Nike Adult Pickleball Camp at Sapphire Valley Resort
- Day
- All
- Summer
- Fall
Camp Dates & Prices
Jul. 1 - Jul. 4, 2025
Tuesday-Thursday 2:00PM-5:00PM
Friday 9:00AM-12:00PM
Oct. 15 - Oct. 18, 2025
Wednesday-Friday 2:00PM-5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM-12:00PM

Improve your game and have serious fun
at
Nike Pickleball Camps
Welcome to the Nike Adult Pickleball Camp at Sapphire Valley Resort, nestled in the scenic mountains of Western North Carolina, also known as the "Land of Waterfalls." With average summer temperatures around 75°F and some of the most stunning fall foliage in the U.S., the resort provides the perfect setting for a pickleball getaway.
This 4-day camp offers 12 hours of court time, designed for players ranging from beginners to intermediate levels. Focused on improving technical skills, the camp covers shot selection, offense and defense strategies, and more, ensuring players elevate their game across all facets of pickleball.
Enjoy world-class coaching, top-notch facilities, three on-site restaurants, breathtaking views, and charming local shops. This camp is the ultimate pickleball vacation, giving you the chance to fine-tune your skills while soaking in everything Sapphire Valley Resort has to offer.
Secure Your Spot!
Sapphire Valley is a popular destination for vacationers and pickleball enthusiasts, and housing fills up quickly. With high demand and a first-come, first-served registration process, be sure to sign up early!
Highlights Include
- Information about the resort & waterfall map
- Grips, stroke development, strategy, etiquette and more!
- Groupings for all skill levels
- Low camper to staff ratio
- All campers receive a Nike Pickleball Camp T-shirt
- SAPPHIRE VALLEY RESORT EXTRAS! (More details below)
- View More Details ⟩
Camp Coaches
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Co-Director Jim Lavender
Jim Lavender, a Florida native, brings over 25 years of coaching experience to the court. With a background as both an ATP and WTA Tour Coach, he has worked with professional players on the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as the ITF Pro and Junior Circuits, helping athletes reach their highest potential.
View Jim's Bio ⟩ -
Co-Director Elyse Lavender
Elyse Lavender is a former WTA player, Collegiate National Singles Champion, USTA Junior National Team player, and Collegiate #1 nationally ranked singles player.
Camp Details
2025 SUMMER CAMP DATES
- July 1-4
2025 FALL CAMP DATES
- October 15-18
CAMP PROGRAM INFORMATION
- Camp Type(s) Offered: 4 Day Camp
- Gender: Coed
- Age Range: 18+
- Skill Level: Beginner & Intermediate
SKILL LEVELS & GROUP PLACEMENT
Upon arrival, all participants are evaluated by the staff so that their own instructional needs can be addressed throughout the week. Participants are then sorted by ability first, then age per the Camp Director's discretion - adjustments are made as needed during camp.
While there are many ways to define skill levels, the following descriptions are what the Camp Directors at Nike Pickleball Camps will use to organize and group camp participants. At the time of registration, please choose the level that best represents your experience:
Beginner: Players at this level are new to pickleball and have little to no experience. They can hit basic shots and possess a fundamental understanding of the rules, scoring, and court positioning. Focus is on building confidence and familiarity with the game. (No rating or DUPR rating 1.0 - 2.5)
Intermediate: Players at this level understand the rules and strategy of pickleball and can sustain rallies using a mix of shots. They can hit with some spin and accuracy, resulting in fewer unforced errors. Focus is on refining technique, improving court awareness, and developing strategic play. (DUPR rating 3.0-3.5)
SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE (JULY 1 - 4)
Tuesday 7/1 (2:00pm-5:00pm)
- 1:30pm-2:00pm - Camp check-in
- 2:00pm-5:00pm - Technical instruction, court position, shot sequences, doubles play
Wednesday 7/2 (2:00pm-5:00pm)
- 2:00pm-2:30pm - Demonstration of offensive play principles
- 2:30pm-5:00pm - Technical instruction, court positioning for offense, doubles play
Thursday 7/3 (2:00pm-5:00pm)
- 2:00pm-2:30pm - Demonstration of defensive play principles
- 2:30pm-5:00pm - Technical instruction, court positioning for defense, doubles play
Friday 7/4 (9:00am-12:00pm)
- 9:00am-11:30am - Coached doubles play
- 11:30am-12:00pm - Summary, Q&A
FALL CAMP SCHEDULE (OCTOBER 15 - 18)
Wednesday 10/15 (2:00pm-5:00pm)
- 1:30pm-2:00pm - Camp check-in
- 2:00pm-5:00pm - Technical instruction, court position, shot sequences, doubles play
Thursday 10/16 (2:00pm-5:00pm)
- 2:00pm-2:30pm - Demonstration of offensive play principles
- 2:30pm-5:00pm - Technical instruction, court positioning for offense, doubles play
Friday 10/17 (2:00pm-5:00pm)
- 2:00pm-2:30pm - Demonstration of defensive play principles
- 2:30pm-5:00pm - Technical instruction, court positioning for defense, doubles play
Saturday 10/18 (9:00am-12:00pm)
- 9:00am-11:30am - Coached doubles play
- 11:30am-12:00pm - Summary, Q&A
MEALS
- Meals are NOT included in the camp tuition. Participants should bring their own lunch and water each day.
EQUIPMENT, FACILITY & MORE
- Equipment Needed: All campers must bring a pickleball paddle, athletic shoes and a water bottle
- Facility: Sapphire Valley Resort's 3 outdoor pickleball courts
- Medical Protocol: In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital
CUSTOMER PORTAL: PREPARE FOR CAMP HERE
- To access your completed camp enrollments, Health and Release Forms, Camp Information Packet, view On-Site Camp Contact info and pay any outstanding balance you might have please visit: US Sports Camps Customer Portal
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Cancellations made at least 7 days before the camp start date will result in a camp voucher for the full amount of tuition paid, valid through the following calendar year. This voucher is transferable to any family member and can be used for any sport.
- Cash refunds will only be issued if Cancellation Protection was purchased at the time of registration.
- Cancellations made within 7 days of the camp start date will receive a camp voucher for 50% of the tuition
- No-shows (individuals who do not attend their registered session) will forfeit the full tuition payment.
For information regarding our cancellation policy and all other company policies, please click here: USSC Policies.
ACCOMMODATIONS & TRAVEL
- This is a Day Camp only; housing is NOT included in the camp tuition. Campers are responsible for arranging their own overnight accommodations if needed.
- US Sports Camps, the Camp Director, camp staff, and the host facility are not liable for any travel-related arrangements, including but not limited to flights, hotels, Airbnbs, or rental cars.
- We recommend booking refundable or flexible travel and accommodation options in case of any changes to the camp schedule.
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.
Athletic, on-court pickleball clothing
Pickleball Paddle(s)
Comfortable court shoes (no running shoes)
Sweatshirt/warm-up jacket and pants
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Snacks (optional)
Signed Health & Release forms and waivers (forms completed online do not need to be printed and turned in at camp)
NIKE PICKLEBALL CAMP FAQ
For general questions about our pickleball camps please see our FAQ page
SELKIRK SPORT
Selkirk Sport is the market leader in pickleball paddle technology and innovation. One of Selkirk's core missions is to grow the sport and the company is proud to partner with Nike Sports Camps to promote pickleball. Selkirk is committed to providing its premier paddles, equipment, and educational resources to the camp's instructors and participants.
Camp Code: PBADSH