From one basketball parent to another, How to Choose the Right Hoop Dreams Camp for Your Young Athlete?

Hi, I’m Stephanie Rudnick—founder of Elite Camps, author of the Lil Baller series, and mom of three basketball-loving boys. Over the years, I’ve met thousands of parents who want what I want: a place where our kids can fall deeper in love with the game, grow their skills, and build real confidence in who they are. 

A place where they don’t just learn basketball—they learn resilience, teamwork, and leadership. That’s why we created Hoop Dreams Overnight Camps. 

Whether your child is new to overnight camp or already packs a duffel bag every summer, a program here fits. 

Below, I’ve broken down each of our options: Mini Camp, Youth Camp, Teen Camp, and Girls Camp—so you can find the best fit for your child’s age, comfort level, and basketball goals. Let’s dive in—parent to parent.

Mini Camp (Ages 9–12)

4 days, 3 nights

Sending your child to their first overnight camp can feel like a big leap (for both of you). That’s exactly why we created Mini Camp. It’s short, sweet, and packed with fun. 

Your child gets to experience high-quality basketball instruction, all the joy (lake time, team-building games, campfires), and the chance to build independence—but in a smaller dose. it is the perfect stepping stone if your young athlete isn’t ready for a full week away.

Youth Camp (Ages 10–13)

1 week

This is where the magic and the power of structured basketball training come together. Youth get tons of basketball skill development and competitive games, but here’s the part I love most—we also focus on character development.

We teach kids to lead without needing a title, lift others up, and handle mistakes gracefully. They walk away taller—figuratively and sometimes literally!—and more confident in who they are, both on and off the court.

Teen Camp (Ages 13–17)

1 week

This is for the athlete who wants to push themselves—to get sharper, faster, stronger, and smarter. Teen Camp is intense in all the right ways. We focus on basketball training, but never lose sight of your teen’s emotional, social, and mental growth.

Teens live in cabins, share meals, train hard, and then let loose with traditional fun like tubing, kayaking, beach volleyball, and campfire chats. The balance of serious ball and big laughs? That’s what makes this one unforgettable.

Girls Camp (Girls Only, Ages 10–13)

1 week

As a woman who didn’t grow up seeing many female athletes celebrated, this one is especially close to my heart. Girls Camp allows young female athletes to shine, feel empowered, and be themselves.

We pair basketball training with a strong focus on confidence-building and connection. Surrounded by positive female role models and coaches, our girls improve their game and strengthen their belief in themselves.

What Makes Hoop Dreams Different?

We’re not just another camp. We’re not just about basketball, either. We are Canada’s only overnight basketball camp with a dedicated, modern 75-acre facility. 

We blend basketball training with traditional camp joy and are deeply intentional about using sport as a tool to teach life lessons. Every coach is trained to support growth, not just wins. 

Every kid is seen. Every mistake is treated as a learning moment. And every one leaves a little braver, stronger, and more ready for whatever life throws at them next.

Final Thoughts from One Basketball Parent to Another

If you’re wondering which one is the best fit, ask yourself what your child needs most right now:

• A shorter intro to overnight camp? Start with Mini Camp
• A well-rounded basketball and camp week? Youth Camp
• Intense development and teen independence? Teen Camp
• A place to belong, grow, and lead with other girls? Girls Camp

No matter which program you choose, your child will walk away from Hoop Dreams with more than just better basketball skills. They’ll return with stories, confidence, and a deeper belief in themselves.  Click here to register or explore each in more detail. I can’t wait to welcome your child this summer. It could be the start of something magical.

Warmly,

Stephanie Rudnick

Founder of Elite Camps & Hoop Dreams

Mom of three ballers