Swim camps or college swim camps are a great way to learn new techniques and tighten up every aspect of your race. Whether it’s during the summer or winter, a swim camp offers opportunities to improve as a competitive swimmer. The experience and training provided by camps can improve your odds of winning a coveted spot on one of the nation’s top teams. With fewer than 1,000 men’s and women’s programs in the U.S., you need this kind of edge to become a college swimmer. Competitive camps can help greatly in the college recruiting process. Use our list below to find swimming camps near you.
FAQs about swim camps
Find the right Swimming camp
Many camps are associated with a college swimming program. Student-athletes attending these camps should use them as an opportunity to learn more about the program and what the coaching staff’s instruction methods are like.
Most women’s college swimming camps host campers in undergraduate dorms, which offers a taste of campus life. If current members of the college’s team are participating in the camps, potential recruits have the chance to ask them about their day-to-day life on the team.
Of course, families will have to consider factors like their budget for competitive swimming camps, how much time can be spent traveling (since most camps are at least a weeklong) and how far they’re willing to travel.
It’s important to be honest about your own capabilities as a swimmer. A more technically advanced swimmer will want to look for competitive camps where they’ll be challenged and truly benefit from coaches reviewing their underwater footage and technique. Underwater footage can allow a swimmer to see where errors could occur in their strokes.
How do swim camps work?
Although many types of summer swimming programs are available, including day and sleep away programs, most offer the following basics:
- Individual coaching time
- Strength and flexibility training
- Focused technique work
- Starts and turns practice
- Competition strategies
- Mental development and preparation
- Fun activities
- Nutrition
What are the major swim camps in the U.S.?
Amongst the top picks for swim camps in the U.S. are elite programs hosted by the Army West Point, Navy and Texas A & M.
Nike camps are also designed for advanced to elite athletes. Nike swimming programs take place in 26 of the 50 states, so you may find one nearby.
Are swim camps worth it?
Yes. For athletes looking to improve their technique in a fun and motivating environment, swim camps are well worth attending. Not to mention, camps held on a college campus give athletes recruiting exposure and the opportunity to experience the campus in-person.
How do I get invited to attend swim camps near me?
If you’re aiming to swim in college, it’s important to get on coaches’ radars early—some recruiters start tracking talent as early as middle school or freshman year of high school. While most camps welcome a broad range of athletes, the most competitive ones may be invite-only.
To boost visibility:
- Create a recruiting profile on a national platform like NCSA.
- Include race results, swim times, videos, and third-party evaluations to showcase your abilities.
- Build a complete and professional portfolio to signal that you’re serious about college swimming.
What about Swim clinics?
Swim clinics focus on stroke technique improvement to help athletes swim more efficiently, avoid injury, and reach their goals faster. Clinics are available for all skill levels.
Why Choose a Swim Clinic Over a Camp?
- Targeted skill work: Focus on specific strokes or techniques.
- Less time commitment: Clinics are typically a few hours or days.
- More individual attention: Smaller groups mean more coach feedback.
- Cost-effective: Generally cheaper than weeklong camps.
- Ideal for fine-tuning: Great for swimmers looking to sharpen specific skills.
When a Camp Makes More Sense:
- You want full exposure to a college program and campus life.
- You’re seeking a mix of training, competition, and team experience.
Have more questions about Swim camps?
Your NCSA Recruiting Coach is here to help you with your camp options and recruiting journey. Log in now to schedule a conversation with your coach.
Not a member yet? Start with a free recruiting profile to connect with an NCSA Recruiting Specialist.