Nike Cross Country Camp West Chester University
Average Rating Stars
TRAIN. COMPETE. IMPROVE.
We will NOT be back at West Chester University in 2023 - You can find LIVE Nike Running Camps here or check out one of the links below to find a XC camp near you!
2023 Camp locations closest to West Chester University:
- Nike Clark Family Running Camp at The Pennington School
- Five-Star Cross Country Camp
- Green Mountain Running Camp
- Nike Cross Country Camp at Alfred University
- Nike Cross Country Camp Oberlin College
- Nike Smoky Mountain Running Camp
- Nike Cross Country Camp at Emory & Henry College
The goal of the Nike Cross Country Camp at West Chester University is to educate young athletes in the fundamentals of cross country while giving them a sense of what it is like to compete at the collegiate level.
This camp offers expert coaching and instruction from college coaches and student-athletes, as well as the opportunity to experience a variety of training concepts.
Classroom lectures on current running issues include exercise physiology, aqua running, plyometrics, strength training, injury prevention, establishing goals, visualizing success, racing tactics, training shoe and racing spike selection, training technique and nutrition.
*This is not a West Chester University-affiliated event.
Highlights Include
- Nike Running Camp T-Shirt
- Outstanding venue with excellent facilities
- Top-notch training under college level coaches
- Individual and group instruction
- Camp open to High School XC Runners entering 9th-12th grades (ages 13-17)
- View More Details ⟩
Camp Coaches
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Camp Director Melissa Ferry
Coach Ferry begins her first season as the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country and her fifth season as a collegiate head coach. The B. Reed Henderson High School graduate who was a 7-time PIAA state medalist, comes home to West Chester from Virginia Union University where she spent the last four years running that Division II Track & Field and Cross Country program.
View Melissa's Bio ⟩
Camp Details
You can expect high demand on these first-come-first-serve camper spots, so please be sure to register early.
In addition to running, this camp focuses on supplementary exercises to keep distance runners strong, flexible, and healthy. There are morning and afternoon workouts, with our afternoon session typically reserved for guest speakers & weight room work-outs (if available).
SESSION INFORMATION
Specific strength and mobility sessions to help teach our runners how to train their body to handle the mileage and how to avoid injury. Additional breakout topics include nutrition, prepping for your season, goal setting and race strategy planning.
CAMP DETAILS
- Dates: 2024 Dates Coming Soon. Join Priority List!
- Age Group: 13-17 (high school/entering high school)
- Gender: Co-ed
- Camp Type: Day
- Check-in: 8:30am, daily
- Check-out: 4:30pm, daily
- Meals: Campers should bring their own lunch and snacks
INSTRUCTION
- Ratio: 1:10 staff to camper ratio
- Runners Grouped by: age, ability, weekly mileage, and XC experience
- Evaluation: verbally by coaching staff
- Equipment: Campers should bring at least one pair 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. Please review the Camp Information Packet for a detailed checklist of items to bring.
- Facility: West Chester University track stadium & cross country trails
SUPERVISION
The staff will provide supervision between camp check-in/check-out hours (8:30am - 4:30pm); there is no supervision provided outside of camp hours.
Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited, and constitute, along with general misconduct, grounds for dismissal from camp without a refund.
HEALTH & RELEASE FORMS
All registered campers are required to have a parent or legal guardian fill out US Sports Camps’ mandatory Health & Release Forms online before arrival at camp. This camp does NOT require a doctor's signature on the forms.
CAMP INFORMATION PACKET
A detailed Camp Information Packet containing check-in location and address, on-site staff contact information, a checklist of things to bring, site-specific forms, and more will be emailed to all registered campers prior to camp. To check if your Camp Information Packet is ready, click here.
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.
Sample Daily Schedule
- 8:30am Arrival & Check-In
- 9:00am Morning workout
- 12:00pm Lunch (Campers Bring Own Lunch)
- 1:00pm Interactive lecture or workout
- 3:30pm Cool down exercise
- 4:30pm Check-Out & Departure
Located just outside of Philadelphia, West Chester University provides a convenient, top-notch location for camp this summer. Campers have several options for training, including the track at John A. Farrell Stadium, the wooded trails of the Gordon Natural Preserve, and the rural roads of WCU’s South Campus.
Camp Questions & Answers
How are runners placed in their training groups?
Training groups are based on a combination of current/recent weekly mileage and fitness level, season & personal best(s), and home geographical location. A change in groups can be accommodated if staff members leading those groups feel it is needed.
Can I come to camp alone or do I have to be a member of a team?
We welcome individual campers and teams.
It's a great place to meet new friends who share your enthusiasm for the sport and to have FUN!
How many miles do we run each day?
Athletes will run 1-2x per day, depending on schedule and campers current fitness level, with morning session being a distance run and the afternoon session being either a 2nd run or active recovery/training activity.
Actual distances vary based on runner’s current mileage and fitness level.
Are the campers supervised throughout the camp?
Yes, campers are supervised by the coaches and staff. All staff members complete criminal and sex offender background checks before working the camp.
How and when will I receive my information packet with important camp details?
Well before the start of your camp (at least 3 weeks), you will receive a Information Packet which will include all the important details about camp: directions to camp, when to arrive, what to pack/ bring, camp address, and camp contact numbers and the Medical/Release form, etc.
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 required to be filled out accurately, and completed online prior to camp arrival.
Camp Reviews
Overall Average Rating Stars
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I loved the scrimmages!
My daughter was able to try different events that she never would have tried before.
— Parent of Attendee from This Camp in 2022
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Best coaches to offer
If you enjoy running cross country or track and field, this camp is the right fit for you. The camp offers countless ways to improve your abilities, and has the best coaches to offer. The camp will help understand where you are as a runner/fielder, and where you hope to be, guaranteed.
— Mandy W., West Chester University Camper
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Get better as an athlete
This Nike running camp in West Chester, PA is a fun and educational running camp that helps you get in shape and meet other fellow runners that have the same passion as you. i would recommend this camp to anyone who loves to run and is looking to get better as a athlete
— Shaun L., West Chester University Camper '16
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Option to have private room
My roommate turned out to be horrible. She wanted to share my clothes, she tried on my shoes, she took my snacks. She would not share room in the bathroom or vanity for toiletries. She had a complete fit if I took a shower before her.
— Miranda S., West Chester University Camper '16
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No individual coaching/feedback
Advanced runners attending are doing so in order to get better. Individual coaching and feedback is crucial. Unfortunately that component didn't exist
— Patricia J., Parent of West Chester University Camper '16
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Great guest speakers
I was definitely in better shape by the end, which was great. Also the counselors got us out of the really bad thunderstorm quickly. I felt really safe at camp. Also it was really cool to meet a bunch of kids who share the same interests as me, so I'm glad the nike camp made that possible. Also, I learned a lot from the speakers. They were great.
— Gabriel V., West Chester University Camper
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Memorable and growth oriented
I applaud the Nike Running Camp for their ability to differentiate between the various ability levels of runners while ensuring a magnificent learning and growth experience for each child. I have two boys, one who is an advanced runner and the other who just began running this year, they both loved it! Thank you Nike for making camp memorable and growth oriented regardless of skill level.
— Gina M., Parent of West Chester University Camper '16
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Fun and challenging
I liked this camp because it was a lot of hard work. I had a lot of fun with the coaches and staff there. The food was also very good and there were plenty of options for vegetarians or even vegans. Overall this camp was fun but hard.
— Logan O., West Chester University Camper
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Learned new techniques
Had a great experience - will definitely come back again! Both the staff and the other campers were super friendly, and I learned a lot of good techniques that I can't wait to apply next track season!
— Ryan R., West Chester University Camper '16
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I would definitely come back!
This camp was a great experience. The coaches and counselors were very attentive and helped teach new techniques. It was a fun time and I would definitely come back!
— Patrick H., West Chester University Camper
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2022: The overall experience was amazing. My child came home and couldn't stop taking about all of it.
— Parent
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Great workouts
The workouts were great and it was really cool to see what running at the college level would be like.
— Holly M., West Chester University Camper
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Quality instruction
Definitely would recommend this camp. Teens on any running level would enjoy the instruction along with the new friendships.
— Justin G., West Chester University Camper
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Passionate staff
Overall a good camp with a good balance between level of intensity and level of fitness. The coaches were very passionate about what they do and you could tell they really took an interest in every camper. I would definitely reccomend this camp to anyone looking to boost their confidence and ability.
— Leonard G., West Chester University Camper
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Loved it!
She enjoyed every workout and said she learned a lot about her favorite sport all while having a great time with her friends.
— Lisa C., Parent of Camper 2017
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Excellent Coaches
I really like the coaches and the atmosphere that was provided. I also learned many exercises and information.
— Sydney S., West Chester University Camper 2017
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He really enjoyed the runs
My son really enjoyed the classroom setting of learning about running. He enjoyed running with the older kids & learning what he needs to do to better himself. He really enjoyed the runs.
— Angelique B. Parent
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The workouts were hard, but not unreasonable
The workouts were hard, but not unreasonable! The coaches were genuinely passionate about running and encouraging! I liked talking about nutrition and running mentality! It was really interesting learning about and talking about running and things related to running!!!
— Delaney D. Camper
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Positive Environment
TJ was very excited to tell us everything he learned not only about running but also about the people, both his peers and his coaches, he met. It was clear that he felt he was in a safe, structured and positive environment. Overall, he felt challenged as well as very encouraged!
— Susan and Mark F. Parents
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Recruiting process
My son enjoyed the group experience as he trains daily during the summer by himself. He learned about the recruitment process during the class session.
— Amy V. Parent
Nike Cross Country Camp West Chester University
/media/images/running/nike/facilities/West-Chester-University-Campus.jpgWest Chester, Pennsylvania 19383
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
New Camp Dates Coming Soon!
Please join the Priority List to be notified when this program opens for 2023 registrations.
