Camps
Selection Development Camp
Selection Development Camp is focused on helping athletes build the skills they need to achieve their rowing aspirations. Through a combination of small boat training and education, athletes will be able to push through to the next level of competition. Coaches will use the camp to identify athletes who may be invited to the 2026 U19 and U23 Selection Camps.
New in 2025: All Selection Development Athletes will participate in an International Regatta at the end of camp. More details to come!
General Information
- Dates: June 23 - July 16, Chula Vista, CA
- Cost: $6,495 (including $1,500 deposit)
- Coaching Staff: Paul Buggenhagen (Men), Conny Kirsch (Women)
- Invitations: Invitations will begin to be sent in February 2025
Target Audience
- Prior rowing experience
- Born 2007 - 2011
- 2K scores 6:15 - 6:35 (M) and 7:10 -7:30 (W)
Sample Day in the Life
- 6:30 a.m.: Breakfast
- 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.: First Rowing Session
- 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Land session (Yoga, video review, lifting sessions, nutrition talks, mental performance section, college preparation talks, etc)
- 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
Applications for 2025 will open 12/9/24
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 Selection Development Camp
- Update all Athlete Metrics
- Click "Submit"
- Answer/update additional question
- Click "Submit"
Coxswains: All coxswains must submit an application in the member portal. Recordings and coach recommendations will be submitted through an additional form in the application.
Scholarship: USRowing has limited funds available for U19 Selection Development Camp through the United We Row Scholarship Program. The application will be provided as soon as Camp applications open.
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.
Paul Bugenhagen
Selection Development Camp men's head coach ... Director and head coach at Hobart & William Smith.
Conny Kirsch
Selection Development Camp women's head coach ... Women's rowing head coach at The Bolles School.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I expect an invite?
Camp invitations will start in late January and will continue on a rolling basis until the camp is filled.
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. You can always view your application status in the member portal by following these steps:
Log in to your USRowing member portal HERE
- Once logged into your account select "Camps" from the lefthand menu
- If your application is still under review, it will appear under the 'Application Pending' tab.
- If your application has been accepted and is awaiting your payment and confirmation, it will appear under the 'Invitations to Review' tab.
If your application has been accepted and deposit has been made, it will appear under the 'Enrollment Complete' tab.
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 June 1.
Why has the cost of camp increased?
The cost of Selection Development Camp has increased by $500 in 2025 to cover the per athlete cost of the International Regatta.
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
- 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 happens if athletes need medical attention while at camp?
Each camp location will have a list of the nearest urgent care facilities and hospitals should an emergency or serious injury arise. Coaches and staff will rely on local medical and emergency professionals in any situation that exceeds minor first aid treatment.
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.
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