Boarder vs. Commuter
A common question is whether there’s a difference in the camp experience between boarders and commuters. When it comes to coaching and instruction, the answer is simple — there is no difference. All campers receive the same top-tier coaching over the 4.5-day camp, along with lunch provided Monday through Thursday and exclusive AF Sports Camp swag.
The primary difference lies in the overnight experience. Boarders stay in Vandenberg Hall for five nights, giving them a unique, first-hand look at what life is like as a Cadet. In addition to lunch, boarders also enjoy two extra meals per day — breakfast and dinner — served in Mitchell Hall. After dinner each evening, boarders have the opportunity to take part in Night Rec activities. These include swimming, ice skating, basketball, pickleball, a movie room, video and board games, and much more. All evening activities are fully supervised by our trained staff and Cadet Counselors, ensuring campers stay safe, active, and engaged.
Another benefit for boarders is the convenience of transportation: AF Sports Camps provides shuttle service to and from Colorado Springs Airport (COS) on arrival and departure days for Session 1 and Session 2 only.
Commuters, on the other hand, are dropped off each morning and picked up at the end of the camp day. While they don’t participate in Night Rec activities or stay overnight, they still receive the full instructional experience during the day, including lunch and all coaching sessions.
No matter which option you choose, your camper will be part of an unforgettable week filled with top-level instruction, team-building, and the unique spirit of AF Sports Camps.
BOARDERS **Boarders must be 12 years of age or older**
AIRLINE RESERVATIONS/TRANSPORTATION
Optimal inbound flight to arrival at the Colorado Springs airport (COS) is between 11:00am-2:00pm on Sunday. We will however, try to be as flexible as possible regarding your flight arrival. For Friday outbound, optimum departure time is between 2:00-5:00 pm. Your camper will be taken back to the Colorado Springs airport (COS) for their return flight.
Transportation is not provided to/from Denver International Airport (DEN).
IMPORTANT: Submit your flight information online inside your AF Sports Camp account. All flight information is due not later than June 1. For questions, email afasportscamps@airforceathletics.org. If you are personally picking up your camper, please do
so by 12:30pm on Friday (session 1 or 2) / 4:00pm on Tuesday (session 3) at the Cadet Field House.
WHAT TO BRING (Luggage & Packing Information)
If you are boarding, each camper is allowed to bring one suitcase AND/OR one duffle bag, EXCLUDING sports bags. Please avoid bringing trunks, multiple suitcases, etc. Please DO NOT bring open bags. This includes bags without zippers, drawstrings, or any method of secure closure.You will need to provide your own bed linen (twin bed) or sleeping bag (recommended), 1 pillow & 1 blanket, towels, shower shoes, and toiletry supplies (TSA approved). Please bring enough clothes to last for the duration of camp. Evenings can get cool, so a lightweight jacket or wind breaker is recommended.
Items that are not permitted are TVs, speakers, video games, skateboards, drugs, alcohol, tobacco vape, laser pointers, knives, firearms, lighters/matches, or box fans/standing fans. Items of high dollar value, i.e. Airpods, iPads, Laptops, etc. are also HIGHLY discouraged. The gift shop and various food and drink vendors are available during the day and evenings, so money is a plus.
Depending on what sport you are in, campers will need to bring their own personal equipment (i.e. Hockey-pads/skates/helmet/sticks, Lax sticks/pads/helmet, golf clubs, fencing equipment, etc.) and all necessary work-out clothes. Please look at your sport specific information packets for additional information. Sunscreen is a must! It's also a good idea to bring a padlock to secure your valuables in your room.
IMPORTANT: Identify luggage with camper name, sport, address, phone number.
COMMUTERS
Session 1 and 2: Monday through Thursday, Commuters should be dropped off around 8:15am each morning and picked up in the afternoon between 4:00-4:15pm. On Friday, camp ends at 12:00pm. No lunch is served on Friday. Campers need to be picked up no later than 12:30pm on this day.
For indoor camps, the drop off and pickup point is at that sports training area. Ask your coach at Camp Check-in for specific drop-off/pick-up directions pertaining to your sport.
For outdoor sports, please ask your coach at Camp Check-In where to pick up and drop off your camper. In case of inclement weather, your camper may be picked up at a different location. Please clarify with the sport coach on this location.
Session 3: This is a 2-day Commuter Only Camp. Monday and Tuesday camp is conducted from 8:30am-4:00pm.
Campers who drive their vehicle to camp must park their car in the East parking lot adjacent to the Cadet Field House and may not use it until camp is over for the day.
If you have an emergency and you need to contact your camper, call (719) 333-2116. A runner will be sent to locate your son or daughter during their Camp.
See Housing and Meals for more information on these areas.
