Is this "Real" interest?

The only way to know for sure is to call and ask. If the coach doesn't return your call, then the interest wasn't genuine.

However, do not discount the value of college camps in the recruiting process. Coaches have to see and meet your son somewhere. College camps can be a great way to accomplish that as long as your son fits the school both academically and athletically. Our son was recruited to his "dream school" out of their camp and then chose to go to a different school later during the process. They had never seen him play before camp. You can't go to every camp, so the burden is on you to choose wisely.

As 2013 we are going through this as well. Some schools he is finding general interest others legit. As a 13 they can not call you back, If in any of the letters or emails gave you a cell phone number that is a good sign. If so, call the cell and show your interest and be sure to ask the coach where he saw you play what did he like about your game etc. If no cell phone it is tougher to make contact as students are in school when coaches are available. But still get on the phone and call the office. If no phone # email the coaches back and follow the same questions as above. You can also ask your travel ball or HS coach to reach out. Agree with Lefty's camp thoughts as well.

BBoy, funny you bring up the cell phone number. My son received a very personal email from a coach, and at the bottom he put his cell number down. We have been wondering since he got the email if he should have called.

He is going to throw in front of this guy in a couple weeks, so maybe a phone call wouldnt be too bad before then.

Absolutely call. They have interest and in all likely hood they have interest in other players that play his same position as well. Suppose they have interest in 15 kids and send the same letter. If 8 of those call you have just shown that you are interested in them so they will be more likely to follow his progress.

Thanks for the input. Several of the letters have the coach or recruiting coordinator's cell phone number on them. Son put together a list of schools that he has interest in and now we are looking at the camps that fit into his schedule. It is tough this time of year due to his football schedule. It looks like the only camps he will be able to attend will be during the winter break. Some of the camps that he has looked at include a few different schools (not all of them are on his list). Should he be looking into single school camps or are the other camps the way to go even though all of those schools are not on his list?

Single school camps or multi school? We have been in somewhat of the same boat. Multi school I think is a better way to go while still casting your net or if a few of your target schools are in attendance. As you drill down to fewer schools and particularly if you have generated interest(they have actually seen you play and like you) going to a camp of only one school makes sense if it is a very high interest school for son. Thats been our approach anyway.

btw a Great Camp for anyone particularly a frshman is the overnight Naval Academy camp in the summer. Great instruction, 20 plus colleges, Teach your kid life lessons, 4-5 nights on campus, great food and tons of baseball. My sons all time favorite.

too often we, as parents overthink the process----go with your gut