to the Guide if you’re still looking—and all the hard work by the many goaltenders attending the camps.

I wanted to share a few thoughts on making the most of your camp experience. Parents are investing a lot to give their kids a great opportunity, and it’s worth thinking about how to ensure you get the best out of your time there.

1. Nutrition

You probably need more than you think—and make sure it’s healthy. Some camps provide catered, nutritious food and a full table of healthy snacks (shoutout Eli Wilson’s prospect camps), but I think most ask you to bring your own.

Prepare ahead, because you can’t play on junk food. Most camps cram a ton into the schedule—two ice sessions and a dryland session are more than most kids are ready for, but with limited time, they’re the norm. So bring lots, and drink lots—water.

It’s tough to see some kids who love goaltending and are so keen—throwing back a pop and a bag of chips between skates.

2. Put Your Phones Away

I don’t need to remind you of the problems phones can cause—we’ve got a great article with Dr. John Stevenson at InGoal with more than I can share here—but just remember: you’re there for the whole experience, not just the drills on the ice. Making friends, building relationships that will last a lifetime, and learning from fellow students and coaches through conversation—phones detract from all of that.

3. Sleep and Recovery

Following on from nutrition—you’re cramming in more than your body is really ready for in most situations—so rest. Recover. It’s a huge part of becoming an elite athlete.

Side note for parents: Don’t get FOMO and put your kids through too much. I was at two camps that overlapped last weekend, and there were multiple kids doing both. Yup… four skates a day and two dryland sessions.

4. Open Mind and Work Hard

It won’t be easy, especially later in the week—and that’s okay. Push yourself to make the most of every session. Try what coaches ask, even if it’s different from what you usually do. It’s a chance to learn and build athleticism.

On a related note: we often talk here about good drills and game realism—but you’ll face drills in camps that, as a parent, might leave you thinking, That’s not what they’d do at InGoal… To that I’d say—perhaps the coach’s intent is not what you imagined?

For example, something not ideal for a game situation might be designed to stress athleticism in a way that’s hard to replicate otherwise. We can’t ask kids to be better athletes when the game breaks down if we don’t give them a chance to practice that.

It’s not a tryout—you’re there to learn and try.

(Side note from Matty: He announced there would be goals because he was working on “extreme patience.” he wanted to try something and understood it might result in goals and wanted the coach to understand what he was seeing)

5. Meet Someone Older and Someone Younger

Harder for the young ones, but if you’re an older camper, take some time to reach out to younger goalies. It’s invaluable for both of you. When our son was younger, he was mentored by several WHL goalies who took him under their wing at various camps—and they’re still in touch now.

Last week, Matty was on the ice with a young goalie who had been in a camp years ago when Matty was the demo goalie. Now that young goalie has been drafted into the WHL, and they were working side by side as equals—it was a great experience for both of them, and I know it will last for many years going forward.

Bonus tip for parents: I see so many standing quietly watching camp—reach out and meet another parent. We’re all part of a bigger goalie community, and we’re not at camp to compete—we’re there to help everyone get better.

6. Use a Journal (Daren’s Tip)

Simple but powerful: use a journal.

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