Camps vs. showcases: which one matters?

A camp is run by a college program on campus — your athlete is evaluated by the coaches who would actually recruit them. A showcase is run by a private organization, often at a neutral site, and college coaches may or may not attend. For recruiting purposes, camps at programs your athlete genuinely fits are usually more valuable. Showcases can be useful for film and competition, but rarely produce direct offers. Two on-campus camps a summer is plenty. Five showcases is usually too many. Pick on purpose. The summer goes fast.