Nike Cross Country Camp Oberlin College
Average Rating Stars
SERIOUS FUN
2023 CAMP DATES ANNOUNCED
The Nike XC Camp at Oberlin College is located 25 miles southwest of Cleveland in the small town of Oberlin, Ohio.
Oberlin College is the ideal setting for High School Cross Country runners to experience first hand what it feels like to be a collegiate athlete. Campers train in one of the best college towns in Ohio and receive comprehensive running instruction from an enthusiastic and experienced Oberlin coaching staff, including Head Coach Ray Appenheimer.
Oberlin College is an integral part of the city of Oberlin and we are thrilled to host the Nike XC Camp once again this summer.
Highlights Include
- Overnight and Day Camp Options
- Top College Coaching with Ray Appenheimer
- Informative and Experienced Guest Speakers
- Post-Camp Goal Setting and Training Tools
- Video Analysis
- Camp open to High School XC Runners ages 13-17
- Lunch is included for day campers
- Nike Running Camp T-shirt
- View More Details ⟩
Camp Coaches
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Camp Director Ray Appenheimer
Ray Appenheimer enters his 18th season as the Director of Track and Field and Cross Country at Oberlin College in 2021-22. During his tenure, Appenheimer has built Oberlin’s track and field and cross country programs into perennial powers in the nation, region and the North Coast Athletic Conference.
View Ray's Bio & Cross Country Tips ⟩
Camp Details
SECURE YOUR SPOT!
You can expect a high demand on these first-come-first-serve camper spots, so please be sure to register early.
The Nike XC Camp at Oberlin College helps High School XC runners of all abilities to develop and compete at the highest level.
Athletes master the fundamentals, develop proper mechanics and gain valuable race experience. The camp emphasizes training for XC/Distance Running, with the overall goal of developing good habits that lead to even better results.
Oberlin is just 35 minutes from downtown Cleveland. Families can take in a professional baseball game, a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or tremendous fine arts scene - the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra and art gallery. Just 45 minutes from campus is Cedar Point Amusement Park, home of some of the world's best roller coasters.
The staff at Oberlin has had considerable success developing young men and women student-athletes, and we bring the same principles to our campers. We also emphasize teaching and the quality of our campers’ experiences. We provide a fun, engaging environment that helps foster a love of running, a sense of community among campers, and a springboard for a successful fall cross country season.
2023 OVERVIEW
- Dates: July 16-20 (Overnight); July 17-20 (Day)
- Age Group: 13-17
- Gender: Co-ed
- Camp Type: Overnight, Day
- Meals: All meals are provided at the on-campus dining facility. Day campers do NOT receive breakfast or dinner
CAMP SCHEDULE
- Check-in: (Overnight) Sunday, July 16, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
- Check-out: (All campers) Thursday, July 20, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
- Location: Barrows Hall- Oberlin College
- Day Camper Schedule: Monday, July 17-Wednesday, July 19, 8:15 AM-5:30 PM; Thursday, July 20, 8:15 AM-10:00 AM
- View the campus map here
Overnight campers should be prepared to run following check-in on Sunday, the first session will start at 4:00 pm.
PREPARE FOR CAMP: COMPLETE YOUR PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST
To view your customer account, complete your mandatory forms, pay balance dues, and review important camp information, visit Pre-Camp Checklist.
All necessary camp information is on this page. If there are any imperative changes prior to camp start, registered campers will be notified via email and this webpage will be updated!
HOUSING
- Dorm: Barrows Hall
- Campers Per Room: 2
- Bathroom Type: Shared in hall
- Roommates: Rooms are assigned by age & roommate requests. Roommate requests must be received no later than 14 days before the start of camp. If you don't have a roommate request, you will be placed in a room with someone near your age. It will be a great opportunity to meet someone new!
- Linens: Not provided
- Air Conditioning: No, fan recommended
- Key Deposit: N/A
Staff members reside in campers’ quarters and participate in all activities.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE FEES:
- Overnight Campers: Features several instructional sessions per day, three hot meals, and lodging in residence halls. An evening recreation program is also included.
- Day Campers: This option offers the same features as the resident camp minus lodging, breakfast, and dinner (Day Campers should eat breakfast before daily check-in).
INSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT & FACILITY
- Ratio: 1:10
- Grouped by: age, ability, current mileage, and XC experience
- Equipment needed: Campers should bring at least two pairs of broken in running shoes. Racing flats/spikes are optional. Please be sure to properly mark your equipment, so that it can be easily identified.
- Facility: The Kahn Track & Fried Shults Field, and surrounding trails.
CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING:
Below is a suggested list of clothes, equipment and personal items. US Sports Camps is NOT responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.
ALL CAMPERS:
- Extra Athletic clothing
- 1-2 pairs of broken in running shoes/ event spikes
- Non-running shoes
- Water bottle
- Sunblock
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Small gym bag/backpack
- Extra spending money (suggested $40)
OVERNIGHT CAMPERS ONLY:
- Athletic clothing mentioned above
- Comfortable non-running clothing
- Underwear and socks
- Pajamas/sleepwear
- Flip flops
- Toiletries
- Personal items & medications
- Washcloth and bath towel
- Alarm clock
- Swimsuit and towel
- Flip-flops
- Pen and paper for notes during guest speakers
- Cell phone (if you have one)
- Fan (optional)
- Pillow, pillowcase, bed sheets, comforter or sleeping bag (linens are NOT provided)
- Laundry detergent
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is not provided. Campers are responsible for getting to and from camp on their own. There is no supervision before or after camp hours so please make arrangements to pick up your child on time.
MEDICAL PROTOCOL
Most camps have an athletic trainer on-site to help with illness or injury. In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital.
COMPANY POLICIES
For information regarding our cancellation policy and all other company policies, please visit USSC Policies.
NIKE CROSS COUNTRY CAMP FAQ
For general questions about our Cross Country camps please see our FAQ page.
Sample Daily Schedule
- 7:00am Wake up
- 7:15am - 8:15am Breakfast - Stevenson Dining Hall
- 8:15am (Day Campers) Check-In
- 8:30am - 9:00am Morning fitness at Kahn Track
- 9:00am - 9:45am Guest speakers & announcements
- 10:00am Progression run at Oberlin Reservoir
- 12:30pm Lunch
- 1:30pm Guest speakers & individual running mechanics analysis
- 2:15-3:45pm Breakout sessions
- 4:00pm Pacing Practice
- 5:30pm Day Campers - Daily Checkout & Departure
- 5:30pm - 6:30pm Dinner
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm Recreational activities - special lectures, pool time, bowling, games etc.
- 10:00pm Curfew & room check
- 10:30pm Lights out - quiet hours begin
Campers train at Oberlin College’s new Bob Kahn Track and Fred Shults Field. Completed in fall 2008, the Bob Kahn Track is an eight-lane, Beynon, single-pour surface, similar to the track at historic Hayward Field. We also run on the adjacent Oberlin College Nature Trail – a fast, wood chip trail that starts just a few hundred meters from the track.
Camp Questions & Answers
When and where will the check-in and check-out take place for the Oberlin Running Camp?
Overnight campers check in to camp between 1:00-3:00 pm at the entrance to Griswold Commons, the center entrance to the Stevenson Building on Sunday, first day of camp. Follow the signs on campus to registration.
After a closing /graduation ceremony at 10:00 a.m., check out takes place at Burton Hall, the last day of camp.
How much running should I have done prior to camp?
Your chances of having a successful camp increase greatly if you have a solid running base coming into camp. We suggest talking with your high school coach for a program to get you ready.
How are runners placed in their running groups?
The staff has created a formula that determines running groups. Groups are based on a combination of running background, age, recent mileage, season best 5k, and long runs. A change in groups can be accommodated if staff members leading those groups feel it is needed.
How much do we run at camp?
We run once on Sunday, twice daily Monday to Wednesday, and once again on Thursday. The amount of running varies given your age and running background.
Can I come to camp alone or do I have to be a member of a team?
We welcome individual campers and teams. If you come to camp by yourself, we place you in a dorm room with another single camper, similar in age. It's a great place to meet new friends who share your enthusiasm for the sport and to have FUN!
Are there chances to sit down one on one with the coaches?
Absolutely! There are plenty of opportunities after runs, at meals, and in the evenings to sit down and talk with the coaches.
What activities occur in the evenings?
Plenty of great stuff! We have a game night, pool night, movie night and bowling night most years.
Are the campers supervised throughout the camp?
Yes, campers are supervised by the coaches and staff. Staff members reside in the same dorms as the campers and provide supervision during instruction, dining times, evening activities, and in the dorm.
All staff members complete criminal and sex offender background checks before working the camp.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes, the dining hall provides well-rounded meals using locally sourced foods. From the picky eaters to those who are vegetarian/vegan, to those who require special gluten-free meals, our dining services work very hard to meet the needs for all our campers.
Do we do anything other than run?
Yes! To be a better runner you can’t just run - you also have to get stronger and make yourself more resilient to injury. Before every running session we take all campers through a series of general strength exercises meant to strengthen the core, legs, and upper body. We also introduce campers to different weight room exercises and perform a running gait analysis on each athlete.
Are there guest speakers?
Yes! Most days we will have a guest speak to the group in the morning and will have another guest present in the afternoon. Previous speakers have included a Sports Psychologists, highly accomplished high school cross country coaches, sports nutritionist, exercises physiologist, even a three-time Olympian.
How many campers are placed in a dorm and do you accommodate roommate requests?
When you register for the camp, you have an option to submit a roommate request. If you would like to add a roommate request after registering for a camp, please feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We accommodate all roommate requests, made before 2 weeks before the start of camp. Campers who do not submit a roommate request will be placed in a dorm with other runners, similar age and same gender.
Do the dorms have air-conditioning?
Dorms are NOT air-conditioned. Bring a fan.
Does the Health & Release Form need to be signed by a doctor?
Our Health & Release Form does not require a doctor’s signature. This form is to be completed online and is required to be filled out accurately, signed by the parent (guardian), and submitted before arrival at camp.
Camp Reviews
Submit a reviewOverall Average Rating Stars
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Gained knowledge and friends
October 15, 2019: Not only was Lydia able to improve her skill and knowledge of running, she was also able to create so many great friendships with other campers.
— Stephanie S. Parent
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Fun Atmosphere
October 14, 2019: Henry loved the feedback he received on his running form as well as the chance to get to know other runners and the counselors in a fun atmosphere
— David M. Parent
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Counselors are awesome
Ocotber 14, 2019: Haven said she enjoyed the fact that there were kids of all ages (she was one of the youngest at 11). She liked the yoga, the running games, and loved staying in the dorms (first time away from home for her). She raved about the food! She spoke highly of how cool and fun the counselors were!
— Roy M. Parent
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My favorite camp - I made some lifelong friends
Parent - My son made many life long friends, and learned some amazing things that will build on his running (and the teammates he shares what he learned) in many positive ways for years to come. Camper - They really make everyone feel welcome, they want to make you fell like a true team and I love that, because I made some really good friends that I will probably know forever. This is my favorite summer activity
— Paul, Camper 2018
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Excellent camp for Varsity athletes
Nike created a fun and enjoyable atmosphere, as well as incorporated knowledge through fun experiences. The speakers were great and well prepared.
— Jane P., Camper 2018
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Everything I was looking for
Favorite topics from camp: mental preparation, St. Ignatius coach and the 3-time Olympian. "They covered everything I was looking for."
— Binnie K., Parent 2017
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Comprehensive
Helped my child tremendously understand the process of training and not just running - from nutrition to timing/pacing.
— Stacey M., Parent 2017
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Learned a lot
I loved the Nike running camp because it pushed me in ways that I didn't think I could be pushed. It helped me learn a lot about running and the mental part of running thanks to the counslers and the fenominal speakers. I feel like this camp prepared me for the season ahead of me like nothing else could and I can't wait to use all of the things that I learned.
— Lena H., Camper 2016
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Best camp experience
"It was the best experience I ever had in a summer camp I will be back next year and I hope I can bring some of my friends with me to get the same experience that I got."
— Frankie M., Camper
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Camp will push you
"If you want a camp that will push you and help you realize parts of running you didn't realize where parts of running, these camps are for you."
— Brendan B., Camper
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Get back into shape
"For those looking to "step up their game" or just get back into shape before pre-season practice starts, I would say DO IT!"
— Bridget D., Camper
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Excellent program
"Excellent program with variety in training, and after training entertainment."
— Kerry S., Camper
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Be back next year!
"Nike running camps are something I've done the past two summers and I most definitely will be back next year!"
— Austin C., Camper
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Great experience
"My younger beginner and older intermediate both had a great experience. Camp started out more serious and ended up with fun running games. Both felt like they got a lot out of the camp."
— Leslie G., Parent
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Motivating
"My child has come home from camp so motivated to continue applying what she had learned from camp. She has continued the exercises taught to her at camp and is so excited for the upcoming cross country season. The video was also very helpful and she is working on making changes to her running style. Thank you Nike and Coach Appenheimer."
— Melvin N., Parent
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Coming Back Next Year!
"My son came home with a huge smile on his face. He had a great time making new friends and learning some valuable running techniques. He will definitely be back next year!"
— Johnathan G., Parent
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learned so much
This is a very good camp! You will be pushed, but only to further you skill in the sport of running. All the workouts, drills, and stretches all aid to your running performance. I learned so much here!
— Kate W., Camper 2016
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Informative Experience
"If you are yearning for outside opinions on your ability, new workouts to improve your times and an opportunity to meet other motivated runners, a Nike camp would be beneficial for you to attend."
— Leslie G., Camper
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Worthwhile Investment
"I felt it was worthwhile investment. My daughter came back more excited about the sport of running. She was so happy that she got excellent coaching, but was able to make new friends and have fun too!"
— Silvia W., Parent
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Fantastic Staff
"They coach really well! Nike Running Camps is a great experience for kids who LOVE to run!"
— Erick C., Camper
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I wish there was more attention being payed to the campers. I felt alone most of the week and when I went looking for help when I was sunburned there were no counselors to offer it to me. I felt like there was no effort to get to know me from anyone there.
— Michele B., Camper 2016
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Great Experience!
"My son had a great experience at the camp. He is already looking forward to next year. Thank you for the time and energy you put into the camp."
— Darlene M., Parent
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Perfect!
"If you're a runner this camp is perfect for you. It’s fun, hard, and really improves you."
— Jared C., Camper
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Amazing
"I loved this camp, it was amazing. I had so much fun and made some awesome friends."
— Tracey J., Camper
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Loved Everything!
"Hard, perfect cross country workouts with resting time at dorms in-between. Counselors were easy to talk to and very helpful. Freedom to walk to shops in town during free time was great! Loved everybody and everything at camp!"
— Tracy P., Camper
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Take it to the Next Level!
"I would recommend this to any runner who would want to move on to the next level."
— Neal M., Camper
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Great Guest Speakers
"My daughter liked the guest speakers and the video of her running mechanics. She also enjoyed the diversity of the runs."
— Marcus W., Parent
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Could use more endurance training
I think they're could be a little bit more endurance running. We did a lot of conditioning, and I would love to go on 5/6 mile trail runs
— Blake S., Camper 2016
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Scenic Trails
The camp in Oberlin, OH was incredibly fun! I met a lot of fun people and we ran on beautiful, scenic trails!
— Guillermo C., Camper 2016
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Cant wait to go next year!
I loved the camp and the instructors. I met a lot of wonderful people. I would recommend the Nike camp to everyone and I can't wait to go next year.
— Adam C., Camper
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Felt Right at Home
Even though there were not many 10 year olds, the staff and other campers made my son feel right at home. He was able to do all activities and enjoyed all the running. This was his first time and now he's ready to go back. As a parent there is nothing better then seeing your children smile and happy.
— Randy P., Parent
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Incredible environment
This is camp is perfect for a runner who has been keeping up with summer training or is looking for a way to get back into training for the upcoming season. The entire coaching staff really cares about running, and create an incredible environment for others who are passionate about running.
— Lucy R., Camper
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Loved the Diversity of Activities
Excellent head coach and additional speakers/trainers. Loved the diversity of activities, education along with training and fun.
— Jack B., Camper
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Excellent Director
Good strengthening workouts (core workouts,etc) and quality miles along with improving running form. The camp director was excellent as well as the additional speakers/trainers.
— Edgar E., Camper
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Intensive week of training
The whole experience is a great one. I went without knowing anyone and easily felt at home and made lots of friends. I learned a lot and felt like I had an intensive week of training. It prepared me well for the cross country season to come.
— Julie C., Camper
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Gained a vast amount of running knowledge
They provided intense workouts that focused on strengthening abdominal as well as other major running muscles. They also made sure that the exercises were being done correctly and they provided a vast amount of running knowledge.
— Chelsea B., Camper
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Friendly and informative staff
I thought the individual running analysis was excellent feedback. It provided information that I did not have before. Staff was very friendly and informative.
— Naomi G., Camper
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Great experience
I returned to the camp for a second year and can highly recommend it to any high school cross country runners. It helped me to prepare for the upcoming Cross Country season. I had a great experience and made a lot of friends.
— June W., Camper
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Running analysis was great
The Nike camp was a great experience for my son. The feedback on the running analysis was great and help correct his form. The camp is filled with running activities so you are never bored and provides good information on running competitively.
— Margaret P., Parent
Nike Cross Country Camp Oberlin College
/media/images/running/nike/facilities/Oberlin-College-Campus.jpgOberlin, Ohio 44074
SECURE YOUR SPOT – CAMPS SELL OUT!
Last year over 650 Sports Camps sold out, leaving 7,000+ campers on the waitlist. Due to high demand, early registration for our first-come-first-serve camps is strongly recommended.
Camp Dates & Prices
