Camps

In partnership with the USOPC, the USRowing Pathways Program is a multi-phased, age-based approach to developing athletes in the safest, most productive way possible. USRowing identifies talented athletes with the potential to grow within the greater National Team system. We provide these athletes with challenging, yet developmentally appropriate opportunities.

Pathways Development Camp

2026 Camp Information Coming Soon!

Purpose:
Broaden access to national team methodology for athletes earlier in their development journey.

Key Features:

Emphasis on skill acquisition, boat feel, and performance habits
Introduces national team culture and training fundamentals
Often regionally hosted to reduce cost barriers

Athlete Profile:
Promising athletes with solid regional or club results who aspire to move up the Pathways ladder.

Target Athlete Metrics:

Men: 6:30–6:50
Women: 7:25–7:45
Note: Target ranges provide context for selection. Camp invitations are based on multiple factors, including coach recommendations, race performance, and progression.

Sample Day in the Life

6:30 a.m.: Depart for Practice
7:00 a.m.to 9:00 a.m.: First Rowing Session
9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Breakfast
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Land session (For example: yoga, video review, coach meetings, lifting sessions, nutrition talks, mental strength building, college recruitment talks, college preparation talks, building confidence, leadership skills, how to train for the erg, how to step up to any challenge, and much more.).
1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Lunch
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Film review and/or land session.
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Second Rowing Session
5:00 p.m.: Dinner

Application Process

To Apply: Log in to your USRowing member portal HERE

Once logged into your account select "Camps" from the lefthand menu
Click "Apply" to U19 Pathways Development Camp 1 or Camp 2
Update all Athlete Metrics and Click "Submit"
Answer/update additional question and Click "Submit"

Coxswains: All coxswains applications require three steps. Step 1: Submit an application in the member portal. Step 2: Please submit your additional materials (race recording, etc.) by completing this FORM. If you are applying to both SDC and PDC, you only need to complete this form once. Step 3: Please instruct your current Head Coach to submit your recommendation by completing this FORM. If you are applying to both SDC and PDC, your coach only needs to complete this form once.

Scholarship: For those facing a financial hardship, USRowing has a limited amount of scholarship funds for PDC through the United We Row Scholarship Program. Apply for a scholarship by completing this FORM.

Coaching Staff

All coaches on staff are required to have a First Aid/CPR certification, SafeSport training, Boater Safety education, and a detailed background check. All of our coaches are USRowing Level 2 certified and many of them have completed the USRowing Level 3 certification – the highest level certification available for coaches in the United States. The staff has a plethora of coaching experience, covering introductory youth levels through high-performance international rowing.

Sean McCourt: Pathways Development Camp Logistic Director & Boys Recruiter

Former rower at St. Joseph's Prep & Boston University
Attended U.S. Nations Cup (Under 23) and Lightweight Selection Camps; runner-up at 2000 World Championships Trials
Built successful programs at Mercer Juniors and served in USRowing U17 athlete development

Sean McCourt is currently head coach for The McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN. He began rowing in high school at St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia and went on to row for Boston University, where he graduated with a B.S. in secondary education. During that time, he was selected to attend the U.S. Nations Cup (Under 23) Lightweight Team Camp in 1998 and Lightweight Selection Camp in 1999 and was runner-up in the lightweight pair at the 2000 World Championships Trials.

Outside of McCallie, McCourt's coaching experience includes St. Joseph's Prep, where he was an assistant coach before starting the PNRA/Mercer program. He spent the next decade building the Mercer Juniors into a perennial contender. Still, more importantly, a strong community that encapsulated athletes from suburban areas and inner-city neighborhoods in Trenton, N.J. McCourt also has spent several years helping with the USRowing U17 development program. He has served as the head coach for the Midwest & Central Region boys' squad from 2019-2022. Since 2023, he has identified and recruited athletes and oversaw the camp's logistical operations.

Over the years, he has helped many athletes achieve their goal of competing on the collegiate level. His crews have achieved victories and medals at the USRowing Youth National Championships, SRAA Nationals, Head of the Charles, Head of the Schuylkill, Head of the Hooch, Stotesbury Cup, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Youth Championships, Reading Amateur Regatta (UK), Women’s Henley Regatta (UK), Southeast Youth Championships, Philadelphia City Championships, and the ODP Challenge, among others.

Megan Dirkmaat McCourt: Camp Director & Olympic Silver Medalist

Olympic Medalist and national team member (2001-2007)
Rowed for UC Berkeley; coached at Stanford
Stroked the women’s 4– to gold at the Munich World Championships in 2007

Megan (Dirkmaat) McCourt began rowing in high school at the Los Gatos Rowing Club in California. Her success there led to a rowing scholarship at The University of California-Berkeley. She was invited to her first national team camp in 1998 and became a permanent resident at the Princeton Training Center in 2001 after graduating from Berkeley.

Megan made her first national team in 2001, racing in the women’s 8+ at the FISA World Championship in Lucerne, Switzerland. She went on to make the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007 National Teams. In 2004, Megan was a member of the women’s 8+ that won gold in the Munich and Lucerne World Cups, and a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. This crew also set a world-best time in the Olympic heat of the women’s 8+. After a post-Olympic break, which included a stint coaching at Stanford University, Megan returned to Princeton. She earned a spot in the women’s 8+ for the 2005 World Championship in Gifu, Japan.

Following the World Championship in 2005, Megan decided to take the 2006 season off and attend graduate school at the University of Washington. After graduating with a Master of Education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership, Megan returned to Princeton for the 2007 rowing season. She was selected to stroke the women’s 4- at the Munich World Championship, capturing the gold medal and upsetting the heavily favored Germans on their home course.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I expect an invite?

Camp invitations will start at the beginning of February and will continue on a rolling basis through late May.

What do I do if I have not heard anything yet?

Depending on when you submit your information and when you attended an ID Camp, you may be waiting to hear from us. Be patient and continue to work hard.

I paid my deposit, now what?

You will receive directions from your camp director regarding the remaining balance payment and any additional requirements.

Payment is due in full by May 1st.

Are there other waivers and forms that I need to sign?

Yes. Once you accept your invitation, you will receive directions from your camp director on the required forms for your specific camp.

Is there a packing list for camp?

Plan on rowing A LOT! There are laundry facilities, but a general rule of thumb is to pack a week’s worth of clothing.

Essentials

•You will need to provide your own bedding and pillow.

• Spending money for incidentals. While not necessary, it can be helpful to have some money to spend on things like extra snacks or movies.

• Sunscreen

• Bath Towels

• Running Shoes

• Rowing Clothes (anticipate 11-12 sessions per week)

• Clothes for the dorm

• 1-2 sets of nicely casual clothes

• Rain Gear

• Nalgene or other types of water bottles (more than one is a good idea)

• Day pack or small duffle

• Alarm Clock

• Necessary Medication

• Hygiene products

• Needed athletic training items (foam rollers, bands, recovery items.)

• Coxswains – Tape Recorder (if you don’t have one, purchase one before arriving. They are very helpful, and you’ll be able to use them after the camp as well.)

• Coxswains – Cox Box (if you don’t have your own, please try and borrow one from your program. Let us know if you are unable to bring one as we should be able to provide one.)

Permitted (but not required)

• Laptop Computers/Tablets (wireless internet is available)

• Speaker System

• Video Game System

• Movies

• Heart Rate Monitor

Prohibited (not exhaustive, use your judgement)

• Hot Plates

• Candles

• Fireworks

• Knives

• Weapons

• Drugs, alcohol, tobacco

• Electronic cigarettes

What does housing look like?

Athletes will be housed in the dorms of The University of Tennessee Chattanooga.

Supervision Coaches and interns will be staying in the dorms as well. These individuals will be USRowing-certified coaches who have passed background checks and have completed our SafeSport training requirement.

Family Visits Parents are welcome to visit their rowers during camp but will need to be flexible on the timing. Visits will need to fall outside of training and any scheduled camp meetings or events.

Is there transportation?

To/From Camp Athletes are responsible for their travel to camp and home from camp.

Shuttles will be provided to/from CHA. Other airport options include ATL and BNA, but campers will need to arrange their own transportation to/from these airports via the Groome Shuttle or another private option.

Is there a racing opportunity at the end of camp?

While racing is not the primary focus of YDC, athletes still will get the opportunity to line up against each other at the informal Summer Cup race at the end of camp.

Race Date TBA

Race Location GPS McCallie Rowing Center

Parent Attendance Parents are more than welcome and encouraged to attend the Summer Cup.

More details to come!

What happens if an athlete needs medical attention at camp?

There will be a full time paramedic on staff who will be residing in the dorm. If medical attention is required beyond her scope, she will accompany the athlete to urgent care or the hospital.

What if the registration fee is high for me and my family?

We strive to make our camps accessible and affordable to families and athletes in need. If you are in need of a scholarship, please fill out the application provided above.

What is your cancellation policy?

2025 Summer Camp deposits are 100% refundable within 48 hours of registration. Deposits are 50% refundable until 3/31/25. After this date, deposits will not be refunded due to administrative costs incurred, except in unforeseen circumstances. Refund requests should be sent in writing to stephanie.fryer@usrowing.org.