FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Our camp takes place on the campus of Kimball Union Academy, a co-educational boarding
school located in Meriden, New Hampshire. KUA features state-of-the-art turf and practice
fields, a fully equipped dining hall, modern dormitories, a student center, and a gymnasium
and auditorium for camp gatherings and films.
What is the arrival/departure time for OVERNIGHT campers?
Arrival: On Sunday, July 10th campers should arrive for Check-in between 1-2 pm and unpack
into their dorm rooms, and pick up their complimentary camp t-shirt. The first soccer session
will begin at 3 pm.
Departure: On Thursday, July 14th parents should arrive at 12 noon to pick up their campers
and clear out of their dorm rooms. If parents wish to watch any of the final games they should
arrive a little earlier.
What is the arrival/departure time for DAY campers?
Day campers should arrive for Check-in on Sunday, July 10 at 2:40 pm and be ready to play
soccer at 3 pm. (If you come any earlier, you will only have to wait in the registration area for
the overnight campers who are busy moving into ther dorm rooms.) On a daily basis, day
campers should arrive in time for the first soccer session at 9:30 am, and get picked up after
the final activity of the day at 8:15 pm.
NOTE: Almost every camper we've ever had who has signed up to participate as a day camper
has changed his/her mind on about day #2 and requested to switch to the overnight camp
because he/she sees everyone having so much fun! We ran out of dorm room in 2015, so sign
up early!
What kind of camper is a good fit for NE Jr Prep Camp?
This camp is for the committed soccer player entering the 6th through 10th grade who wants
to further develop his or her game. The focus of our instruction is on individual (technical)
and small-sided (tactical) development. Instructors employ modern trends of soccer
development, while at the same time using the time-tested instructional methodology of
"street soccer" (small-sided, highly competitive games). We also have speed, strength and
agility training fused into the program to make sure the athletes develop their physical aspect
as required by the game. Goal keeper training sessions are also available for all serious goal
keepers with specialized international level goal keeper coach(es). Our camp is a good fit for
the committed player, and is not geared toward the beginning player who has never played in
competitive games before.
What activities are offered besides soccer?
We combine a high-level of soccer-specific training with other games and summer activities to
keep things fun as well as challenging. Other activities may include frisbee, volleyball,
basketball, obstacle course competitions, our famous group dance competition, and various
other group games. In the evenings we have a movie and popcorn night, and of course we
watch and analyze professional fixtures.
What does a typical daily schedule look like?
Wake Up • 7:30 am
Breakfast • 8:00 am-8:30 am
Day campers arrive at 9:15 am
All campers meet at 9:15 am outside at Akerstrom Arena
Morning Training Session • 9:30-11:30 am
Lunch • 11:30-12:30 pm
Rest in dorms • 12:30-2:30 pm
(Structured activities in dorm common rooms)
Afternoon Training Session • 2:30-4:00 pm
Seminars • 4:00-5:00 pm
Dinner • 5:00-6:00 pm
Evening Games • 6:30-8:00 pm
Day campers picked up at 8:15 pm outside Akerstrom Arena
Free Time in Dorms • 8:00-10:00 pm
In Rooms • 10:00 pm
Lights Out • 10:30 pm
Is special goalkeeper training available?
Yes, we offer goalkeeper specific training sessions for all committed goalkeepers, as well as
game and scrimmage opportunities in the goal. Goalkeeper sessions are run by national and
international level goalkeeper coach(es). All goalkeepers should bring goalie gloves and wear
their GK shorts and shorts and identify yourselves as wanting GK training on your on-line
registration form.
What is the ratio of counselors to campers?
We maintain a 1:6 ratio of counselors to campers for the overnight portion of our camp, and a
1:8 ratio when day campers are included.
How does the camp recruit, screen and train its staff?
Our staff is a combination of Senior Coaches with International, Professional, World Cup, and
collegiate soccer backgrounds (see the staff listing on the main page of the camp), and our
Junior Staff Coaches have collegiate, travel club and varsity high school backgrounds.
Counselors are recruited based upon three primary criteria: their ability to demonstrate the
game at a high level, their friendly and outgoing attitudes, and a proven track-record of
success in working with younger players. Many are Lightning alums who enjoy coming back
and sharing their enthusiasm for the game with up-and-coming players. All counselors have
background checks through KidSafe, a national criminal background check system. Camp
counselors are overseen in all camp activities by the camp directors (who are on site at all
times). All Senior Camp Staff are First/Aid/CPR/AED trained, as are the majority of our junior
staff coaches.
What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby?
We have a certified Athletic Trainer on our camp staff who works with our campers with
regards to sprains, strains, pulled muscles, etc., and who can oversee required medical
routines of our campers and any emergency situations. Campers needing additional medical
attention beyond the scope of what can be offered on site will be referred to the nearby
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center or Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital.
What about special dietary needs?
If your child has food allergies or sensitivities (such as a gluten sensitivity or other such
concern) he/she will have access to a specially prepared meal. Please inform camp directors
of your child’s special dietary needs in advance of camp.
Where do overnight campers sleep?
Campers sleep in one of the KUA dormitories. There are two - four campers assigned to each
room/suite.
Can we make a roommate request?
Yes, on the registration form you can put in your request/s, but make sure you are in
agreement with your rooming partner/s first, so you both put each other. Most rooms are
doubles; there are a limited number of triples, and few singles as well.
Who monitors the children in the dorms?
There are 2-4 camp counselors (same gender as campers) for each floor of the dormitory who
stay in the dorm with the campers. A senior staff member also stays in each dorm.
How do we stay in touch with our child?
Parents are provided with multiple contact numbers and email addresses for camp staff so
that they can reach them or their child during the camp if needed. If a camper needs to reach a
parent, counselors or the directors will assist him or her.
What about campers bringing phones and other technology?
Campers are welcome to bring technology devices (iPads, iPods, etc.) and cell phones to camp,
though we ask that such devices stay in the rooms during training and other group activities.
When may parents visit?
Parents may visit camp at any time, but we encourage you to let your child enjoy the
challenges and fun of camp without a parent on site every day. We suggest parents drop their
child off on Day 1, help him/her settle into his/her room and then say their goodbyes. We
welcome parents back on the final day for the hour preceding pick-up when campers are
engaged in the final games.
How does the camp handle homesickness?
We find that about 3 minutes after a parent leaves, so does the homesickness! In the event
that a camper continues to have difficulties, we will contact the parent/s and work out a
mutually agreeable plan to address it. Parents are welcome to call or email camp staff any
time to check in regarding how their child is doing.
What is the camp's approach to discipline and how does the camp handle conflicts
between campers?
The camp is small and extremely fun and friendly in its tone, and we have never had a
discipline issue in the past. However, counselors are instructed to be on the lookout for any
unfair or unsportsmanlike conduct on or off the field. They are trained to intervene and stop
the behavior and bring it to the immediate attention of one of the directors.
Will the camp be transporting the children?
No, all the activities of the camp are held on site at KUA, so there is no need to leave campus.
What is the cost of the camp (2016)?
Overnight Camp -- $565
Day Camp -- $465
Make check payable to: CM International Soccerex LLC
Is there a discount for Lightning players?
Yes, 2015-16 Lightning players get $20 off the full price.
Lightning Player Overnight Price = $545
Lightning Player Day Price = $445
Are there discounts or scholarship available for this camp?
Unfortunately, there are no discounts or scholarship funds available for this camp.
We may, however, arrange for a payment plan (installment checks). Please contact the
Lightning SC office to make arrangements.
Is there a refund/withdrawal policy?
Submitting full payment is the only way to confirm your camper's spot. After you have
submitted payment, requests for refunds will be treated as follows:
Withdrawal prior to camp start date due to certified medical reason (written statement from
non-parent medical professional must be provided) = full refund minus $50.
Withdrawal 14 days or more before camp start for any reason other than certified medical =
50% refund.
Withdrawal 13 days or fewer before camp start date for any reason other than certified
medical = no refund.
Once a player checks in at camp, no refunds will be issued for medical or other reasons.
Where are the campers coming from?
A majority of our campers are players from the local area and Lightning Soccer Club, however,
we have had friends, relatives and acquaintances of the players from all over the country join
us for camp, and we welcome all newcomers wholeheartedly. To be certain our camp is the
right fit for your player, he or she would have participated in competitive soccer at a club
level.
What should campers wear?
Campers should wear cleats, shin guards, soccer socks (black if possible), black shorts and
their camp t-shirt (distributed at registration). Please bring extra black shorts, black soccer
socks, and gray t-shirts. Although there are laundry facililities in each dorm, it is easier if
campers have plenty of extra and do not have to worry about doing laundry.
Referrals: We had many campers return last year for a second and third year of NE Jr Prep
Camp. We are happy to provide you with the name and contact information of camp families
who have agreed to serve as references and to answer all your questions.
If I have questions, who do I contact?
Contact the Lightning Soccer Club office:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 802-649-7096
How can I speak to the Camp Director?
Charles Mhlauri: 860-754-8938 (cell)