Questions and Answers for Commuter Camp
Q. Are there still openings in the camp?
A. Yes. Unless it says so on the front page of our website, then we still have openings in all our sessions. Feel free to call 734-615-9502 if you’d like to verify this.
Q. What types of players attend this camp?
A. Players of all abilities (beginners, intermediates, and aspiring professionals) that are eager to learn more about the game of soccer from a great coaching staff attend this camp. The maximum enrollment for the camp is 180 players. Players are divided up by grade and care is taken to ensure that each team has as many average as good players.
Q. Will my son be able to move onto a more competitive team if he isn't being challenged?
A. Yes, one of our goals is to make sure that each player is challenged to improve. We will initially divide teams up by grade at the start of camp. Once we divide up the teams on the first day, we will allow the players to move to a different team if they were not initially assigned with the group that they wanted to be with or if they want to "play up" with their older brothers, teammates, etc. Be sure to note on your registration form if you want your son assigned with specific teammates.
Q. Will I receive confirmation once my camp registration being received?
A. Yes, you will receive an email with an attached pdf file. The attached pdf file will be a confirmation letter with all the specifics of the camp. You should bring this letter with you to camp check-in.
Q. How does the camp check-in process work on Monday morning?
A. In an effort to streamline our check-in process and alleviate traffic and parking problems in the Mitchell Field parking lot, we will provide curbside check-in. You do not have to leave your car. We'll collect your remaining camp balance, health forms, and issue your son his camp t-shirt as he gets out of the car. If you need to speak to coaches or trainers in more detail before the camp begins, you can park across the street at the Art and Architecture metered lot and walk over to the fields.
Q. Can my son be dropped off with another parent on Monday for check-in?
A. Yes. As long as your son either has his forms or has filled out all the requisite forms and paid his balance in advance, you do not have to be present at check-in.
Q. Is there any kind of a background check that is done on the camp staff coaches before they are hired?
A. Yes. U-M Risk Management requires that all camp staff employees complete a background check each year. The background check will examine 1) Michigan criminal history, 2) Michigan sex offenders, and 3) National sex offenders. We will never hire any coach that has a "positive check" in any of these areas.
Q. What if I lose my confirmation letter?
A. You can print off a "blank" confirmation letter by clicking on this link. However, you should send an email to burnss@umich.edu to determine how much you owe so that you get through the check-in process as smoothly as possible.
Q. What days will you go to Fuller Pool to swim?
A. We plan on going to the pool on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. However, you should pack your swimming gear Tuesday-Friday. We want to have the flexibility to go to the pool on Wednesday if we forecast that the weather on either Thursday or Friday is going to storm.
Q. With so many soccer campers at Fuller Pool, how do you handle the supervision?
A. Fuller Pool knows the days we will bring our campers and they have the correct staffing of lifeguards. Our staff must also have 1 coach in the water for every 8 campers that are in the water. Additionally, we hire 3-4 camper parents to help us supervise the campers that choose to not swim and instead play soccer other activities inside the fenced in area of Fuller Pool.
Q. Does Coach Burns actually participate at the camp or is he just a figurehead?
A. Yes, Coach Burns is very active on a daily basis at the camp. Typically he will conduct the warm-ups and the demonstrations in the morning. In the afternoon, he will be on the fields coaching the campers and supervising his staff. Coach Burns truly enjoys being on the fields helping the campers develop their games. He understands, and values, the fact that the campers and their families are the fans that come to support the U-M soccer team during the fall season.
Q. What do the campers do in the event of a thunderstorm?
A. If a storm rolls in during the morning or afternoon, the campers are loaded onto waiting school buses and moved up to Bursley Hall (1931 Duffield St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109). At Bursley Hall, the campers will watch videos until it is safe to resume outside activity. If foul weather hits late in the day, where we do not have enough time to move the campers to the dorm, they will be moved to the brick building located on Mitchell Field. This is where they will be released from. If you are unsure of the campers location during a storm you can call either (734) 615-4546 or (734) 320-5536 for an automated update.
Q. What is a typical ratio of campers to coaches?
A. Last year's camper to coach ratio was 11 to 1. This is a very low ratio that facilitates a good learning environment for the camper. Coach Burns overstaffs this camp with his current U-M soccer players.
Q. How should I inform the staff if my son has some sort of medical condition?
A. There will be an athletic trainer on staff at all times. Upon check-in during the first day of camp, you should inform the trainer and your son's coach about his condition, i.e. medicine dosage, allergies, etc. The trainer will also have a copy of the medical information you provided for camp registration with him/her at all times.
Q. What do I do if my son has food allergies?
A. Be sure to note his allergies on the registration form as our trainers will have this information with them at lunch. Also, make sure you talk to our trainers at the start of the camp to make them aware of your son and his specific allergy, and how to handle an episode.
Q. What does the menu consist of for meals at the Bursley Residence Hall?
A. Click on the menu link for more details.
Q. Are there any hidden costs within this camp?
A. There are no hidden costs in this camp. This website does a good job explaining the costs. Your registration fee includes all 5 lunches at Bursley Hall, all admissions into Fuller Pool, and a t-shirt. The only thing it doesn't cover is a soccer ball. This is something you must bring on your own.
Q. Will there be soccer balls for sale at this camp?
A. Yes, custom Michigan soccer balls can be purchased every day for $30/ball. Additionally, on Friday afternoon a camp store will be set up selling all types of Michigan soccer merchandise prior to the conclusion of the camp.
Q. Parking in the Mitchell Field lot around 4:30 p.m. is always tight. What should I do if I can't find a parking space?
A. Your son will be released at 4:25 p.m. every day. There should be spaces available at that time. If there are not, then stay near your car until you see your son walking towards the parking lot. Your son will be released from the same field at the end of every day.
Q. What if I need to pick-up my son prior to the end of the day?
A. Talk to your son's coach, or to the camp director, on the day that you need to pick him up and inform him of your plan. His coach will need to confirm time and location with you.
Q. Where will my son be at the end of the day for pick-up?
A. You will pick your son up at the end of the day on the field where he will be playing his large-sided game. We will have staff that will direct you to your son's location. The youngest players will play on the east fields (upper), while the oldest players will play on the west fields (lower).
Q. If we are carpooling with friends, will other people be allowed to pick-up our son at the end of the day?
A. Yes. Before you drop your son off in the morning, be sure he knows who will be picking him up at the end of each day.
Q. What is your refund policy?
A. If a camper withdraws from camp at least 24 hours prior to the start of the camp, all funds paid to date will be returned minus a $75 administrative fee. No refunds will be returned for any reason 24 hours prior to the start of camp.
Q. Are there still openings in the camp?
A. Yes. Unless it says so on the front page of our website, then we still have openings in all our sessions. Feel free to call 734-615-9502 if you’d like to verify this.
Q. What types of players attend this camp?
A. Players of all abilities (beginners, intermediates, and aspiring professionals) that are eager to learn more about the game of soccer from a great coaching staff attend this camp. The maximum enrollment for the camp is 180 players. Players are divided up by grade and care is taken to ensure that each team has as many average as good players.
Q. Will my son be able to move onto a more competitive team if he isn't being challenged?
A. Yes, one of our goals is to make sure that each player is challenged to improve. We will initially divide teams up by grade at the start of camp. Once we divide up the teams on the first day, we will allow the players to move to a different team if they were not initially assigned with the group that they wanted to be with or if they want to "play up" with their older brothers, teammates, etc. Be sure to note on your registration form if you want your son assigned with specific teammates.
Q. Will I receive confirmation once my camp registration being received?
A. Yes, you will receive an email with an attached pdf file. The attached pdf file will be a confirmation letter with all the specifics of the camp. You should bring this letter with you to camp check-in.
Q. How does the camp check-in process work on Monday morning?
A. In an effort to streamline our check-in process and alleviate traffic and parking problems in the Mitchell Field parking lot, we will provide curbside check-in. You do not have to leave your car. We'll collect your remaining camp balance, health forms, and issue your son his camp t-shirt as he gets out of the car. If you need to speak to coaches or trainers in more detail before the camp begins, you can park across the street at the Art and Architecture metered lot and walk over to the fields.
Q. Can my son be dropped off with another parent on Monday for check-in?
A. Yes. As long as your son either has his forms or has filled out all the requisite forms and paid his balance in advance, you do not have to be present at check-in.
Q. Is there any kind of a background check that is done on the camp staff coaches before they are hired?
A. Yes. U-M Risk Management requires that all camp staff employees complete a background check each year. The background check will examine 1) Michigan criminal history, 2) Michigan sex offenders, and 3) National sex offenders. We will never hire any coach that has a "positive check" in any of these areas.
Q. What if I lose my confirmation letter?
A. You can print off a "blank" confirmation letter by clicking on this link. However, you should send an email to burnss@umich.edu to determine how much you owe so that you get through the check-in process as smoothly as possible.
Q. What days will you go to Fuller Pool to swim?
A. We plan on going to the pool on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. However, you should pack your swimming gear Tuesday-Friday. We want to have the flexibility to go to the pool on Wednesday if we forecast that the weather on either Thursday or Friday is going to storm.
Q. With so many soccer campers at Fuller Pool, how do you handle the supervision?
A. Fuller Pool knows the days we will bring our campers and they have the correct staffing of lifeguards. Our staff must also have 1 coach in the water for every 8 campers that are in the water. Additionally, we hire 3-4 camper parents to help us supervise the campers that choose to not swim and instead play soccer other activities inside the fenced in area of Fuller Pool.
Q. Does Coach Burns actually participate at the camp or is he just a figurehead?
A. Yes, Coach Burns is very active on a daily basis at the camp. Typically he will conduct the warm-ups and the demonstrations in the morning. In the afternoon, he will be on the fields coaching the campers and supervising his staff. Coach Burns truly enjoys being on the fields helping the campers develop their games. He understands, and values, the fact that the campers and their families are the fans that come to support the U-M soccer team during the fall season.
Q. What do the campers do in the event of a thunderstorm?
A. If a storm rolls in during the morning or afternoon, the campers are loaded onto waiting school buses and moved up to Bursley Hall (1931 Duffield St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109). At Bursley Hall, the campers will watch videos until it is safe to resume outside activity. If foul weather hits late in the day, where we do not have enough time to move the campers to the dorm, they will be moved to the brick building located on Mitchell Field. This is where they will be released from. If you are unsure of the campers location during a storm you can call either (734) 615-4546 or (734) 320-5536 for an automated update.
Q. What is a typical ratio of campers to coaches?
A. Last year's camper to coach ratio was 11 to 1. This is a very low ratio that facilitates a good learning environment for the camper. Coach Burns overstaffs this camp with his current U-M soccer players.
Q. How should I inform the staff if my son has some sort of medical condition?
A. There will be an athletic trainer on staff at all times. Upon check-in during the first day of camp, you should inform the trainer and your son's coach about his condition, i.e. medicine dosage, allergies, etc. The trainer will also have a copy of the medical information you provided for camp registration with him/her at all times.
Q. What do I do if my son has food allergies?
A. Be sure to note his allergies on the registration form as our trainers will have this information with them at lunch. Also, make sure you talk to our trainers at the start of the camp to make them aware of your son and his specific allergy, and how to handle an episode.
Q. What does the menu consist of for meals at the Bursley Residence Hall?
A. Click on the menu link for more details.
Q. Are there any hidden costs within this camp?
A. There are no hidden costs in this camp. This website does a good job explaining the costs. Your registration fee includes all 5 lunches at Bursley Hall, all admissions into Fuller Pool, and a t-shirt. The only thing it doesn't cover is a soccer ball. This is something you must bring on your own.
Q. Will there be soccer balls for sale at this camp?
A. Yes, custom Michigan soccer balls can be purchased every day for $30/ball. Additionally, on Friday afternoon a camp store will be set up selling all types of Michigan soccer merchandise prior to the conclusion of the camp.
Q. Parking in the Mitchell Field lot around 4:30 p.m. is always tight. What should I do if I can't find a parking space?
A. Your son will be released at 4:25 p.m. every day. There should be spaces available at that time. If there are not, then stay near your car until you see your son walking towards the parking lot. Your son will be released from the same field at the end of every day.
Q. What if I need to pick-up my son prior to the end of the day?
A. Talk to your son's coach, or to the camp director, on the day that you need to pick him up and inform him of your plan. His coach will need to confirm time and location with you.
Q. Where will my son be at the end of the day for pick-up?
A. You will pick your son up at the end of the day on the field where he will be playing his large-sided game. We will have staff that will direct you to your son's location. The youngest players will play on the east fields (upper), while the oldest players will play on the west fields (lower).
Q. If we are carpooling with friends, will other people be allowed to pick-up our son at the end of the day?
A. Yes. Before you drop your son off in the morning, be sure he knows who will be picking him up at the end of each day.
Q. What is your refund policy?
A. If a camper withdraws from camp at least 24 hours prior to the start of the camp, all funds paid to date will be returned minus a $75 administrative fee. No refunds will be returned for any reason 24 hours prior to the start of camp.