Top Pole Vault Camps in the USA for 2024: Elevate Your Vaulting Skills
As the summer approaches, pole vaulters across the country are gearing up for intensive training sessions to perfect their technique, improve their skills, and achieve new heights. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started or an experienced vaulter aiming to compete at the highest levels, there’s a pole vault camp tailored to your needs. This article will highlight the top pole vault camps in the USA for 2024, making the list is based on their coaching quality, facilities, and overall experience.
Criteria for Making the List
Coaching Quality
The backbone of any successful pole vault camp is its coaching staff. Experienced coaches bring invaluable knowledge and techniques that can significantly impact an athlete's performance. Notable coaches, such as Olympic Gold Medalist Tim Mack at SPIRE Pole Vault Camp, exemplify the level of expertise that can elevate a vaulter's skills. Camps like River City Vault Club and Bell Athletics boast former collegiate and professional vaulters, ensuring that attendees receive top-tier instruction.
Facilities
Ideal training facilities are crucial for effective pole vault training. Camps like SPIRE Pole Vault Camp in Geneva, Ohio, offer elite facilities that include state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive training environments. Similarly, the historic Edwards Stadium at Cal Pole Vault Camp provides a world-class setting that inspires athletes to push their limits.
Overall Experience
A positive camp experience goes beyond just training. Factors such as community, additional activities, lodging, and meals contribute significantly. Ultimate Pole Vault Camp, for instance, offers air-conditioned lodging and all-you-can-eat meals, creating a comfortable and supportive environment for intensive training. Testimonials from past attendees often highlight the camaraderie and supportive atmosphere as key elements of their positive experiences.
Detailed Reviews of Top Camps
River City Vault Club
Location: Cape Girardeau, MO
Dates: June 21-22, 2024
Duration: 2 days with competitions following
Cost: $175
Coaching: Led by an experienced coaching staff of Tim and Mark Rademaker, that also includes former men and women collegiate and professional vaulters.
Background: Renowned for its comprehensive training programs and supportive community, River City Vault Club offers one of the best private facilities in the country with poles provided. Sessions for all skill levels, making it a top choice for vaulters aiming to improve their technique and performance.
Ultimate Pole Vault Camp
Location: UW-Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Dates: June 15-18, 2024
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Cost: $550
Coaching: Features instruction from All-American athletes and current college coaches.
Background: Ultimate Pole Vault Camp provides an immersive experience with air-conditioned lodging and all-you-can-eat meals. It's ideal for athletes looking to train intensively in a supportive environment.
Cal Pole Vault Camp
Location: Edwards Stadium, Berkeley, California
Dates: July 8-10, 2024
Duration: 3 days
Cost: Not specified
Coaching: Led by Coach Lefever, the camp is open to athletes from 7th grade through college.
Background: Known for its excellent coaching and the historic Edwards Stadium, Cal Pole Vault Camp provides a world-class training environment focused on skill improvement for the upcoming season.
SPIRE Pole Vault Camp
Location: SPIRE Academy, Geneva, Ohio
Dates: Various dates in July 2024
Duration: 5 days
Cost: $1,200 for boarding campers, $750 for day campers
Coaching: Instructed by Olympic Gold Medalist Tim Mack, offering performance and mental skills training.
Background: SPIRE Pole Vault Camp stands out for its comprehensive training programs and elite facilities. The inclusion of mental skills training helps athletes develop a holistic approach to their sport.
Shealy Athletics Pole Vault Camps
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Dates: Various dates in June, July, and August 2024
Duration: 3 days
Cost: Not specified
Coaching: Features top pole vault coaches including special guest coaches like David F. "DJ" Johnston.
Background: With a history of producing state and national champions, Shealy Athletics is dubbed "The Unfair Advantage" for good reason. Their camps cater to all levels and focus on rapid skill advancement.
Bell Athletics Pole Vault Camps
Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas
Dates: June 8-9, June 22-23, June 29-30, 2024
Duration: 2 days
Cost: $200 per athlete
Coaching: Led by Earl Bell, a three-time Olympian and USA Track and Field Hall of Fame coach.
Background: Bell Athletics offers high-quality training sessions and equipment rentals. The camp's short, intensive format is perfect for vaulters looking for a quick boost in their skills.
Central Florida Pole Vault Camp (The Pole Drop)
Location: East Coast of Florida
Dates: Various dates
Duration: 3 days
Cost: $50 per practice for non-members, $40 for members
Coaching: Sean Young and Mariana Young, both experienced vaulters and coaches, lead the sessions.
Background: This camp is unique for its blend of pole vault training with activities like surfing and yoga, providing a holistic athletic experience.
How to Choose the Right Camp
Skill Level
When selecting a camp, it's essential to match the offerings with the athlete's current skill level. Beginners might benefit more from camps like River City Vault Club, which cater to all levels, while advanced vaulters might seek out specialized training at SPIRE Pole Vault Camp.
Location and Logistics
Proximity and travel arrangements are crucial considerations. Camps like Cal Pole Vault Camp in Berkeley, California, might be ideal for West Coast athletes, while those in the Midwest might prefer Ultimate Pole Vault Camp in Wisconsin.
Budget
Evaluating the cost versus benefits is essential. While SPIRE Pole Vault Camp offers extensive facilities and coaching for $1,200, more budget-friendly options like Bell Athletics at $200 per athlete might be more accessible.
Personal Goals
Aligning the camp's focus with the athlete's short-term and long-term goals is vital. For instance, those looking to improve mental skills might benefit from SPIRE Pole Vault Camp's holistic approach, while those seeking rapid skill advancement might prefer Shealy Athletics.
Conclusion
Summer pole vault camps offer invaluable opportunities for athletes to hone their skills and achieve new heights. From the elite training facilities at SPIRE Academy to the comprehensive programs at River City Vault Club, each camp provides unique benefits. Whether you're aiming to break into the sport or refine your technique for competition, these camps provide the perfect environment to reach new heights in pole vaulting.
For more information on each camp, visit their official websites and register soon to secure your spot for the summer of 2024!
