As summer approaches and school calendars wind down, parents across the country are already planning how to fill the long, sunny days ahead. For many families, summer camps and sports clinics have become a seasonal staple — offering kids the perfect mix of activity, learning, and fun, while parents enjoy the comfort of structured, supervised programs. But beyond the family calendar, another group is paying close attention: big business.
Youth summer camps have grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, and racquet and paddle sports are right at the heart of the boom. From tennis to pickleball, companies are seizing the opportunity to meet soaring demand — and the result is a new wave of highly specialized camps that are as much about skill-building as they are about fostering a lifelong love of the game.
From Tennis Courts to Pickleball: Big Brands Jump In
Recognizing the popularity of racquet and paddle sports among young athletes, major brands have expanded into summer programming in a big way. NIKE US Sports Camps, known for offering instruction across a variety of sports, has recently added Pickleball to its impressive roster, alongside traditional favorites like lacrosse, golf, volleyball, and tennis. Their junior pickleball camps promise an intensive blend of instruction, drills, match play, and fun — tailored to players of every skill level.
Wilson, a household name in tennis equipment, offers a network of camps nationwide through its Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps. One standout is the fast-growing Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camp at the University of Central Florida, led by UCF Women’s Tennis Coaches Lloyd Burgess and Bryan Koniecko. Campers can choose between full-day and half-day options across three weeks of world-class training.
Adidas has also carved out its slice of the summer sports scene with Adidas Tennis Camps, available in over 20 states. These camps emphasize expert coaching, positivity, and personalized attention for children aged 5-18. Featuring former pros, top college coaches, and elite collegiate athletes, Adidas camps create a nurturing environment where players of all abilities can hone their skills and grow their love for the game.
Setting the Standard: Elite Camps Take Center Stage
For families looking for the ultimate summer tennis experience, IMG Academy continues to set the gold standard. Ranked as the Best Junior Tennis Academy by Tennis Resorts Online in 2023, IMG offers camps for ages 8-18 with technical, tactical, physical, and mental development programs. With customizable training schedules throughout the year, the Academy ensures that serious young athletes have every opportunity to maximize their potential.
Across the Atlantic, the Rafa Nadal Academy Summer Tennis Camp invites children from around the world to train in one of the sport’s most celebrated centers. Running from June through August, the camp combines rigorous tennis instruction with a full slate of recreational activities—providing not just athletic training but also a rich cultural and social experience.
A Future as Bright as the Summer Sun
The surge in racquet and paddle sports camps mirrors broader trends in youth sports — where parents are increasingly investing in experiences that offer equal skill development, social connection, and fun. With tennis and pickleball seeing participation numbers skyrocket, it’s no surprise that summer camps for these sports have become major players in the youth activity market.
Whether for the casual player or the future collegiate star, today’s summer racquet sports camps offer more than just a way to pass the time. They’re creating memories, building confidence, and helping kids fall in love with a lifetime sport—all while fueling one of the hottest sectors in youth athletics today.
So whether your child dreams of smashing an ace on the center court or wants to master their backhand for neighborhood bragging rights, summer camps are ready to serve up a season to remember.
