Nike Swim Camp at Southern Illinois University
- Day
- Overnight
- All
- Summer
Camp Dates & Prices
Save Your spot with a deposit! Flexible cancellation options available.
Jun. 22 - Jun. 26, 2025
Save Big on Swim Camp – Register Early for the Best Pricing!
Join us in summer 2025 for the Nike Swim Camp at Southern Illinois University, a premier swim camp experience just two hours southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, near downtown Carbondale. Designed for competitive swimmers, this camp offers expert stroke technique instruction from dedicated coaches who strive to bring out the best in every athlete.
Nestled in the heart of Southern Illinois, campers will enjoy a beautiful setting that blends serious swim training with the charm of the great outdoors. Explore breathtaking landmarks like Giant City State Park and the stunning Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest.
Extra Night Starts & Turns Clinic:
You also have the option to add the Extra Night Starts & Turns Clinic to make your camp experience a 5 night, 6 day camp!
The Nike Swim Camp at Southern Illinois University is open to any and all entrants. For your safety and benefit, we recommend you have competitive swimming experience (e.g., U.S.S. age group, national qualifiers, high school swimmers, or summer league swimmers) and can swim at least 50 meters in all four competitive strokes: fly, back, breast, and freestyle.
Highlights Include
- TEAM DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Stroke technique refinement for competitive swimming
- Optional Extra Night Starts & Turns Clinic Available
- Low camper-to-staff ratio
- Small group and individual stroke analysis/instruction
- Fun evening social activities
- Every camper receives a Nike Camp T-shirt and Nike Swim Cap
- Every camper is eligible to receive merit-based prizes during camp
- View More Details ⟩
Camp Coaches
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Camp Director Geoff Hanson
Geoff Hanson is entering his sixth year as the Men’s and Women’s Head Coach following a historic and record-breaking 2023-24 season. Since Hanson began with the Saluki Swimming & Diving program in the fall of 2019, SIU swimmers and divers have compiled more than 50 relay and individual conference titles, and set program records nearly 100 times.
View Geoff Hanson's Bio ⟩ -
Associate Head Coach Johno Fergusson
Johno Fergusson joined the SIU swimming & diving staff as an assistant coach in 2019, and was promoted to associate head coach in 2023.
View Johno Fergusson's Bio ⟩
Camp Details
SECURE YOUR SPOT!
You can expect a high demand for these first-come-first-served camper spots, so please be sure to register early. This summer, SIU is offering two sessions of overnight with a day camp (9:00am-4:00pm) option. Campers will train each day in the Dr. Edward J. Shea Natatorium, a 10-lane, 50-meter indoor pool featuring two eight lane 25-yard courses. Overnight campers are housed comfortably on the SIU campus in air-conditioned dormitories.
2025 OVERVIEW
- Dates: June 8-12 & June 22-26
- Age Group: 9-18
- Gender: Coed
- Camp Type: Overnight, Day (commuter)
- Check-in: Check-in takes place between 1:00pm-2:00pm on Sunday (June 8th & June 22nd) at Neely Hall.
- Check-out: Check-out takes place at 11:00am on Thursday (June 12th & June 26th) at Neely Hall. Check-out for campers who choose the 'Extra Night Stayover' will take place at 11:00am on Friday (June 13th & June 27th).
- Day Schedule: SUN 2PM-8:30PM, MON-WED 9AM-4PM, THURS 9AM-11AM **Times subject to change
- Meals: All meals are provided for Overnight campers. Lunch and dinner are provided for all Day (commuter) campers.
- Program: The Stroke Technique program is designed to provide competitive swimmers with a better understanding of swimming fundamentals. Stroke refinement along with constructive feedback will be the focus of the camp and allows each participant to gain a greater knowledge of proper stroke mechanics and ways to improve themselves individually.
EXTRA NIGHT STARTS & TURNS CLINIC
Again in 2025 you also have the option to add the Extra Night Starts & Turns Clinic to make your camp experience a 5 night, 6 day camp! Price: $150
CAMP ADDRESS
Southern Illinois University
Neely Hall
275 Neely Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
Click Here for Directions - Campus Map
DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Team Discount: If five or more campers register together, each camper is eligible for a $25 discount. After all team members have successfully registered, contact us to receive a $25 refund per camper.
CAMP CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT
Check-in: Sunday, June 8th (Session 1) & Sunday, June 22nd (Session 2)
- Check-in takes place between 1:00pm-2:00pm on Sunday at Neely Hall.
Check-out: Thursday, June 12th (Session 1) & Thursday, June 26th (Session 2)
- Check-out takes place at 11:00am on Thursday at Neely Hall.
EXTRA NIGHT STAYOVER
The Starts & Turns Clinic begins on Thursday at 12:00pm and concludes on Friday at 11:00am. OVERNIGHT CAMPERS will check-out of the dorms after the clinic concludes. DAY CAMPERS will attend the clinic from 12:00pm-4:00pm on Thursday and 9:00am-11:00am on Friday. All campers can still enroll in the Starts & Turns Clinic.
2025 HOUSING
- Dorm: Neely Hall
- Number of Campers Per Room: 2 per room
- Roommates: Rooms are assigned by age & roommate requests. Roommate requests must be mutual and 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!
- Bathrooms: Shared
- Linens: Not included. Bring linens or sleeping bag, pillow, pillowcase, and a towel.
- Air Conditioning: YES - Dorm has A/C
SUPERVISION
The staff reside in the dormitories with the campers and participate in all activities. Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited, and constitute, along with general misconduct, grounds for dismissal from camp without a refund.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE FEE?
- Instruction: Morning, afternoon, and evening training sessions
- Overnight campers: Dormitory housing on campus and all meals are provided.
- Day campers: Dinner provided on Sunday; Lunch is provided Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Supervision: Staff members reside in campers’ quarters and participate in all activities.
- Camp T-shirt & Prizes: Campers at multi-day camps will receive a Nike Swim Camps t-shirt and prizes.
INSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT & FACILITY
- Ratio: 1:10 staff-to-camper ratio
- Groupings: Campers are grouped by age, ability, and experience per the director's discretion.
- Equipment Needed: Please bring your water swimsuit, swim cap, goggles and towel(s)
- Facility: Dr. Edward J. Shea Natatorium
- 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.
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Activities are an integral part of the total camp experience and we encourage campers to participate in them, although it is not mandatory. Activities and camp items can be purchased at check-in on Sunday.
- CAMP GROUP PHOTO: $10.00
- UNDERWATER VIDEO ON A FLASHDRIVE: $40.00
Prices subject to change. These activities and items are optional and may be purchased and paid for at camp check-in. Payment must be made by check and/or cash. Credit cards cannot be accepted at camp check-in.
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!
OVERNIGHT CAMPERS
Below is a suggested list of clothes, equipment, and personal items. US Sports Camps is NOT responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.
Checklist of things to bring:
- Weather appropriate clothing for 4 nights/5 days
- Dryland training Gear (running shoes, t-shirt, athletic shorts, sweatshirt)
- Backpack
- 2-3 Swimsuits
- Swim Cap(s)
- Goggles
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hat or Visor
- Sunglasses
- Sandals/flip flops
- Spending Money ($40-$50)
- Linens (twin sheets & blankets or sleeping bag, pillow, pillowcase)
- Pajamas
- Bath Towel
- Toiletries
- Snorkel (optional)
- No fan - dorm has AC
- Signed Health & Release forms and waivers (forms completed online do not need to be printed and turned in at camp)
DAY CAMPERS
Checklist of Things to Bring: We recommend that all Day Campers bring a daily pack with the following items: swimsuit, swim cap, goggles, towel, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, sandals, water bottle, dry land gear (running shoes, t-shirt, athletic shorts, sweatshirt) and any other appropriate clothing for that day’s activities which will be described to you on the first day of camp.
Camp Schedule & Meals:
- Sunday: Day Campers should arrive dressed and ready to swim. You will be assigned a counselor and given a complete schedule of all events during the week. Day Campers stay until 8:30pm. Dinner is provided.
- Monday-Wednesday: Day Camper Hours – 9:00am-4:00pm. Lunch is provided.
- Thursday: Day Camper Hours - 9:00am-11:00am. Check-out is immediately after the camp concludes at 11:00am. Departure time may change depending on the event.
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.
COMPANY POLICIES
For information regarding our cancellation policy and all other company policies, please visit USSC Policies.
NIKE SWIM CAMP FAQ
For general questions about our swim camps please see our FAQ page.
OVERNIGHT CAMP AMENITIES
• 4 nights lodging • All meals
• Optional Extra Night Starts & Turns Clinic
• Nightly recreational activities
• Nike Camp T-shirt & Nike Swim Cap
DAY CAMP AMENITIES
• Nike Camp T-shirt & Nike Swim Cap
• Camp Hours: SUN 2PM-8:30PM, MON-WED 9AM-4PM, THURS 9AM-11AM **Times subject to change
• Optional Starts & Turns Clinic Hours: THURS 12PM-9PM and FRIDAY 9AM-11AM **Times subject to change
EXTRA NIGHT STARTS & TURNS CLINIC
Again in 2024 you also have the option to add the Extra Night Starts & Turns Clinic to make your camp experience a 5 night, 6 day camp! Price: $150
Sample Daily Schedule
- 7:30 am Breakfast (overnighters)
- 8:50 am Extended Day Campers arrive, stretch
- 9:00 am Morning Pool Session
- 10:00 am Videotaping
- Noon Lunch
- 1:00 pm Classroom Session
- 2:00 pm Afternoon Pool Session/Video Review
- 4:00 pm Day Campers depart
- 5:30 pm Dinner
- 6:30 pm Evening Session/Activity
- 10:00 pm Lights out!
Dr. Edward J. Shea Natatorium
The Olympic-sized pool, features a 10-lane, 50-meter long course, and two eight-lane, 25-yard short courses. The pool is also equipped with the latest in aquatic technology including underwater speakers and three viewing windows to record and analyze the athlete's underwater stroke performance.
Camp Questions & Answers
How will my swimmer be grouped at camp?
Upon arrival at Southern Illinois, campers are placed in groups with other swimmers having similar abilities and goals. Our camp staff will do their best to accommodate your needs, keeping in consideration your experience and desire to improve.
Camp Dates & Prices
Save Your spot with a deposit! Flexible cancellation options available.
Jun. 22 - Jun. 26, 2025
JOIN THE PRIORITY LIST
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By continuing, you agree to accept our Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
Media
Reviews & Testimonials
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Loved camp!
June 28, 2017: Absolutely LOVED the dance warm-ups. Favorite time was bowling and free time spent getting to know other campers and the counselors. My daughter has talked a lot about Coach Rick's motivational discussions and the nutrition training. She attended the Mizzou starts and turns clinic last year, at age 12. She definitely enjoyed the technique instruction and the overall camp environment at SIU.
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Great experience!
June 29, 2015: Great experience. My son could not wait to get there each morning. We will definitely be attending next year!
-
First Time Success
June 21, 2013: My daughter really loved the camp and this was a first time for her. Many thanks and she will come back next year. She had fun (very important) and her technique and interest increased greatly.
-
Very impressed!
June 30, 2015: My nine year old attended the Nike Swim Camp at Southern Illinois University. She learned a ton and had an AMAZING time! She will most definitely be returning next year!! I was highly impressed with the coach, the staff, and the camp overall! The DVD was awesome. The coach was incredibly knowledgeable and EXCELLENT with the kids. The camp GREATLY exceeded my expectations!
-
Highly Recommend!
June 30, 2016: Four consecutive years (the camps my daughter has attended), Coach Rick and his staff have conducted a wonderful camp in Carbondale, IL. They create a respectful, fun and educational environment that all level of swimmers can benefit from. I highly recommend their camp.
-
Great experience!
June 28, 2016: I was nervous about sending my son away to swim camp. Boy - was I wrong. He had a great time training, staying in the dorms, and enjoyed various group evening activities. He really was impressed with Coach Rick and the counselors. He had a great experience, and looks forward to next year.
-
had a great time at camp!
July 30, 2019: My son had a great time at camp and regretted choosing to not stay for the stroke and turn camp. The instructors were knowledgeable and gave good workouts. Overall, a fantastic camp.
-
Super Staff
June 21, 2013: Both of my children really enjoyed the camp. The staff was terrific at teaching them as well as in their supervision and handling of the kids.
-
loved everything about camp!
July 27, 2019: My son LOVED everything about the camp! He loved his time in the pool. He loved the coaches and their feedback. He loved the hanging out time. He was really happy at this camp and with his experience overall!
-
Absolutely loves it!
June 27, 2015: My son has attended Nike Swim Camp at SIU for 4 years. He absolutely loves it! My son is not the top swimmer, nor is he the bottom swimmer on his team. He is just a kid who loves the water and loves the sport of swimming. He looks forward every year to camp, and always returns having learned or improved on something. I asked him after this year's camp if he wanted to try a camp somewhere else, and he said NO WAY!!! As a parent I have always felt that my swimmer is in a very safe place and is gaining a wonderful experience. We will be back!
-
Very happy!
June 29, 2016: Our child came home very happy and raved about the quality of the camp and the coaches enthusiasm. He will definitely attend another camp.
-
Wonderful experience!
June 27, 2015: This was the most wonderful experience that I ever had, I can't wait to go back next year.
-
Fun camp!
June 27, 2017: My son was very happy about how much time was spent practicing technique. He seemed very confident in the changes he made in his strokes. He also enjoyed the horseback riding and bowling outings.
-
Can't Wait To Go Back!
July 23, 2019: I had a great time! They kept me busy the whole time and I learned some new skills that will help me in the future. I already can't wait to go back next year!
-
Great Week!
June 27, 2017: My daughter had so much fun and swimming with others her age and ability. She cannot stop talking about the camp. Thanks for a great week!
-
Great experience!
June 27, 2017: My son appreciated that the coaches were able to give him individual attention and good advice on how to improve his strokes. Thanks for making his first swim camp experience so special!
-
Great Counselors!
June 22, 2018: The camp counselors were great! I liked that they worked hard, but were able to engage in fun activities in the evening. It was well organized and well ran. We will be returning in the years to come.
-
Improve your technique.
July 1, 2014: My daughter has been on a swim team for one year. She was looking to improve in all strokes. She loves the video of her technique and views it often as a reminder of how to improve her strokes. Her swim coach noticed an improvement in all of her strokes immediately after returning home from camp.
-
Highly recommend!
June 28, 2016: I would highly recommend SIU Nike Swim Camp. The camp was very well organized. My daughter recevied instruction to help her improve her stroke technique. The coaches and counselors were very motivational.
-
Great camp!
June 28, 2014: I would definitely send my son again. He received excellent tips/training and had a wonderful time. It was worth every penny!
-
Very impressed!
June 27, 2015: My daughter received a lot of one to one attention, and was excited to come home and show others what changes she had made in her strokes. She loved the planned activities with the group, and of course the social times are very important to this age group! As a parent, I was very impressed with the video of her swimming, and am encouraging her to watch it again and remember the advise that was given on it.
-
Can't wait for next year!
June 28, 2015: My 9 year old attended her first Nike Swim camp this year at SIU Carbondale. She had a blast and can't wait for next year. She made many new friends and is still keeping in contact with them. The training was good but the camp setting and extra activities out of the pool was also a fun experience for her. She did make a regional time this year. As a parent I am extremely happy with the experience and the coaches were excellent and knowledgeable. Coach Rick and Jeff went out of their way to answer any questions and assist parents with their children and swimming. The staff was also knowledgeable regarding local attractions and places parents can visit if staying in the area during the week.
-
We will be back!
June 28, 2014: As a parent of a preteen, I was a bit anxious the first time my daughter attended the Nike Camp. It was several hours away from home. Every time I would talk to her, she was so excited about advise she had been given, and how her strokes had been changing due to this. My daughter begins planning next year as soon as camp is over! I feel like this is an important step in getting my daughter to that next level of competitive swimming. The staff were wonderful, and very welcoming, and willing to listen to any concerns, comments etc. My daughter loved the social times, planned activities and said the food was incredible. Keep up the good work Nike and SIU. We will be back!!
-
June 28, 2017: Absolutely LOVED the dance warm-ups. Favorite time was bowling and free time spent getting to know other campers and the counselors. My daughter has talked a lot about Coach Rick's motivational discussions and the nutrition training. She attended the Mizzou starts and turns clinic last year, at age 12. She definitely enjoyed the technique instruction and the overall camp environment at SIU.
-
June 29, 2015: Great experience. My son could not wait to get there each morning. We will definitely be attending next year!
-
June 21, 2013: My daughter really loved the camp and this was a first time for her. Many thanks and she will come back next year. She had fun (very important) and her technique and interest increased greatly.
-
June 30, 2015: My nine year old attended the Nike Swim Camp at Southern Illinois University. She learned a ton and had an AMAZING time! She will most definitely be returning next year!! I was highly impressed with the coach, the staff, and the camp overall! The DVD was awesome. The coach was incredibly knowledgeable and EXCELLENT with the kids. The camp GREATLY exceeded my expectations!
-
June 30, 2016: Four consecutive years (the camps my daughter has attended), Coach Rick and his staff have conducted a wonderful camp in Carbondale, IL. They create a respectful, fun and educational environment that all level of swimmers can benefit from. I highly recommend their camp.
-
June 28, 2016: I was nervous about sending my son away to swim camp. Boy - was I wrong. He had a great time training, staying in the dorms, and enjoyed various group evening activities. He really was impressed with Coach Rick and the counselors. He had a great experience, and looks forward to next year.
-
July 30, 2019: My son had a great time at camp and regretted choosing to not stay for the stroke and turn camp. The instructors were knowledgeable and gave good workouts. Overall, a fantastic camp.
-
June 21, 2013: Both of my children really enjoyed the camp. The staff was terrific at teaching them as well as in their supervision and handling of the kids.
-
July 27, 2019: My son LOVED everything about the camp! He loved his time in the pool. He loved the coaches and their feedback. He loved the hanging out time. He was really happy at this camp and with his experience overall!
-
June 27, 2015: My son has attended Nike Swim Camp at SIU for 4 years. He absolutely loves it! My son is not the top swimmer, nor is he the bottom swimmer on his team. He is just a kid who loves the water and loves the sport of swimming. He looks forward every year to camp, and always returns having learned or improved on something. I asked him after this year's camp if he wanted to try a camp somewhere else, and he said NO WAY!!! As a parent I have always felt that my swimmer is in a very safe place and is gaining a wonderful experience. We will be back!
-
June 29, 2016: Our child came home very happy and raved about the quality of the camp and the coaches enthusiasm. He will definitely attend another camp.
-
June 27, 2015: This was the most wonderful experience that I ever had, I can't wait to go back next year.
-
June 27, 2017: My son was very happy about how much time was spent practicing technique. He seemed very confident in the changes he made in his strokes. He also enjoyed the horseback riding and bowling outings.
-
July 23, 2019: I had a great time! They kept me busy the whole time and I learned some new skills that will help me in the future. I already can't wait to go back next year!
-
June 27, 2017: My daughter had so much fun and swimming with others her age and ability. She cannot stop talking about the camp. Thanks for a great week!
-
June 27, 2017: My son appreciated that the coaches were able to give him individual attention and good advice on how to improve his strokes. Thanks for making his first swim camp experience so special!
-
June 22, 2018: The camp counselors were great! I liked that they worked hard, but were able to engage in fun activities in the evening. It was well organized and well ran. We will be returning in the years to come.
-
July 1, 2014: My daughter has been on a swim team for one year. She was looking to improve in all strokes. She loves the video of her technique and views it often as a reminder of how to improve her strokes. Her swim coach noticed an improvement in all of her strokes immediately after returning home from camp.
-
June 28, 2016: I would highly recommend SIU Nike Swim Camp. The camp was very well organized. My daughter recevied instruction to help her improve her stroke technique. The coaches and counselors were very motivational.
-
June 28, 2014: I would definitely send my son again. He received excellent tips/training and had a wonderful time. It was worth every penny!
-
June 27, 2015: My daughter received a lot of one to one attention, and was excited to come home and show others what changes she had made in her strokes. She loved the planned activities with the group, and of course the social times are very important to this age group! As a parent, I was very impressed with the video of her swimming, and am encouraging her to watch it again and remember the advise that was given on it.
-
June 28, 2015: My 9 year old attended her first Nike Swim camp this year at SIU Carbondale. She had a blast and can't wait for next year. She made many new friends and is still keeping in contact with them. The training was good but the camp setting and extra activities out of the pool was also a fun experience for her. She did make a regional time this year. As a parent I am extremely happy with the experience and the coaches were excellent and knowledgeable. Coach Rick and Jeff went out of their way to answer any questions and assist parents with their children and swimming. The staff was also knowledgeable regarding local attractions and places parents can visit if staying in the area during the week.
-
June 28, 2014: As a parent of a preteen, I was a bit anxious the first time my daughter attended the Nike Camp. It was several hours away from home. Every time I would talk to her, she was so excited about advise she had been given, and how her strokes had been changing due to this. My daughter begins planning next year as soon as camp is over! I feel like this is an important step in getting my daughter to that next level of competitive swimming. The staff were wonderful, and very welcoming, and willing to listen to any concerns, comments etc. My daughter loved the social times, planned activities and said the food was incredible. Keep up the good work Nike and SIU. We will be back!!
-
June 23, 2023: Jaden said he enjoyed all of it, learned a lot and had fun. He felt like the coaches and students offered helpful feedback.
-
June 16, 2023: Kids enjoyed swimming, meeting other swimmers, having evening activities, and they liked the food a lot too! Overall, they had a great time.
