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Pitcher Perfect

Escape the dregs of winter with Major League Baseball spring training.

Going to see Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training can be a great experience, and it’s got plenty to offer for family members and loved ones who are not baseball fans. That’s because spring training starts in mid-February, when it is still cold and rainy in much of the country, but the training camps are held in two of the country’s most popular vacation areas – Florida and Arizona – which both have great outdoor activities and dining options.

Here’s a look at both.

Sarasota, Florida

Fun in the Sunshine State

Florida’s Grapefruit League includes 13 different stadiums in 12 different cities. If you’re new to MLB’s spring training scene, Jupiter, Florida, where the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins hold preseason games, is a great place to start. The Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is Jupiter’s 110-acre sports park, with 12 pro grade diamonds and seating for 8,000 fans. Since teams typically play every other day, “the Dean” usually hosts 30 games in 30 days during the month of March with each team trading off their home field.

Just 30 minutes south (12 miles), the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals play in West Palm Beach at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. If you travel 40 minutes (33 miles) from Jupiter to Port St. Lucie’s Clover Park, you’ll see the New York Mets. Another good base is the Ed Smith Stadium is Sarasota, Florida, where the Baltimore Orioles preseason games take place.

Jupiter is known for its golf courses and rich marine environment, including the Intracoastal Waterway which encompasses miles of public beaches. The area offers boating, kayaking and paddle boarding opportunities. Or just walk on the mile-long beach with limestone cliffs on Jupiter Island. Sarasota , Florida offers a vibrant arts and architecture scene, as well as an opera house.

Warm Up in the Desert

Arizona’s Cactus League includes 10 stadiums all located near Phoenix. A great place to start is Scottsdale, Arizona, home of the San Francisco Giants since 1984. The Giants typically play a game every other day, and you can visit on off days free of charge, to watch practice, chat with a player, get an autograph or take a selfie. Six miles away at Salt River Fields, you can catch the hitting, fielding and pitching of both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies.

Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona

But you don’t have to spend all your time sitting in the stands. Old Town Scottsdale is a historic city center clustered with buildings nearly a century old. You can bike on the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, which will give you a scenic route through the city to some of its best attractions, restaurants and bars.

If you love the outdoors, McDowell Mountain Regional Park – about a 45-minute drive (37 miles) from Phoenix – offers hiking, biking and stargazing. Since spring training season coincides with peak wildflower season, head for the Desert Botanical Garden to see the gorgeous pink, yellow and creamy white cactus blooms filling the Sonoran Desert. And if you’re willing to drive three-and-a-half hours, the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. A two-hour drive from Phoenix is Sedona, with stunning red rock formations and endless outdoor adventures.

A Fan’s Paradise

For many baseball fans, spring training is almost magical. It is a less expensive, more relaxed atmosphere compared to regular-season games. The Grapefruit League in Florida and the Cactus League in Arizona, where the MLB teams preseason games take place, each boast 15 major league teams. You can take your friends and family out to the ballgame to catch batting practice with opportunities to actually talk to players and check out the old pros, rookies and the hopefuls.

Sign Up for Costco.com Emails

Once you are ready to travel again, costco travel can help.

We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of an all-inclusive resort vacation, whether it’s next month or towards the end of the year.

About the Author: The above piece was written by Peter Greenberg, who has won multiple Emmy Awards as the travel editor for CBS News and is host of The Travel Detective on public television.

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The 33rd Team

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Pros, Cons of Traveling For NFL Training Camp

By Vic Carucci

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Each year, on the night before the start of training camp, Sean McDermott begins his team meeting by explaining to the players why the Buffalo Bills spend late July and part of August practicing at a remote location.

It has been this way since 2017 when McDermott became the Bills’ head coach. He feels obligated to put the topic at the top of his address because he understands the Bills are an outlier by not holding camp at team headquarters in Orchard Park, N.Y. Fewer than a third of the NFL’s 32 clubs leave home as they begin earnest preparation for the regular season.

“I think it’s because of the advances in facilities and the resources teams have now at these new facilities that people are getting,” McDermott said.

>>WATCH: Sean McDermott In His Own Words

The Bills have such a facility of their own. In 2018, franchise co-owners Terry and Kim Pegula invested $18 million to add 25,000 square feet of space to expand the Bills’ strength and conditioning, sports science and sports medicine departments.

Which, of course, begs the question: Why leave all of that behind to travel about 90 miles northeast to St. John Fisher University in Pittsford, N.Y.?

Why Teams Travel for Camp

There’s just no replicating a state-of-the-art training center on a small college campus.

“We feel there’s value to getting away for camp for the time we’re going to be here,” McDermott said. “I think a big piece of that is really the building of relationships where guys can hang out after practice and get to know one another a little bit better, whether it’s time talking football or playing cards, whatever it is.”

“Sean and I are big believers in getting away (because of) the bond that forms here,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said. “Camp gets old after a while, but it’s fun to be here.”

In theory, there are fewer distractions at remote camps, with family and friends not present, though the Bills do allow for players, coaches and staff to have frequent visits from their loved ones. The short drive for most of them makes it doable.

Why Teams Stay Home

Nevertheless, most teams choose to stay home for camp. The main reasons are cost, convenience and comfort. Same locker room; same weight room; same meeting room; same offices; same cafeteria. Veteran players, coaches and staff members can sleep in their own beds.

In some cases, there’s a greater ability to accommodate fans and local corporate sponsors who attend practices. No long drives or, in some cases, flights are necessary.

Some fundamentals also factor into the location of training camps. A big one is the weather. Clubs based in the south might choose to spend part or all of camp where it’s a little cooler. The record heat this summer prompted the New Orleans Saints, who train in Louisiana, to shorten practices by an hour.

Before the advent of high-end training facilities where teams are based, training camps essentially had to be held elsewhere to provide a larger footprint for additional players on the roster before cuts.

“Back in the day, training camps were mostly away,” said former NFL coach Marc Trestman, an analyst for The 33 rd Team. “There were no offseason workouts, so this was the first time players and coaches were together since the season. And facilities could not handle the numbers. The team could bond and focus on football.

“With the advent of the offseason programs, I believe there was not the necessity of going away for training camp. The players and coaches are familiar with each other and have essentially only spent a month away over the summer. I did not feel it hurt players to go home each night to their family.”

Doing Something Right

Conversely, McDermott sees considerable examples of what makes being away for camp so vital to the team’s fortunes. He can speak from a place of strength on this, with the Bills having won three consecutive AFC East championships and reaching the 2020 conference title game. That success recently earned him and Beane two-year contract extensions that run through 2027. Clearly, the Pegulas believe they’re doing something right.

McDermott pointed in the direction of the building at St. John Fisher that houses the cafeteria. Chairs were lined up on the walkway in front of the entrance.

“You find guys just sitting there, hanging out, getting off their feet but also just talking life,” McDermott said. “That goes a long way towards building a football team, or any team for that matter. That chemistry is important, that bond is important. If you don’t have that, it’s hard to get it once the season happens because it’s go, go, go during the season.”

Minor speed bumps also can become positives.

“I'd say the advantage of going away is that you do detach from the world that you’re used to, and everybody’s sort of muddling through together trying to figure out,” said former NFL coach Eric Mangini, an analyst for The 33 rd Team. “You’re saying, ‘OK, where are the meeting rooms? Where do you go for the cafeteria?’ And there are certain inconveniences that can actually be bonding experiences.”

A Bridge Too Far

However, Mangini, who has been involved with home and away camps, sees the negatives of going to a remote location.

“I think there is a pretty big disadvantage to the amount of time and effort that goes in prior to moving a training camp, between the staff having to see the fields, see where the meeting rooms are, see the layout, talk through it, make changes, understand where you’re going to fit on the field, where your equipment is going to be, where the weight room is,” Mangini said. “There are so many things that eat up time that can be a lot more productively used watching tape, pushing the install forward. There are inefficiencies that made it to the point where I didn’t love going away.

“You’re moving your computer. Do you have the internet set up correctly? And we were doing it before the internet was really an issue, so the questions were: Do you have the printers? Do you have the playbooks? Do you have the backups? There are volumes and volumes of things that you have to push forward.”

The Goal Stays the Same

Former NFL coach Marvin Lewis, also an analyst for The 33 rd Team, said whether camps are home or away, it is vital to keep the focus on the primary purpose: Create a good environment for teaching, on-field work, rest, meals and rehabilitation.

“There is a sense of camaraderie gained by going away, but teaching, etc., outweigh that,” Lewis said. “The modern facilities are bigger and set up for larger numbers and even fan access, so why spend a lot of money for a training camp location if you can better reinvest if your own facility? So, I actually favored moving back (from Georgetown, Ky.) when I was with the Bengals. No more worries about storms and losing servers and video access, or players complaining more often about meals and so forth, or access to our doctor and MRI, etc.

“I will say this, though — I loved the humidity in Georgetown and Cincinnati. I thought it helped prepare us for September and was an advantage.”

Vic Carucci has been a national editor for NFL.com and a contributor to NFL Network, a senior editor for the Cleveland Browns and an NFL writer and columnist for the Buffalo News. Follow him on Twitter at  @viccarucci .

Vic Carucci

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Vic Carucci has covered the NFL as a writer and broadcaster for nearly five decades.

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Dallas Cowboys Training Camp 2023

July 26 - August 15

Get the NEW Visit Oxnard Visitor Guide!

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Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

Training Camp provides fans the opportunity to watch Dallas Cowboys players up close as they train for the upcoming season.

Enter VIP Experience Contests

Welcome, Cowboys Nation! The Dallas Cowboys have officially announced the schedule for Training Camp 2023 in Oxnard, California.

We HIGHLY recommend booking your overnight accommodations as soon as possible. With X-Games in Ventura and Naval Base Ventura County Military Squadrons in town, we anticipate that lodging will be sold out Countywide.

Search for available rooms and book your stay at the widget below.

DALLAS COWBOYS TRAINING CAMP 2023

America's Team will return to Oxnard in 2023 to open their 64th training camp, and many practices will be open to the public, giving visitors, residents and guests the opportunity to see their favorite players and coaches as they step away from The Star in Frisco, TX to train for the upcoming NFL season.

Please join us this summer for a family-friendly experience with the star-studded NFL franchise owned by Jerry Jones. Various activities and entertainment include:

• Exclusive Dallas Cowboys & Training Camp merchandise
• VIP Experience Opportunities
• Autograph Opportunities
• Appearances by Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and Rowdy
• Live Weekend Entertainment
• Food and Drinks available for purchase

Know Before You Go

We look forward to seeing you at practice when the Cowboys return this summer. Please note the below reminders as you make your plans to ensure the best experience:

• Admission is FREE and open to the public! No tickets needed.
• Entry is on a first-come/first-served until capacity is reached. Arriving early is encouraged!
• Be advised that Training Camp is located outdoors, and no shaded areas are available.
• X-Games and Naval Base Ventura County Military Squadron practices are major events happening concurrently. Hotel rooms are expected to sell out Countywide. Book your accommodations early.

Admission & Parking

Parking at River Ridge Playing Fields is $10/day for small vehicles and $20/day for large vehicles during the week and $20/day for small vehicles and $40/day for large vehicles on the weekends. Cash only.

Parking and entry to Training Camp is located at 2501 Ventura Road, Oxnard, CA 93036. The parking lot has limited capacity. We recommend carpooling or ride sharing.

Parking Lot Hours & Early Entry

Parking lots open at 7:30am on weekends and 8:00am on week days. Public entry will open two hours prior to practice.

11:00am Practice Time: All Access/VIP/DCU Entry – 8:30am General Public – 9:00am

11:30am Practice Time: All Access/VIP/DCU Entry – 9:00am General Public – 9:30am

TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE

Fans will be able to attend all practice sessions that are open to the public, beginning with the first workout at 11:30 a.m. (Pacific time) on Wednesday, July 26th until the final open practice on Tuesday, August 15th.

2023 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Schedule Pacific Coast Time (July 26-August 15 in Oxnard); Dates and times are subject to change without notice. Please check back for updates.

Following the team’s return home to Texas after their last road preseason game against Seattle, August 19th, the final portion of Dallas Cowboys Training Camp will be held at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, with selected practices open to the public that will be announced at a later date.

For current information on players, coaches and upcoming games, visit www.dallascowboys.com .

Dallas Cowboys United + All Access

All active Dallas Cowboys United members and Dallas Cowboys All Access passholders attending Training Camp in Oxnard will receive early entry. Fans with early access will be granted entry 30 minutes before camp opens to the public. Dallas Cowboys United will NO longer be selling memberships online or on-site at Training Camp 2023. For those of you who come to camp with expire memberships, you are encouraged to purchase the Dallas Cowboys All Access Tickets. Purchase will only be available online at AllAccess.DallasCowboys.com.

Dallas Cowboys All Access passholders must get their ticket scanned at the Dallas Cowboys All Access check-in table. Active United Preferred and Crew members must show proof of an active membership at the designated Dallas Cowboys United tent in order to receive early entry wristbands.

Parking not included with an active membership or All Access pass.

Special Days

Mark your calendar for these special events to celebrate Cowboys Nation

Oxnard Fan Night | Friday, July 28th | Collection Park

Put on your best Dallas Cowboys gear and head over to The Collection at RiverPark for Oxnard Fan Night featuring the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. This free community event is a chance for fans to see performances by America's Sweethearts and an appearance from Cowboys Mascot Rowdy, with opportunities for photos and autographs. This event will also include Dallas Cowboys trivia, contests, giveaways, and more! This year's event will feature host ZEALE of rap duo Blackillac, plus performances by local dance crews Undeclared and Hip Hop Mindset. With special guest: Dallas Cowboys legend, 5x Super Bowl Champ and Hall of Famer Charles Haley

Opening Ceremonies | Saturday, July 29th | River Ridge Playing Fields

Training Camp in Oxnard will be highlighted by the annual camp opening ceremony – Cowboys Back Together Weekend presented by American Airlines – as the team welcomes fans back to training camp on Saturday, July 29th. The Cowboys Back Together Weekend event will begin at 9 am PT as fans enjoy live entertainment, appearances by Cowboys Alumni, Dallas Cowboys mascot Rowdy, a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders autograph signing, exclusive merchandise, prizes, giveaways and more! The opening ceremony will take place at 11 am PT which will include a performance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and remarks from Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones before the open practice session at 11:30 am PT.

DCC Academy | Sunday, July 30th | Pacifica High School

Children ages 6 to 16 join the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for a morning dance camp at Pacifica High School. Develop technical & performance skills while learning the importance of positive self-esteem and strong core values through personalized coaching from the current Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Register here .

Heroes Appreciation Day | Monday, August 7th | River Ridge Playing Fields

On Monday, August 7th, the team will host Heroes Appreciation Day to show their gratitude towards military personnel and first responders. Heroes who wear their military or first responder uniform or show their military ID will receive free general admission parking and two reserved spots on the sideline VIP structure to view practice. Capacity is limited; first come, first served.

Final Practice | August 15th | River Ridge Playing Fields

Training camp in Oxnard will conclude on Tuesday, August 15th and will be followed by a road preseason game against Seattle on Saturday, August 19th, after which the team will return home to Texas. The final portion of Dallas Cowboys Training Camp will be held at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, with selected practices open to the public that will be announced at a later date.

Follow our Training Camp updates on Facebook and Instagram . ALL information is subject to change and tentative unless otherwise stated.

Training Camp HIstory

The 2023 camp, presented by American Airlines, will mark the 44th year that the team has trained in Southern California and the 17th season that the club has spent all, or a portion of, its camp at the Oxnard location.

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Prior Locations

1st year at site

1960...............Pacific University, Forest Grove, Oregon 1961...............St. Olaf College, Northfield Minnesota 1962...............Northern Michigan College, Marquette, Michigan 1963...............California Lutheran College, Thousand Oaks, California 1990...............St. Edward’s University, Austin Texas 1998...............Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas 2001............... Residence Inn , Oxnard, California 2002...............Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas 2017...............Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas

Dallas Cowboys All-Time Training Camps By Location

CAMP RULES, PLEASE READ!

• ABSOLUTELY NO TAILGATING OR OUTSIDE ALCOHOL ALLOWED
• NO Strollers in bleacher area
• NO Bicycles
• NO Backpacks (small diaper bag okay)
• NO Coolers/ Ice Chests
• NO Outside food
• ABSOLUTELY NO PETS! (not in carriers, not on-site, and not in your vehicle as there is no shade)

No Pets. Doggie Day Care or boarding available at various locations:

Inglis Pet Hotel (805) 485-7140 (off Vineyard Avenue, past RiverPark) 3889 N. Southbank, Oxnard, CA 93036 www.inglispethotel.com

Flying High Pet Resort (805) 445-9099 531 Dawson Drive Camarillo, CA 93012

Accommodations | Hotels, Motels

The Residence Inn by Marriott at River Ridge is proud to be the host hotel for the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp. Book your stay at one of Oxnard's incredible lodging options, and come to multiple practice sessions.

We have a wide variety of hotels in Oxnard California. From hotels to vacation rentals, we have lodging to meet your lifestyle and budget. Whether your stay is for business or pleasure you can find great hotels at great prices.

VIEW HOTELS

Accessibility

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act while attending the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp at Oxnard CA and if you will require special assistance during your visit to training camp, please contact the City of Oxnard Facilities Department at (805) 385-7950. Notice of at least 72 hours prior to your arrival to training camp will enable staff to reasonably arrange for your accessibility needs during your visit.

Getting Here

Oxnard is an easy 90-minute drive from Los Angeles Airport (LAX), 60 minutes from Burbank Airport (BUR) and 40 minutes from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA).

You can also sit back and enjoy the scenery aboard the train! Oxnard's Transportation Center has regular service via Amtrak and Metrolink. Once in the station, you can take a taxi to Camp, about a 5-mile drive.

Oxnard is on the coast, just 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, and 30 miles south of Santa Barbara.

MORE TRANSPORTATION INFO

Driving Directions

Northbound on the 101 freeway from Los Angeles: Exit Oxnard Boulevard. Turn RIGHT. Make your first LEFT onto Town Center Drive. Make a LEFT onto Ventura Road. Travel 1 mile and it will be on your RIGHT before Vineyard Ave. (watch for traffic lines at the entrance to the parking lot).

Southbound on 101/126 freeway from Santa Barbara/Santa Clarita: Exit Oxnard Boulevard. Turn LEFT and go over the freeway. Make your first LEFT onto Town Center Drive. Make a LEFT onto Ventura Road. Travel 1 mile and it will be on your RIGHT before Vineyard Ave. (watch for traffic lines at the entrance to the parking lot).

GET DIRECTIONS

VIP Experience Contests

Visit Oxnard is running three VIP Experience contests this year - that's multiple chances to win VIP passes, overnight accommodations, Cowboys promo merch and more!

AMERICAN AIRLINES VIP Experience Contest

*THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED* Congratulations, Bianca White from Dallas, Texas! You and one guest are coming to Oxnard. Go Cowboys!

The winner and guest will fly aboard American Airlines to LAX and be provided ground transportation to Oxnard, where they will enjoy a 3-night stay in one of Oxnard's premiere hotel properties and be awarded:

• $100 gift card to The Collection at RiverPark
• Round-trip ground transportation to Training Camp
• VIP passes to attend up to two practice sessions
• Exclusive Cowboys promo merch

*This contest has flexible dates

AMTRAK SAN JOAQUINS VIP Experience Contest

*THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED* Congratulations, Itze Beadle from Bakersfield, California! You and three guests are coming to Oxnard. Go Cowboys!

Do you live along Route 10? That is: Las Vegas, Barstow, Mojave, Tehachapi, Bakersfield, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Ventura, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara? Then this contest is for you!

The winner and up to three guests will be provided round-trip ground transportation from a stop along Amtrak San Joaquins Route 10 to Oxnard, where they will enjoy a 3-night stay in one of Oxnard's premiere hotel properties and be awarded:

• Red Door Escape Room at The Collection passes
• An invitation as VIP guests to Oxnard Fan Night at The Collection on July 28th
• VIP passes to attend Opening Ceremonies and Training Camp on July 29th
• Cowboys promo merch

*Winner and guests must be available to travel July 27th thru July 30th, 2023.

DAILY VIP PASSES CONTEST

*THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED* Each winner + one guest will be awarded VIP passes to one Training Camp session. One winner will be selected for each Training Camp open practice.

Wednesday July 26th: Leora Venagas Thursday July 27th: Jessica Byrd Saturday July 29th: Itze Beadle Monday July 31st: Yuliana Rodriguez Tuesday August 1st: Carlos Ochoa Thursday August 3rd: Philip Perez Saturday August 5th: Nicole Saldua Monday August 7th: Alexa Arnold Tuesday August 8th: Alanna Romero Thursday August 10th: T.C. White Monday August 14th: Gary Sarcione Tuesday August 15th: Omar Jimenez

Past VIP Experience Winners

We look forward to seeing you at Training Camp in Oxnard, California. Go Cowboys!

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Included Services + various add-ons

Customise your fitness holiday package with just one click and add additional elements to your trip (e.g. personal training, yoga and more).

Suitable for each and every one

No matter whether you are a fitness junkie or just getting started – our programs can be customised just for you.

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It has never been so easy to travel the world, meet like-minded people, and enjoy amazing workouts in beautiful destinations. Try it yourself and become part of the community of Travelling Athletes. No matter whether you want to travel to Bali or Greece, we will help you become a better YOU while you experience an unforgettable fitness holiday. Designed for individuals or groups, our super flexible “come & go” fitness holidays are perfect for all fitness levels and are available 365 days a year.

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Become a Travelling Athlete and profit from all the advantages. No matter whether you are a beginner or an advanced athlete, on your own or with a group of friends, you can travel the world 365 days a year while getting fit in paradise-like destinations.

Organisations of Training Camps

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Hotels and sports facilities below you will find a detailed list of various hotels that are specially tailored to the needs of athletes. these hotels offer a variety of facilities and services suitable for various sports such as football, tennis, swimming, basketball and golf..

Football Training Camp Side Star Resort

Football Training Camp Kaya Belek Hotel

Tennis Training Camp Spice Hotel & Spa

Football Training Camp Kaya Palazzo Resort

Football Training Camp Kremlin Palace

Tennis Training Camp Sol Aurora

Golf Holiday Titanic Deluxe Belek

Swimming Camp Sirene Belek Hotel

Football Training Camp Gloria Sports Arena

Swimming Camp Gloria Sports Arena

Tennis Training Camp Club Mega Saray

Tennis Training Camp Sirene Belek Hotel

Tennis Training Camp Kaya Belek Hotel

Football Training Camp Primasol Hane Family

Football Training Camp Miracle Resort

Tennis Training Camp Gloria Serenity Resort

Tennis Training Camp Regnum Carya Resort

Swimming Camp Las Playitas Resort

All training camps football if you are planning a football training camp, you should leave nothing to chance when choosing the right hotel. after all, the accommodation contributes significantly to the success of the training camp. a good hotel not only offers comfortable rooms and a pleasant atmosphere, but also suitable training opportunities and balanced meals. it is therefore advisable to obtain comprehensive information about different hotels in advance and to compare them with one another. in this list you will find a selection of hotels that are particularly suitable for a football training camp..

Football Training Camp Club Grand Aqua

Football Training Camp Starlight Resort

Football Training Camp Cornelia Diamond

Football Training Camp Topkapı Palace

Football Training Camp Titanic Deluxe Belek

Football Training Camp Side Star Elegance

All training camps tennis this list only includes hotels that have professional tennis courts. this means that travelers who value quality tennis facilities can find what they are looking for here..

Tennis Training Camp Bellis Deluxe Hotel

Tennis Training Camp Titanic Deluxe Belek

Tennis Training Camp Calista Luxury Resort

Tennistrainingslager im Starlight Resort Hotel

All training camps swimming selected hotel complexes with fina std. olympic pool.

Swimming Camp Titanic Deluxe Belek

Swimming Camp Titanic Deluxe Lara

All training camps basketball hotels with basketball courts and multi-purpose halls according to fiba standards.

Basketball Training Camp Green Park Kartepe

Basketball Training Camp Gloria Sports Arena

Basketball Training Camp Limak Limra Resort

Basketball Training Camp Side Star Resort

Basketball Training Camp Las Playitas Resort

Basketball Training Camp Daima Biz Hotel

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Located on “The Soi” in the Chalong area, Phuket, Thailand lies the world-renowned Tiger Muay Thai & MMA. The globe’s biggest and most recognized Muay Thai, MMA & Fitness Training Camp and Destination Gym.

Muay Thai, MMA & Fitness at Tiger Muay Thai Training Camp in Phuket, Thailand

We accept all levels of Fitness and Fight experience , from holiday-makers, vacationers, adventure junkies, fitness enthusiasts and military personnel to professional fighters and athletes who comes to improve technique and to prepare for international bouts and tournaments to further progress their career.

The Camp has fast become a training ground for the worlds most elite and dominant athletes. Continually featured on documentaries, travel shows and throughout a variety of mass media outlets, Tiger has gained a well-deserved reputation as the premier destination for Muay Thai, MMA & Fitness training in Thailand.

There are no limits as to what you can achieve at TMT. Whether you are a seasoned professional athlete looking for that extra edge or whether you are a beginner with no idea where to start, Tiger will take care of you. We offer programs for everyone regardless of their fitness level, size or physical limitations.

Couple our affordable classes with the positive and supportive atmosphere of a camp set in the unbelievable scenery of Phuket’s sand and sea, and you have a winning formula that cannot be replicated.

In an effort to offer the best to the most TMT have recently signed our first two licensed affiliate gyms abroad, Tiger Muay Thai Bali and Tiger Muay Thai Singapore , and for those looking for the more familiar and authentic experience here in Thailand we have a second location in the  north of Thailand at Tiger Muya Thai Chaing Mai .

The latest TMT NEWS & UPDATES

It’s that time of the month again! BBQ Beatdown weekend at Tiger Muay Thai!

Photos from the 2024 Songkran Celebrations at Tiger Muay Thai

Celebrate Songkran with all-day foam Party at Tiger Muay Thai!

BBQ Beatdown returns this weekend! Don’t miss it!

Congratulation to Japanese MMA Superstar Rena to her latest win!

Tiger Muay Thai fighter Valentina Shevchenko set to coach on TUF Season 32

TMT Fighter Petr Yan defeats Song Yadong at UFC 299

TMT sponsored fighter Mokaev Muhammad victorious at UFC Vegas 87 today

Tiger Muay Thai fighter Anatoly Malykhin first ever 3 Weight Division ONE World Title holder!

Snapshots of ONE World Champion Anatoly Mykhin preparing for for ONE 166 in Qatar

Announcement: Please be advised that there will be no BBQ Beatdown event this month.

Welcome Japanese Shootboxing & Rizin MMA Champion Rena & Miki

Not just Muay Thai, Tiger offers a wide rage of classes , Fitness, Yoga, MMA & BJJ, Strength & Conditioning, Krabi Krabong, Beach Bootcamps and much more

You are sure to find something that suits you no matter what you are looking for. Tiger has 20+ different type of classes and with over 150 classes running every week , many simultaneously and multiple times per day you’ll be able to pick and choose to fit your schedule.

Authentic & Traditionally-based Muay Thai Training in Thailand for Everyone

Tiger Muay Thai strives to keep the Muay Thai training we offer 100% authentic. We respect Thai tradition and that reverence runs deeply throughout our classes and around our camp. You won’t find a watered down version of the “Art of Eight Limbs” here.

Visit the source of this deadly martial art and see it in all of its glory.

Our legendary Muay Thai classes are broken down into beginner , intermediate , advanced and professional invite-only ring and run simultaneously twice per day.

Expect sessions to go for approximately 2 hours and teach traditional and fundamental fighting techniques including kicking, knees, elbows, boxing (Thaiboxing) skills, the famed Muay Thai clinch, combinations, and of course, ring fitness and conditioning.

Each class has between 7-8 trainers supervising to ensure that every person gets individualized attention and learns proper technique.

Our Muay Thai & Traditional Thai Martial Arts classes

Beginners Muay Thai

Intermediate Muay Thai

Advanced Muay Thai

Krabi Krabong

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) & BJJ Training from & with the Best

We cover all ranges of MMA combat from BJJ, both in the Gi and Nogi, to wrestling and stand-up. The training program consists of two types of classes, the  Mixed Martial Arts  and the  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu , both run on a daily basis.

Our MMA classes are run by our new soon-to-be-announced head MMA coach and our co-head MMA coach  Joseph Henle .  Joseph is a professional MMA fighter as well as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blackbelt under former world champion Fabio Leopoldo.

Joseph is also our head BJJ coach and is looking forward to diving into his new role as co-head and head coach at Tiger Muay Thai and wants to welcome anyone looking to become their best to join us on the mats!

Our MMA, BJJ & Wester Stand-up classes

Mixed Martial Arts

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

K1 – Kickboxing

Traditional Western Boxing

A fitness training camp for incredible weight-loss and cardio.

Tiger Muay Thai & MMA is one of Asia’s premiere Fitness and Weight-loss camps. Our dedicated team of fitness professionals can help blast away that unwanted fat and get you in the best shape of your life.

Whether it’s through Muay Thai, MMA, Western Boxing or any of our countless fitness training classes, we provide the ideal environment for unearthing the strength and conditioning you never knew you possessed. Take a look at Training for Weight-Loss to get to know how you can kick start your weight-loss jorney.

Sweat it out with Tiger’s fitness trainers who are known for stripping fat and creating cardio machines ! Hit the beach like you’ve never done before with cross-training BodyFit Bootcamp classes .

Feel the burn amidst sand, sun and sea! Hike up to the Big Buddha alongside elephants and monkeys while you drag tires and push yourself to the limit!

Need an even more hardcore approach? Hit up our intense CrossTraining , GRiND and Combat Conditioning workouts in the afternoons and we’ll have you aching in places you didn’t know existed!

Build muscle and gain strength with guest favorite Peter “The Thai Hulk” . Enter his weight-room domain and see just what hard-work and dedication can develop. Peter’s no-nonsense attitude and easy smile, is just the push guests need to take their body to the next level. His nutritional plans will ensure that your abs are made in the kitchen!

Have dreams of competing in bodybuilding? Peter has competed throughout the Asian circuit and will create a plan that will have you strutting your stuff on stage in no time!

Our Fitness & Cross-traininer classes

Combat Strength & Conditioning

Cross Training

A Positive, Supportive Atmosphere to Develop and Grow

And it is not only sweat and hard work , you can also join most of our guests, trainers and staff in our monthly BBQ Beatdown Event, an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, amateur Muay Thai and MMA fights, live music, DJ, and much more.

Above all, we here at Tiger Muay Thai & MMA training camp see ourselves as a family. We foster positive change and want to help you create the very best version of yourself.

We believe that every person has the capacity to be extraordinary if they are given the right environment.

It doesn’t matter where you’re starting from or how fit you are. It just matters that you start. There are no judgments when it comes to your size, your abilities or your fitness level. Come as you are!

Whatever your current level of fitness or martial arts ability, we look forward to having you train with us at Tiger Muay Thai & help you make your Combat Sport & Fitness travel dream come true!

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Cycling Training Camps: What Are They and How Can They Make You Faster?

Most of us don’t have the luxury of focusing full time on cycling. But sometimes, it’s fun to put real life aside and spend a few days focused only on riding your bike and getting fitter. This is commonly known as a training camp, and it’s one of the true joys of cycling for athletes of all abilities. So what should you know before planning your next training camp?

What is a Cycling Training Camp?

Cycling training camps usually consist of several consecutive days of long rides in a scenic or favorable location. Sometimes, these are well-organized and highly social events; for instance, pro teams often convene in remote mountain areas for early season camps. But they can also be less formal affairs—a few days of focused training in a place with nice weather and good roads or trails.

While most training camps take place away from home, travel isn’t a necessity. A common feature of a training camp is a singular focus on cycling, with other responsibilities and obligations temporarily set aside. Whether this occurs thousands of miles away or out your back door is up to you; it’s the intention (and execution) that counts. 

What are Training Camps For?

Wherever they take place, training camps are more than just cycling vacations, because they are aimed at a specific goal—an unusually large dose of training stress in pursuit of improved fitness. This is usually done with consecutive days of long, low- or moderate-intensity rides. This style of riding directly targets the aerobic system and while it is tiring, most athletes can sustain it for several days on end with good fueling and rest. 

Beyond fitness, some training camps are also intended to build team camaraderie or designed to target specific skills, such as sprinting or climbing . And last but not least, training camps are fun. 

How Long are Cycling Training Camps?

Most training camps are about 5–7 days long, but there’s no specific requirement when it comes to length. For cyclists who normally train at low volumes , just 2 or 3 consecutive days of unusually long rides may significantly increase training stress and could rightfully be considered a camp. For experienced athletes who already train at high volumes, training camps need to be a bit longer to push the body out of its comfort zone. 

Adaptive Training

Get the right workout, every time with training that adapts to you.

Planning a Cycling Training Camp

A good training camp doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few important points to keep in mind before you depart.

1. Know your purpose.

What do you want to get out of the camp? Answer this question for yourself, then plan your itinerary and routes to achieve it. For many camps, it’s simple: to build fitness and have fun doing it. If the purpose of the camp is more specific—such as improving your climbing or working on team tactics—pick routes that will help you achieve these objectives. Generally, the more intensity you expect each day to include, the shorter the day’s route should be—especially if your camp is longer than a few days. 

2. Prepare in Advance.

The best training camps let you focus exclusively on cycling, so schedule yours to be free of external stresses. Get your bike tuned in advance, preplan your routes, and stock up on wholesome, easily-prepared foods before you leave. The less you have to worry about besides riding once you arrive, the better—don’t even think about checking your work email!

Related Reading: Cycling Nutrition: Everything You Need to Know

3. Arrive Fresh.

By design, training camps push you beyond your normal training load, and if you arrive with preexisting fatigue you’ll start on the back foot and can quickly overdo it. Think of a training camp like a stage race or multi-day event: by tapering and recovering beforehand, you’ll start fresh and get more out of the camp as a result.

Related Reading: Tapering And Peaking for Cyclists

4. Plan For Recovery.

The unusual training load you get from a camp means you’ll need more recovery afterward than you would from a normal block of training. Expect residual fatigue, take several days completely off the bike, and listen to your body once you return to training. If you need a few days of unusually easy workouts to ease back in, don’t feel bad or be surprised. That said, don’t attempt a camp you can’t recover from. Training camps are only worthwhile if they’re productive, and if you disrupt your training for too long with extra fatigue, you might end up setting yourself back overall.

Related Reading: Recovery For Cyclists: Why It’s Important and How to Improve It

Common Training Camp Mistakes

While it’s easy to plan a good training camp, there are a few common mistakes many athletes make.

First, it’s easy to underestimate how fatiguing a training camp can be on your body . We’ve already discussed the need to recover after a camp, but you also need recovery during the camp itself, and sometimes this means taking a day completely off the bike. This can be tough when you want to maximize every day of your trip, but if you’re feeling serious fatigue, a rest day can dramatically improve the quality of the rest of your camp.

A second common mistake is to inadequately fuel. Throughout a training camp, you’ll need to eat a lot , both on and off the bike. This is not the time to try to lose weight or cut calories, so plan ahead and make sure you’re getting quality nutrition that supplies what your body needs. Protein is especially essential for recovery during a camp, and you’ll need plenty of carbs to power those long days.

And to that end, go easy on the alcohol. It’s tempting to crack a few beers in the evening with your riding buddies, but it’s hard to overstate how dramatically this can affect your training and recovery on subsequent days if you go overboard. Indulge in moderation, and you’ll get a bigger fitness boost out of your camp.

For more on Training Camps, check out Ask a Cycling Coach Ep 347.

Sean Hurley is a bike racer, baker of sourdough bread, and former art professor. He is a connoisseur of cycling socks and a certified USAC level 3 coach. Rumor has it he also runs a famous cycling instagram account, but don't tell anyone about that.

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Football training camps in Cyprus

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Cyprus has best winter climate in Europe. Winters in Cyprus are like summers in northern Europe. Combine climate like that with great football fields, hotel facilities, great cuisine and professional service, and you have best recipe for a successful training camp in Cyprus.

Golf in Cyprus

​If you decide to visit in summer, spring, autumn or winter, Cyprus offers golden sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, mountains with pine trees and flowers or if you want to play golf on one of the Championship Golf courses in middle of winter - Cyprus has it all.

Training camps football

The winter-climate in cyprus provides a haven for european football teams..

The teams most important week should be about team building and to providing a good athletic improvement. Sun, warmth, and immaculate grass pitches are a good start. Quad Travel has established itself as a professional and reliable company organising winter football training camps in Cyprus for the past 18 years..

We have professional multilingual staff ready to take care of all the practical issues, so that you can focus on technical training during your stay. ​

In Cyprus you will find mild Mediterranean winter weather and a long tradition of training camps as well as excellent hotels with long term experience in taking best care of the athletes.

Our immaculate grass pitches are a good start for a successful pre-season training camp. Quad Travel has established itself as a professional and reliable company organising winter football training camps in Cyprus.

Our packages includes:

Meeting at airport and all bus transfers

Hotel with all meals included (full board)

Training sessions on full size natural grass pitches

Daily laundry of training kits

Bottled water for all trainings & matches

Equipment and massage-room at the hotel

Use of gym, sauna and conference room at the hotel

Assistance in organising friendly games

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Is a small and dynamic fully licensed travel agency based in Ayia Napa. We are one of the leading organisers of pre-season training camps for sport groups during the winter, such as football, athletics, swimming and golf.

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33 NFL training camp standout players you need to know in 2023

August marks the point in the NFL calendar when unbridled optimism reaches its peak.

With the previous season's slate wiped clean and training camps in full swing, every team can find reason to feel good about what's to come. The summer can also serve as a springboard for young players looking to make a significant leap, whether that's going from starter to star or merely making a 53-man roster for the first time. And while some camp buzz inevitably fades out before the regular season starts, sometimes the initial positive glimpses can signal a breakout year ahead.

USA TODAY Sports surveyed the training camp landscape by having 12 reporters from the USA TODAY Network identify the top performers they have observed the past few weeks while on the ground. Here are 33 training camp standouts you need to know:

Arizona Cardinals

OT Paris Johnson Jr. 

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

The Cardinals chose Johnson with their first selection of this year's draft, the sixth pick overall, and already he is trending toward starting at right tackle. 

The offensive line needed an overhaul with the retirements of center Rodney Hudson and guard Justin Pugh, neither who played much last season. With stability badly needed up front, the Cardinals have stuck with largely the same five with the first-team offense over the course of training camp. 

Johnson is one of the five, and his athleticism is what stands out. He's also able to slide inside to guard if needed, as versatility is one of the themes of camp with players moving to new positions and throughout the roster.  – José M. Romero, Arizona Republic

WR Michael Wilson

The rookie from Stanford is turning heads with his skill and smarts, already getting first-team snaps as part of three- and four-receiver sets. 

The cornerbacks he works against speak highly of him, not only because his 6-2 frame makes him a tough cover downfield, but also because of heady plays. On one play, Wilson prevented what looked like a sure interception by continuing to fight for an overthrown ball, which impressed his teammates. 

Wilson has caught multiple touchdowns in practice, and he's looking like a "sleeper" third-round pick.  – José M. Romero, Arizona Republic

DB Isaiah Simmons

Among the group of players who have changed positions, Simmons went from linebacker to deep safety, where he's been playing in training camp. So opposing quarterbacks could be looking at a 6-4, 238-pound safety when looking to throw over the middle. 

Simmons has the speed and athletic ability to make the move, and the fourth-year pro is grateful to be put in a position that he feels best suits his ability and game. The previous Cardinals regime tried different things with Simmons, to the point of being criticized for not keeping him in a set position and even giving him the responsibility of calling defensive coverages as a linebacker at the start of last season. 

That didn't work out well, and when relieved of the duty, Simmons was able to thrive on flying around and making plays without worrying about where to line up teammates. And now, he's free to do that even more, playing far behind the line of scrimmage lined up between two of the top safeties in the game, Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson. – José M. Romero, Arizona Republic

EYE ON THE FUTURE: These are the most popular NFL future bets in 2023

Baltimore Ravens

WR Zay Flowers

This offseason, the Ravens attempted to solve their longstanding issue of lacking legitimate receiving options for quarterback Lamar Jackson beyond tight end Mark Andrews.

They signed veterans Odell Beckham Jr. – who has shown flashes of his pre-injury self during camp – and Nelson Agholor, both Super Bowl champions. And they used their first round selection to take Flowers to add another dynamic to the receiving room.

The separation Flowers, listed at 5-9 and 182 pounds, can create is undeniable. He immediately presented himself as someone who can consistently beat different types of coverage and be open for Jackson. – Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY Sports

RB Keaton Mitchell

With J.K. Dobbins not participating in training camp to date, the Ravens have gone down the running back depth chart in addition to signing Melvin Gordon. Mitchell, an undrafted free agent from East Carolina, has made the most of his repetitions. He can make catches out of the backfield and has put himself into consideration for a roster spot – setting up a battle with Gordon – behind Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and Dobbins (eventually). His father, Anthony, also was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Ravens and was a member of the Super Bowl 35 team. – Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals

CB DJ Turner

With Chidobe Awuzie still working his way back on the field after tearing his ACL last season, Turner is getting a lot of reps in camp. He’s lined up across from second-year starter Cam Taylor-Britt at times and also has worked with the second unit.

Turner, the Bengals’ second-round pick, is getting his hands on a lot of passes and making a name for himself. The next step for him is turning those pass deflections into interceptions, as he’s likely to see time at some point this year with three starting-caliber cornerbacks necessary throughout a season. – Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer

DE Joseph Ossai

It’s a make or break year for Joseph Ossai and he’s making the most of his first fully healthy training camp since he was drafted in 2021. Ossai’s career has been marred with injuries limiting what he can do on the field. He has the physical skill set to be an elite rusher and through camp he’s flashed winning his one-on-one matchups. Ossai’s burst and his length favors him and if he’s able to stay healthy, he could be the Bengals’ X-factor. The main goal for Ossai is to stay healthy, plain and simple. – Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer

WR Andrei Iosivas

The Princeton track star turned wide receiver was an interesting draft selection for the Bengals this year. His athleticism intrigued the coaching staff enough to take a flier on him, drafting him in the seventh round. He’s raw and has a lot to learn, but he’s shown flashes of promise so far in camp. How he plays in the preseason will be critical as the final three wide receiver spots for the Bengals are up in the air. – Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer

Cleveland Browns

CB Martin Emerson Jr.

The Browns' first draft pick from 2022 was taken in the third round, but he played like a first-round selection at times during his rookie season. The 6-2, 195-pound Mississippi State product played in all 17 games, including six starts in place of either Denzel Ward or Greg Newsome II. Through the course of the season, Emerson found himself matched up regularly with, and holding his own against, the likes of Mike Williams and Mike Evans. The Browns believe Emerson, Ward and Newsome give them three cornerbacks all capable of playing a more man-centric coverage scheme. – Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal

RB Jerome Ford

Another member of the Browns' 2022 draft class the team is banking on taking a step up in production this season. With Nick Chubb in place, that step up for Ford isn't to become RB1. However, the Browns have made it clear they expect Ford to be the No. 2 behind the All-Pro back. Ford has had limited carries in the regular season so far, but his talent is something the Browns believe in strongly. They saw flashes of it in the preseason last year, as well as a rookie season spent as one of the better kickoff return men in the league. Ford' camp progress was impeded Monday, however, when he suffered a hip injury that coach Kevin Stefanski said has left him "week-to-week." – Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal

WR Cedric Tillman

Tillman was the Browns' top pick this season, albeit the No. 74 overall pick in the third round. The Tennessee product is being viewed as potentially the one to provide a big target for quarterback Deshaun Watson to throw to when he's on the field. The 6-3 receiver is the tallest among all of the Browns' pass catchers. The Browns have worked to remake the offensive skill players around Watson, with players like Elijah Moore and Jordan Akins brought in via trade or free agency. Tillman is seen as another part of that overhaul. – Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal

Green Bay Packers

TE Luke Musgrave

With such an inexperienced offense, there are plenty of rookies who will get early snaps. Nobody climbed to the top of their positional depth chart quicker than Musgrave. Drafted in the second round, Musgrave has gotten first-team reps since the start of organized team activities, and he already appears slotted as the starting tight end for Week 1.

It’s easy to see why Musgrave ascended in coach Matt LaFleur’s offense immediately after the draft. They just don’t make many tight ends with his blend of size and speed. At 6-6, 253 pounds, Musgrave ran a 4.61 40 at the NFL scouting combine in February. LaFleur has suggested the rookie tight end is among his fastest players on offense.

"He is different," LaFleur said this spring.

Most important, Musgrave has been healthy. A knee injury limited Musgrave to two games in his final season at Oregon State, but he hasn’t missed a practice since arriving in Green Bay. Musgrave’s biggest hurdle in camp has been inconsistent hands. He’s had several drops, but his big-play potential has also been on display. Musgrave had a 30-yard catch over the middle in the Packers' annual Family Night practice, sparking a two-minute drill that went 75 yards in four plays for a touchdown.  – Ryan Wood, Green Bay Press Gazette

WR Jayden Reed

The Packers still haven’t drafted a receiver in the first round since 2002, but they’re familiar with rookie wideouts breaking into their offense. A year after Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs were tested in their first NFL seasons, Reed seems aligned for the same opportunity.

Reed appears to be on a trajectory as the Packers' starting slot receiver Week 1, patrolling the middle of the field with Watson and Doubs bookending him. The Packers have long been without a natural slot receiver for their offense, but at 5-11 and 187 pounds, Reed has the measurables desired for the position. Reed ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and it’s easy to see him handling the jet sweeps that are a staple of LaFleur’s offense. Reed seems to make at least one significant play each day in camp, including an 11-yard touchdown off a deflection in the Packers’ third-down installation at Monday’s practice. Reed caught a Jordan Love pass that caromed off rookie cornerback Carrington Valentine’s hands and was able to get both feet inbounds in the back of the end zone. That kind of awareness, along with his athletic ability, could go a long way for a rookie receiver who will also handle punt return for the special teams.  – Ryan Wood, Green Bay Press Gazette

DL Devonte Wyatt

Stuck behind a veteran defensive line, it wasn’t until the final month of Wyatt’s rookie season he got consistent snaps. He won’t have to wait that long in his second year.

The Packers drafted Wyatt in the first round last season because of his rare blend of power and speed as an interior pass rusher. He’s displayed the potential to be a dynamic athlete in the trenches, owning one-on-one drills against offensive linemen with an array of bull rushes and spin moves. Wyatt’s pass-rush ability has always been evident – he had 1 ½ sacks and three quarterback hits in 224 snaps last season, better production than Kenny Clark had in his rookie year – but he made progress with his run defense this offseason. It’s led to consistent first-team reps since OTAs and, with a much younger defensive line, a significant role helping Clark anchor the Packers defense.  – Ryan Wood, Green Bay Press Gazette

Indianapolis Colts

WR Alec Pierce

The Colts' passing game is in transition, with the Anthony Richardson era set to begin as soon as he can secure the starting job from Gardner Minshew. With the two splitting reps and so much in transition, it's been hard for any one wide receiver to stand out. But Pierce has been that guy.

Pierce caught a vertical pass up the right sideline recently for a long score from Richardson. He's flashed in one-on-one drills, showing the natural size and athleticism he's always had while mixing in some better strength and route running to win late in the down. Those areas have been a focus for him after a rookie season in which he recorded 593 yards but hit a wall in December.

In Shane Steichen's offense, Pierce should see one-on-one opportunities up the sidelines and will soon have as strong a quarterback as any to get him the ball. The connection is young, but it's flashing some upside already. – Nate Atkins, Indianapolis Star

S Nick Cross

The Colts were so excited about Cross' potential a year ago that they traded a future third-round pick to secure him, even though they knew it was likely a year early. Cross was the youngest player on any roster to start last season, and that youth showed, as the Maryland product saw his playing time drop after Week 2 in what became essentially a redshirt season.

This camp has shown a different focus so far. Cross has seen work at strong safety, free safety and nickel. He's getting a little more vocal, and he's flashing his elite size and speed more because he has a better understanding of where to start and end each play.

Cross is slated to back up Julian Blackmon, Rodney Thomas II and Kenny Moore II at these three spots, but he could see some three-safety action and will become a valuable depth chess piece as injuries pile up in a 17-game season. – Nate Atkins, Indianapolis Star

CB Darrell Baker Jr.

The Colts knew they'd be going young at outside cornerback when they chose to trade Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore to the Cowboys and draft three at the position. But that movement went into overdrive once they lost top remaining option Isaiah Rodgers Sr.  for the year to a gambling suspension .

It's opened the door for unheralded players to shine, and Baker Jr. has been the best so far. A second-year undrafted player out of Georgia Southern, Baker Jr. is as confident as they come and that swagger has played into multiple pass breakups and interceptions so far in camp.

Baker Jr. will battle with another undrafted player, Dallis Flowers, to start in Rodgers Sr.'s place opposite second-round rookie JuJu Brents. – Nate Atkins, Indianapolis Star

Jacksonville Jaguars

LB Devin Lloyd

Lloyd, selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, struggled as a rookie last year. Earlier this year, Lloyd indicated that he hit a rookie wall, as did his coaches. This year, however, it appears everything has clicked, with Lloyd playing much faster than a year prior and staying healthy, something he was unable to do during training camp last season.

Lloyd will likely earn the start alongside Foye Oluokun in the middle of the Jacksonville defense. – Demetrius Harvey, Florida Times-Union

TE Geritt Prince

Prince, signed as an undrafted free agent last year, is an up-and-coming player on the Jacksonville offense. After the departures of fellow tight ends Dan Arnold and Chris Manhertz during free agency, Prince has appeared to step up, claiming a role as one of the team's "move" tight ends.

He has looked great in practice, catching everything sent his way. He has worked with quarterback Trevor Lawrence plenty since the beginning of the offseason.

Prince will work behind Evan Engram as the team's receiving tight end and could see significant snaps during the regular season this year. – Demetrius Harvey, Florida Times-Union

RB Tank Bigsby

Bigsby, selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has become one of the most popular players during this year's training camp. He has shown off impressive explosiveness, agility and strength. He ripped off his best run of camp Monday, the team's first live practice of camp, running 70 yards for a touchdown.

Jaguars linebacker Foye Oluokun had a succinct description of Bigsby on Monday: "Explosive." – Demetrius Harvey, Florida Times-Union

Los Angeles Chargers

WR Quentin Johnston

Johnston has unique speed and agility for a 6-4, 215-pound wide receiver. He’s made multiple highlight-reel plays against the Chargers' secondary in camp.

Johnston is tracking to move ahead of Josh Palmer for the team’s No. 3 wide receiver on the depth chart. The rookie wideout is already receiving some first-team reps when the Chargers operate out of 11-personnel.

"Q is definitely explosive," Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen said. "He's strong to the catch. He's making some crazy catches out here, jumping up and getting them. He's fast. I'm excited for him to keep growing." – Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY Sports

OLB Tuli Tuipulotu

The 2022 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year is making a solid early impression at Chargers camp. Tuipulotu had a couple of sacks during the Chargers’ intrasquad scrimmage. The rookie from USC is picking up the Chargers’ defensive system quickly. He has a good first step and uses his hands well at the line of scrimmage.

Tuipulotu is on pace to earn snaps behind Chargers edge rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.

"As advertised. He's a professional. Physically, he's ready to play in the National Football League," Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. "He's tough. He's a tone-setter out there in the run game. He has the quickness and the strong hands. He's instinctive. He's a sponge out there, so he learns the game really fast. He's going to have a role for us." – Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Rams

WR Demarcus Robinson

The journeyman wide receiver has bounced around the league, but he might’ve found a stable home in Los Angeles.

Robinson’s playmaking ability and receptions have raised eyebrows at camp. He’s taken advantage of his reps.

The eighth-year target has been a tough cover at camp. The Rams are looking for a No. 3 wideout who can be a consistent route runner and pass catcher. Robinson is on pace for the role.

"He’s just got a good look in his eye. I mean, he’s got a good swagger. You can just see the way that he even just moves around the field, he’s got confidence. You like those guys that want the ball. You can feel, he’s got that nice kind of edge where he is not afraid to go or do anything other than go attack an opportunity to make a play," Rams coach Sean McVay said. "I’ve really liked what I’ve seen from Demarcus." – Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY Sports

S Quentin Lake

Lake is showing better instincts and improved ball skills in training camp. He jumped a route over the middle to intercept rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett. He’s also had some impressive pass breakups in seven-on-seven drills.

The UCLA product is playing with confidence and looks more comfortable in defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ system. Lake has a chance to get significant playing time in the Rams’ defensive backfield. – Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins

CB Kader Kohou

With Jalen Ramsey recovering from meniscus surgery, the Dolphins desperately need another defensive back to stand out alongside Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard and rising safety Jevon Holland. 

Kohou is a tenacious defender with dynamic speed, able to keep up in stride when defending his star receiver teammates Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle during his second training camp. His speed and feisty demeanor could bode well as a boundary cornerback, but he could be primed for a breakout season as a slot/nickel corner in Vic Fangio’s defense. 

Kohou has already earned the Dolphins’ practice player for the day award during the first week of camp, living up to high praise he’s earned from both Hill and Howard.

"He’s small, but he’s very strong at the line of scrimmage, and he isn’t afraid to tackle," Hill said of Kohou. "I’m looking for him to have a breakout year this year."  – Safid Deen, USA TODAY Sports 

New York Giants

WR Jalin Hyatt

Even the Giants expected Hyatt's rookie development to be a bit slower once he got to this level. They believed his elite speed − not just vertically, but his short-area quickness − would take the top off defenses and put cornerbacks on their heels.

The learning curve in practice has diminished considerably, and his rapid rise over the first two weeks of camp has been at times startling.

He's winning on deep throws from Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor with regularity. The presence of the 6-1, 185-pound Hyatt is changing the look of how the Giants can threaten defenses. Growing up, he modeled his game after DeSean Jackson and more recently DeVonta Smith; if Hyatt can replicate his idols, there’s no telling how explosive his play will be. – Art Stapleton, The Record (N.J.)

CB Tre Hawkins III

The sixth-round rookie out of Old Dominion has already managed to impress, garnering praise across the board from observers at training camp practices − media and fans alike − not to mention his teammates and coaches, including the one who oversees everything, Brian Daboll.

Hawkins started from the bottom, and now he's here: running with the starters on the boundary the last two practices, with first-round rookie Deonte Banks on the opposite sideline and Adoree' Jackson bumping inside for a handful of reps, providing the Giants with a different look to consider against certain matchups.

He is scrappy and appears to have a resilience to his game that stands out. He has been very active around the ball, picking up interceptions in one-on-one drills and breaking up passes in team drills against first- and second-team receivers. – Art Stapleton, The Record (N.J.)

Philadelphia Eagles

S Sydney Brown

The Eagles, a veteran team with Super Bowl aspirations, aren’t about to hand a crucial starting position such as safety over to a rookie.

So Brown, the Eagles’ third-round pick from Illinois, is going to have to earn his spot. Don’t be surprised if he does by the time the regular-season begins. The Eagles are replacing both starters from last season in Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps after each left in free agency. They signed veteran Terrell Edmunds and return Reed Blankenship, who started five games late last season in place of Gardner-Johnson.

Brown is proving to be a quick study. He began training camp with the third team and has quickly climbed up the depth chart as he learned the Eagles’ defense and adapted to the NFL. The Eagles love his intelligence and his speed.

For his part, Brown isn’t looking too far ahead.

"There’s a learning curve to this," he said. "What I can do now is focus on where I am today, and trying to get from Point A to Point B rather than trying to get to Z. You gotta take the steps to get to where you want to be. And trying to rush through that sometimes is not the right way." – Martin Frank, Wilmington News Journal

G Cam Jurgens

The Eagles drafted Jurgens in the second round in 2022 to eventually replace Jason Kelce at center.

Kelce, however, contemplated retirement yet again before deciding to return for a 13 th  season. So barring an injury, Jurgens would have to find another way to get on the field. And the answer was at right guard replacing Isaac Seumalo, who left in free agency.

Jurgens, who won the job early in camp, has the advantage of playing in between two potential Hall of Famers in Kelce and right tackle Lane Johnson. But Jurgens has shown so far that he’s not a plug-in on an offensive line that last season was considered by many to be the NFL’s best.

"Cam’s a ‘wardaddy,’" Johnson said with a laugh. “He’s super strong … one of the strongest guys on the team. What I noticed in practice is just how unbelievably quick he is, a lot like Kelce when it comes to snap quickness, getting to the second level. He’s very good in the screen game, he’s very good at getting up to the linebackers." – Martin Frank, Wilmington News Journal

Tennessee Titans

DT Jayden Peevy

Recent Titans history is littered with examples of the franchise finding an undrafted defensive tackle and making him a serviceable NFL player. Jayden Peevy looks like he's next in line.

Undrafted in 2022, Peevy spent most of his rookie season on the Titans' practice squad before making his NFL debut in Week 16. This offseason he picked up biking as a hobby, shed 17 pounds and came back a new player, winning one of the Titans' offseason most valuable player honors.

Mike Vrabel says Peevy's intelligent enough to play in base, nickel and dime packages, he's moving better and he's doing a better job of using his 6-6 frame to his advantage. Don't expect Peevy to steal reps from Jeffery Simmons any time soon, but he'll be in the rotation alongside fellow former undrafted players Teair Tart and Denico Autry in the Titans' attacking front four. – Nick Suss, The Tennessean

WR Treylon Burks

This one isn't really a surprise, but it's big for the Titans. Burks didn't really get a full rookie season in 2022, missing six games with a toe injury and a concussion after struggling to get into NFL shape in the preseason. He's looked like a new man this summer, though, bullying defensive backs with his physicality and showing off his sticky fingers with diving and one-handed catches against single coverage.

No one's expecting Burks to suddenly emerge as A.J. Brown's replacement outright, but now that he's paired with DeAndre Hopkins in the Titans' receiver room, Burks is poised to remind fans why the Titans used a first-round pick on him to soften the blow of the Brown trade. – Nick Suss, The Tennessean

DB Elijah Molden

Year 3 figures to be a big one for Molden, the Titans' third-round pick in 2021. He only played in two games last year as nagging injuries kept him yo-yoing on and off injured reserve. Now he's making a transition from full-time nickel corner to more of a hybrid safety. He still lines up primarily in the slot, but he's joining Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker as a third safety in dime packages as often as he's lining up as a true nickel corner.

With fellow 2021 draft pick Caleb Farley still recovering from his season-ending injury, Molden has a big opportunity to be the swing defensive back in the Titans' secondary and seize a lot of playing time against pass-happy opponents when the Titans need to have six DBs on the field. The Titans specifically carved out this role for Molden, and it's up to him to make the most of it. – Nick Suss, The Tennessean

Washington Commanders

CB Benjamin St-Juste

The strength of the Commanders in 2023 will be the defense once again, with a deep pass rush and two solid corners on the outside in rookie Emmanuel Forbes and veteran Kendall Fuller.  

St-Juste, however, has made a strong case for the slot corner role and is looking to build off an improved second season last year despite missing five of the last six games.

"Now that I know and I've been playing two positions, I kind of know where I need to be so I don't have to run and try to make up for some plays because I'm late," the third-year cornerback from Minnesota said. "I'm usually like two, three steps ahead of what the offense is doing, so I can just chill in that spot, wait for the ball and make a pick." – Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY Sports

• For Camp Professionals
• For Parents & Families

Drawing from what we are learning through the ACA Research Initiative, we've gathered some tools that could help you and your staff.

With so little time in precamp orientation to do everything you want to do, you may find it helpful to step back and set priorities for your training time with counselors. Take the time to sort out what needs to be said and understood versus read and understood. Make the most of both, and you’ll have more time for group interaction using methods that build skills and capitalize on the talents your staff bring to the job.

Facilitation can be challenging to teach, but when your counselors "get it," the results are phenomenal. Facilitation, sometimes called processing, helps create an atmosphere where campers are encouraged to process feelings and behavior; resolve conflict; and gain both confidence and skill in decision making. Additionally, facilitation exercises help campers develop a sense of belonging. Camp provides the ideal setting for the kind of active learning researchers and educators find as the most effective way for people of all ages to learn. Recent brain research points to active learning as one of the keys to prepare campers to meet the challenges of our changing society.

Check out these tools, with exercises and examples, and consider if they have a place in your staff training. Feel free to print off and copy as needed.

Jonathan Gannon gives more clues about Cardinals' joint training camp practices

It will be hot in the ‘east’ when Cardinals travel for training camp practices against an AFC team in August

When he met with reporters at the NFL meeting in March, Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon revealed that the team will practice against an unidentified team during training camp.

The only clue Gannon gave was that it would be a very good team from the AFC.

Last season, prior to their road preseason game against the Vikings, the Cardinals practiced for two days with the NFC North team.

Earlier this week, when Gannon talked to the media at the opening of the team’s offseason program, he was asked if he was ready to share which team it will be.

He said, “Honestly I would, but I don’t know if that’s set in stone yet because the NFL has a say on that.”

The NFL involvement is because in conjunction with the teams, the preseason game schedules are set and the league decides which matchups will be national TV games.

The Cardinals will have two have road preseason games, and ideally the practices will be before a game in Week 2 or Week 3.

Gannon did provide some more information when he said, “So it’s an AFC team and it’s out east so I’ll just hold on that for a little bit until it gets finalized. I don’t want you guys guessing.”

After a pause, he added, “OK, here’s the deal: I’m 99 percent sure when we’re doing it and who we’re doing it with, which means I’m not sure. I got that from (former NFL coach) Frank Reich, (who would always say), ‘You’re 99 percent sure, you’re really not sure.’ So that’s where I’m at with that.”

Some laughs ensued when a reporter asked, “When you say out east, like midwest out east?”

To which Gannon replied, “Any time I get on a plane and go east that’s east to me now. That’s where it’s at.”

He then said, “It’ll be hot,” paused and said, “Ooooh.”

Does that mean Kansas City? Cincinnati? Cleveland? Yes, we’re guessing.

Of course, anywhere in the midwest or east it will likely be hot in August. Even Minneapolis was unseasonably hot last summer .

The weekly slots for preseason games are expected to be announced when the regular-season schedules are revealed in May.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire's Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Sub scribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify .

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Jonathan Gannon gives more clues about Cardinals' joint training camp practices

The kids are going to summer camp. Time to plan an adult vacation.

The nearby trip can be comforting while also maintaining independence.

Michelle Minor drove more than 600 miles last summer to drop off her 12-year-old son at NASA space camp, his first overnight summer camp. Once he was settled in, Minor didn’t drive back home. She and her partner drove about two hours away to Nashville, where they stayed for the week.

“I wanted to be close. That’s really it. I did not feel like I could have him far away,” Minor said, who lives in Evanston, Ill., multiple states away from her son’s camp in Alabama. “I think he kind of also felt comforted by the fact that I was close by, that I wasn’t states and states away.”

It was an added bonus that for the first time in a long time, Minor and her partner got to enjoy a couples vacation. They’re planning a similar trip this August, when Minor’s son goes back to overnight camp.

“We could get to know each other as just adults again, doing things that we like, that aren’t necessarily related to us being parents, like art museums or live music. ... We could actually go see live music that starts at 9 p.m., and we don’t have to get up and make scrambled eggs at 7:30,” she joked.

Every summer, more than 26 million kids and adults attend camps, with overnight camps increasing their enrollment, according to the American Camp Association. As some parents sort out their children’s summer plans and make camp packing lists, they’re also planning nearby trips of their own. Here’s how to start thinking about one.

What to consider

Jody LeVos, chief learning officer at the children’s education company Begin, said staying close by while kids go to camp can be comforting for parents, but still allows children to build friendships and independence.

“It’s not going to impact the child’s experience. They’re away from their parents, whether the parent is half an hour away or six hours away, so it’s more about the parent and what makes them comfortable,” LeVos said.

She says each child develops independence at their own pace, but when they’re emotionally and mentally prepared, overnight camp can be a great opportunity for kids to enhance their skills. The transition, however, can be nerve-racking for parents who are seeing their child’s growing independence.

“Parents may be asking the what-ifs, you know, what happens if my child needs me or gets hurt? And so there is some anxiety around, what will the child do when I’m not there to protect them or respond to their every need?” LeVos said.

She recommends practicing overnight camp routines with children who are going away for the first time, like having them sleep in their sleeping bag at home first and practicing other routines that may typically get done with help from parents.

Melanie Gast is planning her first summer vacation spent without her older kids. After years of attending camps near their home in West Palm Beach, Fla., her 13-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son will attend their first overnight camps during the same week; an outdoors summer camp for the eldest, and a nearby overnight science camp for her son.

“I look at this as an amazing vacation for my husband and I,” Gast said. She and her husband will bring their 2-year-old daughter along on the trip to Memphis, but they’re planning to take turns entertaining her at the hotel while the other parent visits Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum and other sights.

“We’ll still have a baby, but that’s really different than having a teenager and a 10-year-old,” Gast said. “So for me this is the best it can get.”

Most parents find a camp first then find a nearby city to explore, but it’s possible to reverse engineer that part of the process. The most important thing to do is make sure the chosen camp will be one that keeps your child engaged from start to finish. Once your kid is enrolled, you can start planning your own nearby getaway, but know that unforeseen hiccups at camp could cut a parent’s vacation short, such as illness.

Gast chose Memphis as the city she wanted to visit for vacation, then found summer camps for her children that were within a driving range that made her comfortable. Both Gast and Minor said a city that’s about a three-hour drive or less from camp is best.

LeVos says parents who are nervous about how well their child is adapting to their new environment should make time for movement to relieve stress.

“Going for a walk at night, looking up at the stars, knowing that your child is looking at the same stars can be really helpful and remind families that they may be a little bit apart, but they’re still together,” she said.

LeVos also recommends journaling, for both children at camp and their parents, to explore what emotions come up when the family is apart. Once reunited, family members can use their notes as an entry point for understanding how the time went for everyone.

A win for both parents and kids

At the end of camp, LeVos says children will likely return home feeling proud of the way they cared for themselves and developed new skills for managing their emotions.

That’s what Minor experienced when her son returned from camp last year. He did better than she expected. “I was like, ‘Oh, okay, you did bring all the clothes home? You actually wore all of them versus wearing the same thing? Oh, you did good.’ Those are important life skills,” she said.

She’s more comfortable sending her son back for another overnight camp this year, but she’ll still be vacationing nearby, just in case.

“This is an opportunity to not only still be the best parent – because as a parent, you get a lot of credibility when you send your kid to space camp, but then you also get to enjoy some of the benefits in a rewarding way,” Minor said. “Everybody wins here.”

Sheeka Sanahori is a travel journalist and video producer based in Atlanta. You can find her on Instagram: @sheeka.sanahori .

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