Cheerleading Camp – Getting the Most Out of the Camp Experience

Cheerleading camp is a great experience for both new and experienced cheerleaders. Not only is it a great time to learn fresh cheers and new stunts but also to improve skills and learn team building. Camp will be a busy time and it is important to get as much out of it as possible. Here we will help you learn how to do just that.

Deciding whether camp is right for your squad
Cheer camp can be a great experience for cheer teams but it may not be right for all teams. Many things must be taken into consideration when deciding whether to attend camp: your squad’s abilities, your financial resources and your team’s goals for the next year.

Advantages
New team members will get a chance to bond with their team in a fun environment
Your team will learn new skills and cheers as well as improve on old ones
Camp will provide your squad with safety training in tumbling and stunting
Teams will be able to build trust and teamwork

Disadvantages
Camp can be very costly and some members may not be able cover the costs
Camp is competitive which is great for experienced teams and those preparing for competition but not necessarily for new teams
Cheer camps require that your squad be in good shape and very athletic, not all squads are such

How to prepare
Pay attention. Be ready to listen because there will be a lot of information coming your way. Taking notes is always a good idea and your team can refer to them later, if need be. Use some stylish cheer stationary to stand out! If at any time you have questions, do not be afraid to ask. Chances are you will not be the only one with that question so stand out and be the one to ask!

You will receive criticism but do not take it personally. Feedback allows us to learn where we can improve and helps us become a better, stronger team.

Camps generally offer competitions or contests. It is in your best interest to participate in these as much as possible. Doing so will give you practice in performing in front of an audience. It may even be your first chance to compete as a team!

It is essential to get into shape before you go to camp. While at camp you will spend many hours a day doing warm ups, working out, cheering, learning new routines and tumbling as well as practicing stunts. If you are not in shape before attending camp you will increase your risk of injury and a lot of pain. So, before you go, be sure to exercise regularly and stretch often. Try a Mae Flyer and Stunt Strap to help improve your exercises. Try a good workout video to keep you motivated. Don’t forget to eat healthy too!

You will be spending your time at camp with your team, day in and day out. Sometimes this can be too much closeness and tempers may flare. Do not bring any ill feelings toward another member to camp and think before you act. Give everyone a chance to prove themselves. Remember, you are all working toward the same goal and the only way to do so successfully is as a team.



What to expect
Team building is a big part of cheerleading camp. If you have any new members on your team, consider having some team activities before camp to allow the squad to get acquainted with each other and earn each others trust. Team members also need to learn to think of themselves as a team and one way do encourage this is to wear matching camp shirts and/or cheer accessories to camp.

Cheer camp is a lot of work and can leave even the most fit cheerleader exhausted at the end of the day. You need to be fit to keep up with the rigorous activities and to prevent injury. Common sense and knowledge of safety precautions will prevent you or any of your team members from being sidelined before your cheer season even begins. Throughout the days activities don’t get dehydrated. Keep a water bottle with you at all times!

Camp will offer many competitions which can prove to be very helpful to your team. Competition lets you know where your strengths are and where your team needs to improve. Remember that this criticism is good and is meant to help your team so keep cool and use this valuable tool.

Don’t forget that there will also be a lot of fun activities too!

What to take
Make your list and check it twice! Make sure you have packed your cheer bag with all your essentials. Your coach will provide you with a list of things that you will need such as your camp shorts and skirts, camp shirts, ankle socks, and cheer briefs. Make sure everything fits properly before you go; nothing too tight or too loose and only your most comfortable cheer shoes.

Don’t forget a few essentials that may not be on your coach’s list: hair accessories, sunglasses, wristbands, a cheer survival kit, sleeve scrunchies, a first aid kit and a mini fan. You will also want to bring a notebook and pen for notes. Don’t forget your camera either! Do not bring any valuables. You will be too busy to watch over them. Besides, jewelry and accessories will just be in the way. Don’t forget a tag for your bag in case it gets lost.

What you will get out of it
At camp, your team will learn a lot of new cheers and stunts. You will master basic skills and perfect new ones as well. These new skills will be the base for your team to build your own cheers and routines.

By the end of camp, you will have spent the entire time with your team. You will come back not just as a team but as friends. You will also have made some great memories that are worth all the hard work.