Road Trip: Camp Sites

Do you really need an excuse to pack up and head off for a weekend (or longer) of playtime? If so, we've got 10 terrific ones for you

By Kathryn Perrotti

David E. Klutho

If you think summer is just for relaxing, think again. We've rounded up a wide selection of sports camps that will work you hard, help you polish your technique in your sport of choice and won't forget to let you have a lot of fun. Many are for women only, with supportive team environments that help you play your best. Take your pick and sign up soon -- the camps fill up quickly.

Dirt Camp
Host to more than 10,000 riders, Dirt Camp is a great opportunity to ride hard in some of the most beautiful mountain-biking spots in the country. A typical day includes morning drills followed by afternoon riding and evening presentations by Dirt Camp pros. Women-only camps will be held Aug. 23-27 and Oct. 4-8 in Moab, Utah.
Price: $950 for four nights' lodging, all meals and instruction, and a Fizik women's saddle that you can keep.
Info: 800-711-DIRT; www.dirtcamp.com.

Evert Tennis Academy
The Evert name is a legacy, and at this camp, you can learn the techniques on which Chris, Jimmy and John built their success. How can you go wrong? Programs include personal evaluation, video analysis, competitive games and match play. Originally designed for elite players, the Evert Tennis Academy now welcomes players of all levels who want a good workout under the sun in Boca Raton, Fla. Beginners get the extra attention they need in private lessons. The school offers daily, weekly and summerlong programs for adults and juniors.
Price: $85 per day to $850 per week, with lodging.
Info: 800-41-SERVE; www.evertacademy.com.

Hoop Mountain
Many girls head to Hoop Mountain with aspirations of playing college basketball, and some just come to have fun and improve their game. Hoop Mountain, which welcomes girls ages 12-17, is endorsed by Boston College basketball coach Cathy Inglese. There are three sessions available: the Shooting and Scoring Camp (for seventh- to 12th-graders, July 14-16); the High School Team Camp (for ninth- to 12th-graders, July 14-16); and a Developmental Week (for seventh- to 10th-graders, July 16-19). There is also a Super Week for high school players July 16-20.
Price: $195 for the Shooting and Scoring Camp, $325 for Developmental Week and $395 for Super Week; lodging is included. Camps are held in Massachusetts and Missouri.
Info: 203-269-4554; www.hoopmountain.com.

Mel Krieger International School of Flyfishing
Mel Krieger makes this sport seem easy. Programs for women are offered June 9-11 at Digger Creek Ranch and Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at Delta Lodge, both in California.
Price: $590 and $750, including lodging and meals. If you would like a little luxury added, try the 4 1/2-day float trip down the John Day River in Oregon on July 19-23 ($1,375), and you will enjoy amenities ranging from siestas in the afternoon to hors d'oeuvres.
Info: 800-669-3474; www.flyfishschool.com.

Row As One
Founded by Holly Metcalf, an Olympic gold medalist, Row As One provides women-only, elite-level instruction in a fun environment. Campers row two to three times a day and attend nutrition, weightlifting and yoga clinics. The novice clinic will be held June 25-30 and the intermediate clinic July 9-14 at Mount Holyoke, South Hadley, Mass.
Price: $900, including lodging, meals, massage and a fitness evaluation.
Info: 781-326-4648; www.tiac.net/users/rowasone.

LPGA Golf Clinics for Women
If you want to polish up your swing and contribute to a good cause, check out the Ladies Professional Golf Association Golf Clinics for women. These one-day programs, offered in 16 cities across the country, are open to all ability levels. At each clinic a silent auction will be held throughout the day, with the proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Participants get personalized instruction and on-course play along with breakfast, lunch and a complimentary gift bag.
Price: $225.
Info: 800-262-PUTT; www.jbcgolf.com.

Total Immersion
Led by some of the most highly trained swim coaches, Total Immersion teaches students to actually swim like fish, i.e., more efficiently. Throughout the summer they offer a wide variety of workshops around the country for junior and adult swimmers of all levels.
Price: Adult weekend clinics cost $395, not including lodging, with dates to be determined. Sign up 21 days before the start of your session, and you'll score a free video detailing the drills you'll learn in camp.
Info: 800-609-SWIM; www.totalimmersion.net.

Super Camp
Hosted by the U.S. Field Hockey Association, Super Camp is open to players, coaches and umpires. High school and college players come here hoping to be selected for the U.S. Field Hockey Association's elite development programs, but recreational (junior and adult) players are welcome. There's one session: June 26-30 at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Price: $475, including dorm lodging. You must be a USFHA member to attend the camp, but youths can join for $20 and adults for $30.
Info: 719-578-4567; www.usfieldhockey.com.

San Diego Surfing Academy
At the San Diego Surfing Academy at San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Calif., you can learn to surf like the natives. Camp packages include six days of surfing instruction, videotape analysis (plus a copy to take home), action water photos of yourself, meals, use of a surfboard and a wet suit, and even a goodbye luau. Bring your sleeping bag: Accommodations are in tents under the stars. There are 16 six-day sessions, mostly for adults, running from May through September.
Price: $750.
Info: 800-447-SURF; www.surfsdsa.com.

Soccer Plus
This soccer camp is special for two reasons. First, it's run by Tony DiCicco, former coach of the U.S. women's team. Second, it specializes in goalkeeping and field playing. An all-female Goalkeeper Challenge, ages 10 to adult, and the more advanced Goalkeeper NTC (National Training Center), ages 15 to adult, are offered July 22-27 at the Forman School in Litchfield, Conn. Coed field-player camps, ages 12 to adult, will be held five times in July in Connecticut, Illinois, New York and North Carolina.
Price: The FieldPlayer Academy and Goalkeeper Challenge are $625 with lodging, $525 without. Goalkeeper NTC is $725, residential only.
Info: 800-KEEPER-1; www.soccerpluscamps.com.

 
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