Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Michael Filipek Tennis Academy - New York, USA

Q: What does my child need to bring to camp?

A: For Day Camp: Health form, racquets, bag, hat, water bottle, sunblock, wristbands, extra t-shirt.

For Overnight Camp: All of the above plus: athletic socks, t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirt,

off-court clothes, pajamas, bed linens, sleeping bag/blanket, pillow, towels, toiletries, portable fan, alarm clock, bathing suit, hat, spending money.

Q: What is a typical day at MFTA?

A: Please see “Day Camp” and “Overnight Camp” pages for daily schedule.

Q: What are the qualifications of the staff?

A: Apart from Michael and his Assistant Director, the staff consists mostly of college players who are qualified by their past teaching and/or playing experience. All technical instruction will come from the Directors, with the staff’s role to conduct drills, games, supervise campers and generally create a safe and fun environment for the campers. All staff members are carefully selected, trained, and most have been with us for multiple years.

Q: What is the staff/camper ratio?

A: We try to maintain a 4:1 ratio. There are some activities where campers will be working one on one with the staff, and other times when the ratio becomes higher during certain group drills, games or activities.

Q: How are the campers supervised?

A: By Connecticut State law, overnight camps are to maintain a 10:1 camper/staff ratio. Our ratio is lower than that. Every night a Director, Director of First Aid and at least one other staff member will stay in the dorms with the campers. Campers are supervised 24 hours per day, and are not allowed to go anywhere on campus without an accompanying staff member. Only staff has keys to access the dorm building.

Q: Is lunch provided?

A. Yes. Campers will be served a complete lunch every day. With the exception of Fridays (pizza day during our team competition) campers will eat in the Wesleyan dining hall with a choice of several hot entrees, sandwich bar, salad bar, fresh fruit, a variety of drinks, and etcetera. Our overnight campers will be served three meals per day along with snacks.

Q: How do you group the children?

A: The camp is generally divided by competitive players and non-competitive groups. From there drill groups “form themselves” each morning based upon the campers’ performance in a game called “Play Ups” Occasionally the Director may adjust the groups to make them more balanced (considering age and/or gender).

Q: Is the camp licensed?

A: Yes. The MFTA/adidas Tennis Camp is licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Health.

Q: How do I check to see if there are still openings for the weeks I would like to attend?

A: Please call the adidas Tennis Camps office at 800.944.7112 to check availability and to enroll. Space is limited and campers are registered on a first come/first served basis. The fastest way to enroll and ensure a spot for your child is to register online at http://tenniscamper.com/test/WesleyanUniversity.html.

Q: My child is a first-time overnight camper. How can I prepare him or her for camp at MFTA?

A: An important part of the camp experience is the opportunity for your child to explore a world bigger than his/her neighborhood and a chance for you and your child to practice “letting go.” Being at camp facilitates autonomy and a stronger sense of self to make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork, be creative, and etcetera. A side benefit is that parents will be able to have some time for themselves so that they will feel refreshed when their child returns home.

Talk about your concerns.As the first day of camp approaches, some children experience uneasiness about going away. Encourage your child to talk about these feelings. Communicate confidence in your child’s ability to handle being away from home.

It is important for both parents and campers to be realistic about the camp experience.Camp, like life itself, has high and low points. Not every moment will be filled with fun and excitement. Discuss both the ups and downs your child may experience. Parents should not pressure their child to achieve specific results, keeping in mind that camp is meant to be a healthy and fun learning experience.