What: US Elite is spearheading a youth developmental program for players aged 6U-12U that is unlike anything ever done before. We're using sports to positively impact our youth in a very profound way. The Mission is Clear is not just a clever slogan. It means we are serious about making a positive difference in the lives of young athletes, both on and off the field. The program is designed to give players access to one development camp per month for up to 7-10 months out of the year. The consistancy of a powerful message and a very positive and encouraging influence is the key to success. The camps are one day camps designed to teach players the full spectrum of the game of baseball, as well as important life skills.
Why: The US Elite philosophy is for the youth sports experience for players and parents to be filled with fun, learning, accomplishment, as well as physical and personal growth. The camp program is designed to prepare players for baseball, as well as life beyond sports. Sadly, the youth sports experience for many players and parents has become confusing, disorganized, expensive and overwhelming. Even worse, it has become something it was never intended to be...stressful and straining on the relationship between player and parent.
The Format: Camps are typically 5-6 hours, with a one hour lunch break. Each player will rotate from station to station throughout the day and learn from well trained professional instructors. The number of instructors is determined by the size of the camp. Typically its one instructor for every 15 players. The station topics are: Hitting, bunting, infield, outfield, speed training, sports performance training, drills and games, communication skills, catching, nutrition and athletic testing. The predominant desired outcome for each station is to be fun, informative, interactive and exciting for the campers. We want them to LOVE this experience and LOVE baseball. Too many players lose their love for the game because adults have taken the fun out of it for them. We're putting the FUN back in the game for players at our camps.
The Desired Result: World renowned author of the 7 Habits Books, Steven Covey, teaches a concept, “Begin with the end in mind”. The concept challenges individuals to focus on what they want the desired results to be before they begin. For most parents it might sound something like this: I want my son/daughter to be a confident person. I want him to be a person of integrity, honesty and character. I want him to be respected by his peers and his mentors. I want him to be a person of humility and gratitude. I want him to be “other centered", not “self centered”. I want him to understand the value of hard work and dedication. I want him to learn what true commitment means. I want him to know the difference between a dream and a goal. I want him to learn that there is only one true failure, and that is quitting. I want him to understand that life is not always fair and predictable. I want him to embrace adversity and learn to overcome it.
The Problem: There is little debate that nearly every parent wants their son or daughter to be all of the above. And there is no doubt that most parents are trying hard to help their son or daughter become that. The problem is that the world we live in, and the influences on our young people, do not always support the efforts of parents. In fact, in many cases, the influences are completely the opposite of these virtues. Even worse, youth sports can actually work against these virtues. The quest for “success” at all costs is real. The positive benefits of learning to be a part of a team can become replaced by the needs of the individual. The need for adulation and recognition can become nearly obsessive. The drive to “be the best” can breed entitlement and arrogance, and even threaten the relationship between the athlete and parents. Early success for some athletes can also lead to “special treatment”, complacency and a false sense of security. The sad reality is that the very thing that was meant to be a positive influence can actually become a very negative influence. Once some of these negative influences have become a part of who a person is, it can be very difficult and painful to reverse.
The Solution: It’s not by accident that US Elite Camps start at 6U. We feel strongly that the more time we can spend with young athletes the more we can become a positive influence in their lives. In fact, we want parents to know that we recognize how hard it is to raise children in today’s environment, and we want them to know that US Elite's Youth Development Camps is 100% committed to supporting and strengthening the efforts of the parents. The saying, “it takes a village” is true. Everybody involved in a child’s upbringing can help shape and mold that child. It’s an awesome concept to think that youth sports can be such a positive experience when done right.
The Next step
Taking the next step towards an amazing youth sports experience is easy. Simply register for an upcoming youth camp in your area, but leave your checkbook at home. Your first experience with US Elite is on us! That's right, it’s completely FREE. You simply have to attend and let us show you how committed we are to being a very positive influence on your young athlete. We'll even feed your camper. In many areas a local Chic Filet Franchise owner has partnered with US Elite to make sure your child is well nourished while they are in our care. If after your first experience with us you agree that our camps are something great for your son or daughter, then we hope you'll want to bring him back to more camps. We believe a consistent message is the only real way to make a lasting change. At that point, you can choose to attend future camps ala carte, or choose to become a club member and get the huge perks and huge discounts. We're in this for the long haul, and we want you to be, too.
Camp pricing
First camp is FREE!
Additional Ala Carte Camps are $50 per camp
or.....
Become a Yearly Club Member for only $249 (That's up to 8 camps and $400 Value)
(a one time set up fee of $49 also applies)
Club Members receive:
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Access to all camps (in any state) at no charge (up to 8 camps, $400 value)
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Dri Fit Shirt to wear to camps ($20 value)
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Shining Star Helmet ($40 value)
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Hat to wear to camps ($20 value)
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Access to US Elite Online Trainings
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Personal Player Profile Page on US Elite public website ($120)
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Opportunity to attend National Youth Camp and US Elite Kickoff Dinner ($200)
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Opportunity to play for US Elite in National events
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No charge to attend US Elite tryouts ($25)
Total Retail Value of the the Shining Star Membership $825
2020 Camp Dates and Locations (more dates and locations coming)
March 8th at Iron Horse Sports, Windber, PA (US Elite National Director, Mark Helsel, is Director for this camp)
April 5th at Iron Horse Sports, Windber, PA (US Elite National Director, Mark Helsel, is Director for this camp)
June 21 at Iron Horse Sports, Windber, PA (US Elite National Director, Mark Helsel, is Director for this camp)
Aug. TBA
Sept. TBA
Oct TBA
Dec National Shining Star Youth Development Camp, Raleigh, NC
Questions and Answers
Q: Does my son have to play on a US Elite team to participate in the camps?
A: No, US Elite camps are open to all young athletes, regardless of what travel team they play on.
Q: If we sign our son up for the Club Membership is he required to attend all the camps.?
A: No, as a club member he can attend any and all camps.
Q: Do we need to pre-register for each camp?
A: If you are a club member you will have a pre-registration link on your dashboard and you can simply indicate which camps you are attending. If you are not a club member you simply pay for each camp ala carte. Camp registrations close 14 days prior to that camp.
Q: If we want to become a club member, but don’t have the whole amount right now, is there a monthly payment option?
A: Yes, it costs a little more, but you can set up monthly payments.
Q: Are the instructors trained and certified?
A: Yes, all of the instructors have been trained by US Elite and have completed an official background check and are officially certified as camp instructors.
