This framework is designed to help you evaluate any running camp systematically. We run camps too — international programs in Switzerland and Italy — but the criteria below apply equally to a local cross-country retreat in Ohio and a two-week altitude program in the Alps. The goal is an informed decision, not a specific one.

This guide covers the practical considerations families need to understand, how to evaluate international program safety and quality, and what different destinations offer. Whether you're considering Sparks or another international program, these are the questions worth asking.

It's a fair question, and it deserves an honest answer rather than a sales pitch. The truth is nuanced: whether a camp improves your erg score depends on the camp's duration, its programming, and what you're actually trying to improve. This article breaks down the physiology of erg improvement, what different camp formats can realistically accomplish, and how to evaluate any program's claims about performance outcomes.

Sparks Running Camps are built on a different premise. Born from 15 years of experiential education in sport — originally in rowing, now extended to distance running — our programs prioritize extended duration, international training environments, whole-athlete development, and a self-coaching philosophy that gives athletes tools they can use for years after camp ends. This article explains what that looks like in practice, so you can evaluate whether it's the right fit.