What does my camper need to bring to camp?
Each day your child should bring a ball, shin guards, water, sunscreen, and we also recommend that they bring a snack to help maintain their energy levels for the duration of the training session. Please make sure that all of their belongings are clearly marked with their name on it.

What if my child leaves something at camp?
If your child should leave something at camp, you can call our office at 425-644-0470. All items left at camp will be brought to camp the next day and any items that haven't been claimed by Friday will be taken to the office in Bellevue.

What time do I drop my child off and pick them up?
Your child can be dropped off 15 minutes prior to the start of camp and should be picked up within 15 minutes of the conclusion of camp.

How do I get to camp?
Day Camp Locations are available here.

My child has never attended camp. How do I register?
Click on either “Register Now” or “My Account” from any page on our website.

Is camp Co-ed?
Each week of camp is co-educational, however during the Field Player and Elite sessions, girls and boys are trained separately. In all sessions, instructional groups are organized on the basis of age and skill level. We have an excellent staff of men and women coaches and counselors, many of who have been with Northwest Soccer Camp for several years. Our staff is expected to provide each camper with maximum safety, supervision, and soccer instruction. And as always, male and female campers are housed separately.

What is a typical daily schedule?
Breakfast: 8:00am
Group instruction in skills and technique: 9:30am - 11:30am
Lunch: 12:00noon
Rest time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Group instruction in team tactics: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Free time: 4:00pm - 5:15pm
Dinner: 5:30pm
League play: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Evening programs: 9:00pm - 10:00pm
Lights out: 10:30pm
Schedule will vary for different ages, Elite, specialty camps and adults.

What other activities are there at camp?
In addition to our daily soccer offerings, free time activities include many different alternatives which, not surprisingly, includes even more free time soccer options, as well as historic hikes through St. Edwards Park; waterfront hikes; our ever popular Arts and Crafts; indoor soccer; soccer video tapes and other play activities. As always, all activities are supervised.

Health and Safety Issues
Certified Athletic Trainers are on duty at all resident camps, and full hospital and medical assistance is only minutes away.

It is strictly forbidden for campers to possess drugs, alcoholic beverages, tobacco or weapons. Possession constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal from camp without refund or credit, and at the camper's expense.

Do I have to fill out health forms and show proof of Healthcare Insurance?
Health and insurance information on the registration forms must be signed and filled in completely before your child can attend camp. Please make sure you include this information on your registration form. There will also be an “Authorization to Administer Medication” form at the Check-In table at camp. Completion of this form is necessary in order for the Head Athletic Trainer to administer specific pain medication (Tylenol, Advil) to your child, if needed.

Can my child take his/her regular medications while at camp?
Yes, your child can take his/her regular medications on the same schedule that he/she does at home.

Please check-in ALL over the counter and prescribed medications (including aspirin, Tylenol etc.) with our trainers at the registration table. Include written instructions, and label all medications with your child's name.

If your child has any special medical conditions, please alert staff members (either in the Bellevue office or camp office at Bastyr) with the details of the conditions.

How will I know my child is registered for camp?
Online Registration:
Requires a $100 deposit at the time of registration and full payment 3 weeks prior to camp. Upon completion of successful registration and verification of credit card and necessary funds, you will recieve an email confirmation. This is the only confirmation you will recieve for your camp. You will not receive one by mail. You should print a copy for your records.

Fax/Mail Registration:
Requires a $100 deposit to hold a spot. Balance is due 3 weeks prior to your child's camp date. Confirmation of registreation and balance due (if any) will be mailed when the registration processing is complete. If you have authorized the balance to be charged to your credit card on the original registration form, this will be charged automatically.

If you have any other questions or would like to contact us, please email info@nwsoccer.org or call our offices at 425-644-0470.

What If I need to cancel?

If you must cancel, please do so as early as possible in order for us to notify those on our waiting lists.  To cancel:

• Call our office at (425) 644-0470.  If you reach the answering machine, please leave a message including the camper’s name, parent’s name and telephone number.
• For cancellations 21 days prior or more to your camp session you will receive a refund less a $50 administrative fee for each camp. 
• For cancellations, for any reason, 20 days or fewer prior to your camp session, you will receive a gift certificate less a $100 non-refundable deposit.  The gift certificate can be used towards a future Northwest Soccer Camp through the next calendar year.

NEW – “Cancel-for-any-reason” or CFAR refund option offered!

One of the perennial problems faced by both our Northwest Camper families, and our administration, is camp cancellation….due to injury, sickness, last minute travel conflicts and a host of other reasons.  And as much as we always try to bend over backwards - to help refund the lion’s share of the camp fee – there are big-time losses on every level and no little grief.  The camper family wants a full refund while up-front payments have to be made from the moment a camper registers until camp ends.  There now seems to be an answer…we are offering a “Cancel-for-any-reason” or CFAR refund option. 

• During the on-line registration process, you will be asked whether you want to purchase CFAR insurance at a cost of $24.95.  If you purchase the CFAR option and need to cancel:   

• Call our office at (425) 644-0470.  If you reach our answering machine, please leave a message including the camper’s name, parent’s name and telephone number.

NOTE:  The CFAR refund option applies up to camper check-in.  ONCE CHECK-IN IS COMPLETED, THE STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY APPLIES (see above).  

What if my child wishes to change sessions?
There is no charge to change sessions or camp locations, however this is subject to space availability.

What if my child leaves camp early?
No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or for those who leave camp early for any reason.

What time do we check in?
Check-in at all Resident Camps is between 3:00pm - 5:00pm on opening day. Staff members cannot supervise nor be responsible for campers prior to 3:00pm.

What if we will be arriving late?
Late arrivals are easily accommodated. If it is the Sunday that your child's camp begins, please call the Camp office at Bastyr (360-678-6330) to let them know when you will be arriving. If you reach the voice mail, please leave the camper's first and last name (and the names of any other campers who will be traveling with you) and your approximate arrival time. The messages are checked 7 days a week during summer season.

What time is camp over on Friday?
Camp closes promptly at 11:45 am. All facilities close. We appreciate your timeliness, as our staff does not stay on site during the weekend. We cannot accommodate campers through the weekend (for campers who attend 2 weeks of camp in succession). Parents will need to make arrangements for their children prior to their arrival at camp.

Will awards be presented at the end of camp?
Awards will be presented on Fridays. At 11:15 AM. Parents are invited to attend.

Are parents allowed to watch the final game on Friday morning?
Come early to watch the final league games beginning at 9:00am. Games & Field sessions end promptly at 11:00 AM. Do not park on the public roads as you risk receiving a ticket. Please DRIVE SLOWLY when near the playing fields.

Does Northwest Soccer Camp provide transportation to and from camp for my child?
Parents are responsible for transportation to and from Resident Camps. We cannot release names of other campers traveling from your area.

We do offer transportation for campers to and from SeaTac Airport, the train station in Seattle, and the Greyhound bus station in Seattle. We offer this at a $75.00 fee each way per person for those arriving between 11:00am - 2:00pm on Sunday, and departing between 4:00pm and 6:00pm on Friday.

For information regarding this service, please Download the Transportation Form and mail or fax it along with your child's itinerary and full payment three weeks in advance of your child's camp date.

How can I contact the main office in Bellevue?
The year round office is in Bellevue. The phone number is 425-644-0470 and our FAX is 888-471-1965. During the summer, we retrieve messages from the voice mail 7 days a week.
You may also email us at info@nwsoccer.org . For more contact information click here.

How can I contact the camp office at Bastyr?
During the summer, the phone number at Camp is: 360-678-6330. If you receive our voice mail, please leave a detailed message and we will return your call.

How can I send mail or a "care" package to my child while he/she is at camp?
Please address the mail as follows:
Your child's name
c/o Northwest Soccer Camp
15600 NE 8th Ave Suite 647
Bellevue, WA 98008

Mail by Sunday or Monday to ensure that camper receives their letter.

What if there is an Emergency?
Emergencies at camp are rare but can happen. Please remember to notify us immediately if your phone number or emergency numbers change. We need to be able to contact you in case of an emergency while your child is at camp.

In the event of a true emergency while your child is at camp, you may contact Cliff McCrath's cell phone at 206-963-9047. Please use this number only for true emergency situations.

What do I Pack for camp?
Download our Suggested Packing List.

This is a list of things we suggest you bring to camp. PLEASE leave your expensive items and gear at home. We recommend that you do not send unnecessary clothes or expensive cameras, watches, or jewelry. We strongly discourage all electronic equipment. Remember to label EVERYTHING with first and last name.

Northwest Soccer Camp Cell Phone Policy

Campers are encouraged NOT to bring cell phones to camp. If a camper brings a cell phone to camp,it will be collected on Sunday and returned on Friday. If campers need to make a phone call, they may use the camp phone with the accompaniment of a counselor or coach.  We highly recommend campers leave cell phones at home for the following reasons:

• Cell phones detract from the camp experience taking away from valuable training and social interaction.
• The cell phone service at camp is spotty and it is dangerous to have campers unsupervised roaming for service.
• The cell phone user disturbs others.
• We cannot be responsible for lost or stolen cell phones that are not turned in on Sunday.

What if my child loses something while at camp?
We do have a Lost & Found at the camp. It is the responsibility of the camper to check the Lost & Found each day and prior to leaving camp. All unclaimed items will be held for 3 weeks and then DONATED. If you discover that your child has lost something at camp, please call the Seattle office to give a description of the item. We do not keep socks and underclothing. You would be amazed at the quantity of items in the Lost & Found weekly! PLEASE mark ALL items with camper's first and last name. Check to make sure you have all items and bags before leaving camp.

What type of coaching and how will my child's skills be assesed?
Our goal is to provide each camper with as much individual instruction and attention as possible. To assist us in accomplishing this goal, every camper is given an initial assessment of soccer skills and soccer sense on the opening night of camp. Instruction groups are organized on the basis of age and skill level. Technical skills (passing, control, heading, dribbling, etc.) are evaluated by means of a skills evaluation. Soccer "sense" or "game sense" (awareness) is determined through participation in small-sided games. The result of this assessment determines the assignment for instruction groups, which begin Monday morning. We re-evaluate during Monday's sessions and make any adjustments necessary.

What if my child's team would like to come to camp together?
Members of teams attending camp together may be placed in different instruction groups due to skill level, or they can be trained and roomed together with our Specialized Team Training at Northwest Soccer Camp.

If you would like your team to train and room together, there are specific requirements: All registration forms must be mailed in together along with a Team Roster, that includes positions and a short letter stating that you would like the team to be trained and roomed together and whether or not your coaches will be coming up to camp to observe any of the sessions. (We welcome coaches to come to camp to observe their teams, however we cannot feed or house them while they are at camp.) There are many wonderful facilities nearby.

If you have a team of 12 or more players who are registering as a team, that qualifies them for the "Team Discount" of $40.00 per player. Note: If any of the team members chooses to register online, our system cannot recognize the team affiliation and they will not receive the team discount. We regret that we will not be able to refund the discount back to them.

Please contact the Bellevue office for details, 425-644-0470.

What about discipline?
Northwest Soccer Camp does NOT approve of corporal punishment to resolve behavior problems. Should your son or daughter choose to engage in disruptive behavior, he / she will meet quietly with members of our staff in an attempt to determine the problem and work out a solution. Usually this is sufficient to convince a child that his / her behavior is hindering others from enjoying a great camp experience. If the problem continues, a "yellow card caution" may be given and certain restrictions (e.g.- loss of store privileges for a day) may be imposed.

Our goal is to create a camp atmosphere in which each person is allowed the right to learn soccer and have fun. It is rare when a "red card" is given, signaling that a camper must return home before the end of camp (at the expense of the parents). We do not believe in punishing an entire floor, or dorm, or team because of the inappropriate choices of a few. Group discipline is not our policy. Each situation is addressed individually under the supervision of the Camp Director, the Program Director, and the Director of Counseling.

What if my child becomes homesick?
We do not encourage campers to call home unless specific arrangements are made with our staff. Telephone availability is limited, and if your child is "homesick", calling home at the first sign of homesickness usually compounds the problem. We have an outstanding staff, many of which are parents and teachers, and the supportive atmosphere in our camp usually brings children through this difficult experience with flying colors. "Homesick" campers that "make it" through the week, overcome an important hurdle and get both personal affirmation and praise from the staff. It can be a very positive and self esteem building experience. FINALLY, WE ENCOURAGE ALL PARENTS TO RESTRICT THE USE OF CELL PHONES DURING CAMP SESSIONS!

How does the camp store work?
For purchase of snack foods and beverages in the camp store during the week, campers may make a "deposit" at check-in. (No Canadian currency please). The average deposit is $15 - 20 for one week of camp. Campers can then draw on their account throughout the week. It is recommended that campers NOT keep money in the dorms, as these are not locked when campers are on the field, and we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen cash.

Parents: PLEASE pick up any refund at the Camp Store prior to leaving on Friday.

On Sunday and Friday, you will be able to purchase Northwest Soccer Camp T-shirts at the Camp Store. Bankcards are accepted for non-food items.

Camp store items include a variety of soccer apparel - including shoes and shinguards. Snacks, juices and the usual camp store offerings are available. In addition, camp store policy limits daily purchases to avoid excessive buying. Larger purchases (e.g.- sweatshirts, training suits, etc. ) are recommended on opening and closing days when parents are present.

What if my child wets the bed while at camp?
Our bed-wetting management program is designed to reduce - if not eliminate - any embarrassment or awkwardness when incidents occur. First, we endeavor to complement the policy in force at home (i.e. if the child is roused at certain times we will follow the same schedule, if allowed to "sleep through" we will conform as well). If a bed-wetting incident occurs, the measures we take the following morning are designed to correct the problem (soiled sleeping gear and clothing). Here's how it works: 1. Wake up call for everybody. 2. Clean up and bed straightening for all. Camper has been told in advance by parents and counselor (in private) to simply straighten his / her sleeping bag and leave soiled sleeping garments in sleeping bag. 3. As all campers depart dorms for morning activities, child informs counselor in private that sleeping bag and garments have been soiled. 4. Once the dorms are empty, counselors check beds for soiled sleeping apparel. The apparel (sleeping bag and garments) is then taken to the camp laundry where all items are washed and tumble-dried and returned to the appropriate bed. 5. Camper returns to clean, fresh smelling bunk. 6. ALL IS WELL … AND DRY !!! No one is any the wiser and the camper avoids any embarrassment. This is our policy and we make every effort to see that it works.

How do I get to Camp?
You can find directions to Bastyr University on our Resident Camp Location page.

Can I observe my child while he/she is at camp?
We encourage you to accompany your son / daughter / team to camp on opening day. This will allow you to view the excellent facilities and meet our staff. We welcome you to observe your son / daughter / team while at camp. We are unable to provide food and accommodations for you, due to space limitations. For those attending camp, we are including a map of local accommodations. All coaches need to notify staff in advance that they will be observing, and need to check in with the Camp Director upon arrival.

I've heard about "Post-Camp depression", what is it?
Shortly after camp, perhaps the next day, a camper may appear all tuckered-out and somewhat sluggish. Frequently, this is a result of shifting out of a highly organized camp schedule and returning to a more individualized home atmosphere. In addition, we keep campers pretty busy and the accompanying fatigue contributes to a "letdown". After a two to three day adjustment period, they should be at "full-steam" again.

Also, from a learning perspective, your son / daughter or team may not be able to reproduce all that they have learned at camp just after you pick them up. However, through the process of assimilation, the next time they join their team, a marked improvement in playing skills should be obvious.