New Jersey families have plenty of summer lacrosse camp options, from local day camps to college-run overnight programs. The right one depends on your child's age, experience, and goals. The wrong one can mean a week of standing in lines instead of getting better.
Quick Answer
To choose a summer lacrosse camp in New Jersey, start with your child's age and skill level, then compare the coaching staff, coach-to-player ratio, position-specific instruction, daily schedule, location, and total cost. The best camps group players by age and gender, keep kids active with high reps and daily scrimmages, and are run by coaches with real playing and teaching experience.
Here is how to compare your options and the questions to ask before you register.
Types of Summer Lacrosse Camps
Not every camp has the same goal. Knowing the main types helps you narrow your search fast.
| Camp Type | Best For | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| Local day camp | Most youth players, beginners to advanced | Daytime sessions over several days, home each night |
| Intro or mini camp | Young or brand-new players | Short mornings focused on fun and basic stick skills |
| Position or skills camp | Players who want to sharpen one area | Focused work on shooting, defense, goalie, or faceoffs |
| Overnight camp | Older, experienced players | Multi-day stay, often at a college campus |
| Showcase or recruiting camp | High school players pursuing college lacrosse | Games and evaluations in front of college coaches |
For most youth players in elementary and middle school, a local day camp offers the best mix of quality coaching, playing time, and convenience.
What to Look for in a Summer Lacrosse Camp
1. Experienced Coaching Staff
Coaching quality is the biggest factor in what your child takes home. Look for staff with college or professional playing experience and a track record of teaching youth players, not just playing.
2. Small Groups and Real Reps
Ask how campers are grouped and how many coaches work with each group. Smaller groups mean more touches, more feedback, and less standing in line.
3. Grouping by Age, Gender, and Skill
A 7-year-old beginner and a high school varsity player need very different instruction. The best camps separate players by age and gender so drills and games match each player's level.
4. Position-Specific Training
Look for camps that coach every position: attack, midfield, defense, faceoff, and goalie. Position work helps players develop the skills their team actually needs from them.
5. A Balance of Drills and Games
Skill work builds technique, but game play builds confidence and decision-making. Daily scrimmages and camp competitions let players use what they learned in real time.
6. Location and Daily Schedule
A great camp an hour away may not be worth the drive every day. Check the start and end times, and ask whether early drop-off or extended day options are available for working parents.
7. Total Cost and What Is Included
Compare the full price, including add-ons like extended care. Ask what is included, such as a camp shirt, prizes, or giveaways, and whether sibling or early registration discounts are offered.
Questions to Ask Before You Register
A quick call or email to the camp director can tell you a lot. Ask:
- Who are the coaches, and what is their playing and coaching experience?
- How many coaches work with each group of campers?
- How are players grouped: by age, gender, skill level, or all three?
- Is there position-specific instruction, including goalies?
- What does a typical day look like, and how much time is spent playing games?
- What are the drop-off and pick-up times, and is extended care available?
- What gear does my child need, and is any equipment provided?
- What is the refund or weather policy?
- How many years has the camp been running?
Quick Camp Comparison Checklist
Use this checklist to compare camps side by side:
- Coaches with college or pro playing experience
- Players grouped by age and gender
- Position-specific training for every position
- Daily scrimmages or game play
- Convenient location and hours
- Early drop-off or extended day available
- Clear gear list and policies
- Strong reviews from other parents
When to Register and What to Pack
When to Register
Popular New Jersey lacrosse camps often fill up before summer starts, especially for specific age groups and goalie spots. Many families start looking in late winter or early spring, when camps open registration and early discounts are most common.
What to Pack for Lacrosse Camp
Most day camps ask players to bring:
- Full lacrosse gear: stick, helmet, gloves, arm pads, and cleats (girls: stick, goggles, and mouthguard)
- Mouthguard
- Large water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Lunch and snacks
- A labeled bag so gear does not get mixed up
Always check the camp's own gear list before the first day.
Why NJ Families Choose the NJLT Lacrosse Summer Camp
The NJLT Lacrosse Summer Camp checks every box on the list above. Now in its 15th year, the camp is held at Bucks Mills Park in Colts Neck, NJ, and serves boys and girls entering grades 2 through 12, with a separate program for younger players.
- College and pro experience: campers learn from coaches who have played at a high level
- Grouped by age and gender: every player trains with peers at a similar stage
- Position-specific training: attack, midfield, defense, faceoff, and goalie
- Daily scrimmages and camp competitions: plenty of game time, not just drills
- Family-friendly hours: 9 AM to 2 PM, with optional early drop-off and extended day
See camp details and register for the NJLT Lacrosse Summer Camp, or call 732-810-0181 with questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right lacrosse camp for my child?
Start with your child's age, skill level, and goals. Then compare coaching experience, group sizes, position-specific training, game time, location, schedule, and total cost.
What age can kids go to lacrosse camp?
Many camps accept players as young as kindergarten through high school. The NJLT Lacrosse Summer Camp serves boys and girls entering grades 2 through 12, with a separate program for younger kids.
Is a day camp or overnight camp better for youth lacrosse?
For most elementary and middle school players, a local day camp is the better fit. Overnight and showcase camps are usually best for older, experienced players.
When should I sign up for summer lacrosse camp?
Start looking in late winter or early spring. Popular camps can fill up early, especially for certain age groups and goalie spots.
What should my child bring to lacrosse camp?
Full lacrosse gear, a mouthguard, a water bottle, sunscreen, and lunch or snacks. Always check the camp's specific gear list.
Where is the NJLT summer lacrosse camp?
The NJLT Lacrosse Summer Camp is held at Bucks Mills Park, 137 Bucks Mills Road, Colts Neck, NJ. Visit the NJLT Lacrosse Summer Camp page for current dates.
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