Girls smiling in hockey training session

Despite the progress made in professional women’s sport in recent years, there is still a long way to go. Research indicates that by the age of 14, many girls are dropping out of sport at two times the rate of boys, due to a combination of lack of opportunities, social pressures and lack of role models.

A sports camp can provide the perfect opportunity to engage girls further in the sport they love, helping them make rapid progress in a fun and supportive environment. But, it’s vital to put measures in place to ensure the camp experience is a positive and inclusive one for girls, no matter their age or experience levels. Here’s how we help girls to feel comfortable, confident and connected on our camps:

Outstanding female role models

A relatable support system and positive role models are integral to the camp experience. For girls, it’s especially important to have excellent female staff on-site 24/7, who can address the specific needs of female athletes and provide guidance, assistance and a reassuring presence at all times.

Studies indicate that strong role models are particularly important to the development of girls, whether that’s on the field of play or in careers outside of sport. Female sports idols, coaches and welfare staff can all instil a sense of confidence, a strong work ethic and a belief that their dreams are achievable. The experience of living and training with these role models on camp is particularly valuable to girls, where the residential environment allows them to connect with staff and build strong relationships in a unique way. We believe that hiring excellent female staff who lead by example with confidence, empathy and respect provides a transformative experience to girls during their time with us.

2. Nurturing friendships among girls

A sports camp offers a great opportunity to build meaningful friendships between girls. Whether or not they share a native language or culture, their common love of sport can bring them together. This is the foundation to build on: getting girls out on the field, the court or in the studio as soon as possible and working together as a team is vital to creating those initial bonds. There, they can begin communicating with one another in a way that’s comfortable to them, celebrating each other’s achievements, and supporting each other through any challenges – the basis of any lasting friendship.

It's also a great way to get girls present and interacting with one another socially. A residential camp will usually have an all-girls boarding house and a programme of trips and recreational activities where girls are encouraged to spend quality time together, without the distraction of devices. They can use this time to build on their shared experiences on the sports field – creating memories through these fun adventures and activities. Where any girl is feeling nervous or shy about getting involved, welfare staff are on hand to support them.

3. Building confidence on and off the field

Sport is a powerful tool to develop confidence in young people, encouraging them to test their limits, communicate with one another and learn from mistakes. A sports camp offers girls an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones both on and off the field. No matter the experience level of that child, the aim should always be that they leave camp feeling more confident in their abilities than when they arrived.

A sports camp will often have an intensive daily training schedule that is physically and mentally challenging but allows players to make progress quickly. Overcoming these challenges, with the right support, teaches resilience and empowers girls to believe in themselves. The coaching curriculum should be designed and delivered in a way that encourages both technical improvement and self-esteem.

Meeting new teammates and learning to work together teaches girls valuable interpersonal skills. Collaborating with other girls towards common goals helps them to value each other’s contributions, inspiring self-confidence.

4. Encouraging a sense of independence

Camp is often a girl’s first experience of staying away from home, making it a great opportunity to instil a sense of independence. It’s important to make this a positive experience by having the right balance of support and opportunity to have their own autonomy. The key to this is establishing a strong support system around each child which includes their family, sports coaches and welfare staff.

Girls are entrusted with responsibilities such as managing their schedules or maintaining their kit. This encourages a sense of accountability and self-sufficiency, essential components of independence. Participating in team sports and social activities encourages them to initiate conversations, collaborate with one another, and promotes independent social interactions. They’ll also be exposed to new experiences and can explore new interests, promoting a sense of identity.

If she faces any challenges throughout this process, the support system is there to fall back on, providing reassurance to both the child and her family.

IN SUMMARY

Ensuring that girls have a positive experience on camp is essential for their continued engagement in sport. By providing outstanding female role models, nurturing strong friendships, building confidence, and encouraging independence, camps can create an environment where girls thrive both athletically and personally. This experience can not only enhance their skills on the field but also equip them with life skills that extend far beyond camp, laying the foundations for a lifelong love of sport.