Q:  I would like to ask is how a recruit can determine if you should go to a particular school’s camp during the summer?

Good question! Summer camps can be very beneficial as long as you approach them the right way.

There are essentially two ways you may receive camp information.  One, you are someone the coach is recruiting or interested in recruiting.  Many times a coach will respond to receiving your scouting report with a camp brochure.     Two, and much more likely, you are in some type of database or list and the coach has absolutely no idea who you are or your talent level. 

So how do you choose the right camp?  Based on the information above, you will either attend a camp to get better OR to be evaluated by a coaching staff.

If you are attending for training:

1. Do some research on the coaching staff.  How much experience do they have? How successful have these coaches been?  Do they have a reputation for producing great volleyball players?   Who is actually going to be coaching at the camp?  Often times you will find a college camps, but the head/asst coaches are not doing any of the training for it. 
2. Consider how they actually run the camp.  Are you with girls/guys your age and ability level?  Do they run the camp at a fast pace?  Are you getting personal attention? 
3. You may want to talk to someone who has attended the camp before signing up. 

If you are attending the camp/combine/showcase for exposure:

1. Choose to go to camp at a school where the coach is recruiting you. 
2. Find out where you are on the recruiting list, how interested are they in you before you attend the camp.  Be sure that you KNOW this coach is interested before investing your time and money to go.  Most college coaches attending the camp already have a list of student-athletes they are looking at – if you are not on that list it is not likely they will be looking at you
3. Be sure the school is a realistic fit. 
4. You are not likely the only recruit they are inviting to the camp. 
5. A common misconception is that you will be “discovered” at a camp.  Coaches do NOT scout at camps.  If college coaches are running the camp, they do not have the time or interest in discovering NEW talent.  If the coach doesn’t know about you beforehand, they will not know about you on your way out! 
6. You should go to a DI camp as a sophomore or junior ideally.  Some DI schools already have their commitments by summer of junior year.  DII you should go summer after junior year. 
7. As a sophomore it’s ok to open things up a bit, roll the dice, and go to a DI camp.  As a junior/senior you should be more selective and try to go to schools who are recruiting you.
8. Be sure to ask the coach whether the camp you are attending is an “Elite” level camp and not for just anyone.   Is it invite only? 
9. For showcases, find out what college coaches will be there.  I highly recommend that you research the college each coach is from, contact them, and let them know that you will be attending

I hope this helps you evaluate your camp opportunities. Good luck!