There can be value in going to a camp that has coaches from a variety of college programs including DI, DII, DIII, and NAIA that combines instruction with showcasing your skills. Everyone who has posted here has valid points. However, where else can your kids get instruction, information, and feedback from a college coach that can help them improve their skills if they listen?
Realize that if you go to a college camp without other college coaches there, you are only being seen by that one staff. If your only reason for going is to be seen by that one coaching staff then you should find out if they are still looking for kids in your class and positions. College coaches do find kids that way on occasion but it is a very small number. You should go to that camp with the idea that it is a learning experience. Get feedback on how to get better and learn more about that school and its program. When you are there you get to interact with coaches and players and find out would you like being at that school if you are talented enough to play there. It also gives you an opportunity to compare different types and sizes of schools to find what might be a good fit for you. Maybe DD goes to a camp and she finds out she doesn't like the size of school, kids on the team, or the coaches. There is value in learning that. There is also value in learning the reality of the competition you are dealing with in getting to play at the college level. If you are not one of the top 5 kids at that camp, they probably won't be interested in you. Reality should set in. Look at another level or another school. Cross the school off your list and keep looking for something that might be a good fit.
With the DI recruiting rules changing, trends in how those coaches recruit will change. They won't go to outside camps (non-institutional) to observe talent as much unless they are working the camp. Di coaches can only work specific time frames during recruiting periods. Unless you are attending a national level camp with national level talent, the only coaches you can expect to see at your camp are the ones working. It is still a good way to get seen. At least when you are working with a coach at a camp you know they are looking at you. When you are at a tournament, you have no idea who they are looking at when they are watching your field.
Only 1to 3% of the kids who play the game have the opportunity to play in college. Chances are 1 to 3% of the kids who go to a showcase camp will have that opportunity.
I agree with previous posts. My suggestion is go to camps where there is a variety of coaches there where you can get exposed to coaches from all levels or go to a school you have great interest in but try to find out ahead of time if they are still looking for athletes in your class or position.
