College athletes spend their summers in many ways — internships, training, classes, part-time jobs. But very few opportunities develop all the qualities coaches most want to see in their players: leadership, communication, responsibility, maturity, and the ability to influence a team for the better.
At Red Arrow Camp, we’ve created a summer counselor experience that transforms college athletes into stronger leaders, smarter communicators, and more self-aware teammates — all while giving them hands-on coaching and mentoring experience that translates directly to their sport, their academics, and their future careers.
We’re designed specifically for coaches who want to elevate their players, strengthen team culture, and open doors for athletes pursuing futures in education, coaching, kinesiology, exercise science, PT/AT fields, youth development, and sport leadership.
Our counselor program is built around developing the exact qualities coaches work hard to instill in their players:
Leadership skills — learning how to influence rather than demand
Coaching & teaching skills — breaking down skills for younger athletes
Mentorship abilities — guiding boys ages 7–15 toward their best selves
Emotional intelligence — self-awareness, empathy, perspective-taking
Effective communication — speaking with clarity, confidence & respect
Accountability & responsibility — owning preparation, safety, and execution
Deep character development — humility, resilience, discipline, integrity
These aren’t abstract—our counselors live these skills hour by hour, in real-world situations that stretch them mentally, emotionally, and physically.
We continuously hear from coaches, parents, and players themselves that the summer experience directly impacts the athlete’s performance and leadership when they return to campus.
Coaches often tell us that placing even one strong leader at Red Arrow helps set a higher standard for their entire team the following season.
Executive Director, Red Arrow Camp
As someone who started as a Counselor at Red Arrow in the early 2000s and later coached college athletics before returning to serve as Executive Director, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this experience is for young men. When your athletes step into the role of counselor, they develop leadership in a way no practice plan or drill can replicate. They learn to communicate with clarity, coach with patience, and carry responsibility for others — all while staying active, competitive, and fully engaged. I’ve watched countless college athletes return to their teams more confident, more self-aware, and better equipped to influence the locker room in a positive way. If you want to accelerate the maturity, leadership, and character of your players, there is truly nothing like a summer spent here.
