College Camps

It depends on the school, and if they have a track record of recruiting out of those camps.  For the most part I would say they are basically fundraisers - but if a player is a standout at the camp it is bound to get somebody's attention.

Worst case scenario it is a chance to get instruction and possibly meet members of the coaching staff.  Those aren't bad things as long as the cost is reasonable.

Doing one or two are good for the player to understand what is involved in playing college baseball as he will be on a college field, get to interact with college coaches, and see the competition and probably learn some things. Unless there is serious interest in advance they are not usually worth it from a recruiting standpoint; unless the player has an outstanding day or skill that the coach sees at the camp. ++ velocity, hitting for power, exceptional speed, etc.  There are exceptions like the Stanford camp which is a big multi-day, multi-program event. 

Rising freshman? Rising sophomore?  Big difference, IMO, in the answer you'd get.  If latter, I agree with BOF.

I agree with BOF as well.  My son is a 2016 and has gone to two college camps so far.  Both are at schools where he has had some prior contact with the pitching coach and they had seen him throw in a game previously.

He feels like he got a couple steps forward with each coach by being on their campus and pitching for them again. 

Showing up cold to a camp unless it was extremely reasonable (low fee, no hotel, etc.) or you son has tools as BOF described.  I would pass.

Depends on your sons skill level at this time. Worked out for my son to go to camps of schools he's interested in. But, my sons a pitcher w good numbers. 

also depends on size of camps.

at his age I would say get on good Summer team that plays where your interested school coaches may come. Also. See if Summer team coaches have relationships w local college coaches if that's what your interested in.

good luck

Thanks for all for your comments.