6d • ID Clinics and Camps
Are d3 Recruiting Camps Worth it?
How to Decide if You Should Attend a Camp
One of the most common questions we get from recruits is: How do I know if it will be worth it for me to attend a particular recruiting camp?
We often hear from concerned recruits and parents about camp invites they receive, wondering what they mean. Questions like:
- “Am I being recruited?”
- “Do I have to go to this D3 school’s elite camp to get recruited?”
In this post, we’ll answer these questions and more to help you decide if attending a D3 recruiting camp is the right move for you.
If you’re aiming to play a college sport, you’re probably familiar with recruiting camps. They go by many names, including:
- Elite Prospect Camp
- Recruiting Showcase
- Exposure Event
- ID Camp
These camps are often marketed as opportunities for recruits to gain “exposure” or be scouted directly by college coaches, potentially leading to college offers.
But here’s the truth: Not all recruiting camps are created equal.
While we do our best to compile a list of trustworthy camps in our Annual Recruiting Camps List, many recruits and their families still have doubts when they receive an invite from a D3 coach.
The big question is: Are D3 recruiting camps worth the money?
When D3 Recruiting Camps Are Worth It
Yes, if…
- The camp is hosted by a school you’re genuinely interested in, and you want their coaching staff to see you play.
- You’ve been in contact with the coaching staff ahead of time, and they’ve shown interest.
- The camp has a strong “recruit conversion rate” (the percentage of attendees who end up on the team). This information is often available on the team’s website or can be asked directly to the coach.
For example, the SUNY Cortland Elite Camp run by Head Coach Mo Kearney has a proven track record of converting camp attendees into team members. If you’re interested in playing for Coach Kearney, attending this camp would be a smart move.
When D3 Recruiting Camps Might Be Worth It
Maybe, if…
- Your focus is on skill development, and the camp’s level of play will challenge you to improve.
- It’s an “exposure” camp with multiple D3 schools attending. Always check the staff list to ensure schools you’re interested in will be there.
- You’re willing to bet on yourself and play your way onto a coach’s radar.
Caution: Large exposure events shouldn’t dominate your camp schedule.
Why? These events often prioritize evaluation over development. While they can be valuable for getting noticed, you also need camps that focus on improving your skills and teaching you new things.
Pro Tip: Always reach out to college coaches ahead of time to “recruit yourself.” Most coaches attend camps with a short list of players they’re already interested in. Rolling the dice without prior communication is a risky strategy.
When D3 Recruiting Camps Are Not Worth It
No, if…
- You’re not interested in attending the school hosting the camp.
- The coaching staff has already told you they’re not recruiting you.
- The camp is out of your family’s budget and doesn’t offer clear value.
- You’ve reached out to the coach for more information, and they haven’t responded.
Paying hundreds of dollars for “exposure” won’t help if the coaches you want to impress aren’t watching.
Pro Tip: Before signing up, email the coach and ask if attending the camp would help your recruiting process. Their response will tell you everything you need to know.
Bottom Line
D3 recruiting camps can be a great opportunity — but only if they connect you with the right coaches at the right schools.
Make sure to do your research, reach out to coaches ahead of time, and focus on camps that align with your goals.
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Are d3 Recruiting Camps Worth it?
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