Girls’ participation in U.S. high-school sports has reached a new record, with flag football and wrestling among the strongest areas of growth.
Figures released by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) on 10/01/2026 recorded 3,654,589 girls’ sports participations in 2025–26, an increase of 3.2% over the previous year.
Girls’ flag football participation rose 48.7% to 102,360, while girls’ wrestling increased 19.9% to 88,771. Girls’ volleyball also passed 500,000 participations for the first time.
These are U.S. school-sport figures, not global camp-booking statistics or a count of unique individuals across sports. However, they give camp organizers a useful starting point for exploring where new training opportunities could fit.
Look beyond your existing programe
For organizers planning future sessions, the practical question is whether their current offering reflects the interests of the participants they want to reach.
That does not mean launching a new camp solely because a sport is growing elsewhere. Start by speaking with local clubs, schools, coaches and families.
Ask which activities girls want to try, where training opportunities are limited and whether demand is for an introduction, regular development or advanced coaching.
A short pilot session can help test interest before committing to a full residential program
Create a clear entry point
Someone joining a sport for the first time needs different information from an experienced competitor.
Explain whether beginners are welcome, what participants should already be able to do and how groups will be organized. Describe the equipment required and whether anything can be borrowed.
For example, an introductory flag football session might focus on basic rules, passing, catching and small-sided games. An experienced group would need a different program with appropriately challenging activities.
Clear descriptions help families judge the fit before registering.
Give participants a voice in the format
A girls-only camp may appeal to some participants, while others may prefer a mixed program. Ask your intended audience rather than assuming one format suits everyone.
Consider practical questions too: would a day camp be easier to attend? Would joining with a friend help? Are transport arrangements or equipment costs making participation difficult?
Feedback can guide the timing, format and communication around a camp.
Make progression visible
An introductory experience should give participants a sense of what they can do next.
Organizers could offer a follow-up session, provide a short practice plan or explain how to continue through a local club. More experienced participants may value specific feedback and a clear development goal.
When designing that progression, show the options honestly. A camp can provide learning and experience without promising selection, scholarships or a professional pathway.
Show who will lead the experience
Introduce the coaching team and explain its experience with the sport and age group. Distinguish formal qualifications from playing experience and practical coaching work.
Where women are part of the coaching team, make their roles visible through accurate profiles and introductions. Use genuine camp photographs—with appropriate permission—so prospective participants can picture the experience.
From interest to a well-planned camp
At TopSportsCamps.com, our editorial takeaway is that participation trends are a reason to ask better questions: who wants to join, what do they need and can the program deliver it well?
For organizers, the next step may be a new activity, a beginner session or a clearer description of an existing camp.
Submit your camp to TopSportsCamps.com and explain who it is for, what participants will learn and who will coach them.
Source: NFHS — High School Sports Participation Increases for Fifth Consecutive Year, published 10/01/2026. Camp-planning suggestions are TopSportsCamps.com editorial interpretation.
