Tennis & Life Camps

★★★★★Kristina Petrosino

I just went to the adult camp over the weekend. Let me say, it is a well oiled machine. The second I got there, I felt very welcomed. One of the instructors, carried my bag, and was so kind! I was scared my car was going to get towed, and I saw Barb Wilkinson; she just smiled and was like, leave your car, and park it at your leisure. Everyone is beyond friendly, and the best part, it is all genuine. I’m definitely returning! It was such a memorable experience. I made so many friends, and learned a lot. It is definitely for all levels, and everyone just seems happy to be there. Neal and Tommy are class acts too. I really enjoyed listening to their stories, and love the values of tennis life camp. It was a privilege to be among such amazing people. Thank you!

★★★★★Chum Struve

I thought an absolutely an amazing camp. I am a 3.25 player and there were all levels but the instruction and the coaching by the instructors was better than I have received by pros at my regular club in the Twin Cities. I highly recommend this camp for improving your tennis game.

★★★★★Aileen Williams

My husband and I ventured from Canada this spring to this Tennis Camp based on the comments of a tennis acquaintance. We had a terrific experience from really the minute we arrived until the minute we left. The tennis coaches are all young college kids who have a love of the game and a definite ability to coach as they are all highly skilled division players. We played tennis and participated in drills from early morning to early evening and slept like babies only to wake up and do it all over again. It is non-stop tennis with other like minded adults. The accommodation is sparse, the food plentiful and the laughs and good karma flowing. We played with 2 other women for the whole 3.5 days and really enjoyed meeting them and we also made some new friends. This program, we felt was pro ball, and we really enjoyed ourselves. No wonder it is chock-full of many, many multiple returnees! I will rebook with out a doubt! Management was on hand at all times to handle any issues, we had none though! Good work.

★★★★★Mister Jon

Positivity and energy exudes from the instructors. They really make this camp what it is. While there has been little innovation over the years in terms of new instruction or drills, and at times, the camp director gets on a soapbox about his point of view of the world (including his extremely left-leaning politics), the fact is that this is one of the most special places on earth and it helps you become a better person. If you like tennis, this is a place you need to experience. They offer kids, adult and family camps. Prices are on the high side, but therr are limited scholarships available. Accommodations are moderately acceptable (you stay in the freshmen dorm, and there is AC only in the main areas, not in the rooms). The linens are horrible (bring your own pillow, and fitted sheet for a twin mattress (no fitted sheet is provided) and a towel as the ones provided are third world quality) The food in the cafeteria is the best you'll find in any cafeteria. Excellent choices of food, including allergy sensitive options. Tennis instruction does occur, but can be sporadic, particularly on the set lessons. There is a lot more instruction that occurs during optional station drills. They have many good ball machines, including one for service returns that rises up about 15 feet and can really whiz the balls. The camp (now owned by Gustavus College), has been historically a little on the extreme side about Covid precautions (which ironically have little to no effectiveness given the loopholes).

★★★★★Sutton Julsrud

This camp is the highlight of my summer. I went to the tournament camp and we played at least 8 hours of tennis a day! They teach really well and help us on what we need to fix. We also learn greaf sportsmanship and how to act on the courts. The food is great, the staff/coaches are super nice and I am going to miss them. See you in a year!