How to Attend a Cheerleading Camp

Cheerleading camps bring squads from around the country together to learn new skills from trained professionals and to give each cheerleader the chance to train with other squads from different areas. Favorite routines are shared and friendship bonds that can last a lifetime are formed. Summer camps also give a squad a jumpstart for the fall season. Most camps are residential, although there are many day camps available also.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Funds to attend camp
• List of available summer or holiday camps

Attend Cheerleading Camp

1. Sign up for one of the Americheer camps as a squad (see Resources below). They offer residential, commuter and private camps that include specific classes in gymnastics. At the squad's request, instructors will work on individual weaknesses.

2. Improve coaching skills at a Cheerleaders of America coach camp (see Resources below). Here, you can learn the latest coaching techniques to bring back to your squad. You can also recruit potential coaches in your area.

3. Join a Cheerleaders of America residential or private camp geared toward peewee teams through high school for both building and non-building squads. Bids are given for the COA national championships and individual "drill team" qualifiers are eligible to participate in college bowl performances.

4. Attend a Cheer Ltd. camp (see Resources below). In addition to many other types of residential and day camps, Cheer Ltd. camps will come to your school for a one-day clinic that focuses on the needs of the squad.

5. Offer a cheerleading camp to members of your squad that are in mascot, color guard or dance positions.

6. Conduct your own camp at your school if funds are low. Each squad member and coach can write down skills they would like to work on, then watch videos that instruct you how to perfect your chosen elements and skills.

Tips & Warnings

• At camp, cheerleaders can create an individually unique routine that can be used at the team's home games or at team competitions.
• At Americheer camps, all-star tryouts are held and the winners get a chance to compete in the Citrus Bowl college football game.
• If you conduct your own cheerleading camp, be sure to have a trainer or nurse on duty at all times. The easiest way to ensure this is to conduct the camp at your own school, as this also reduces insurance risk to the coach.
• Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat healthy meals while at camp. These week-long experiences can be physically exhausting.

Resources

• Americheer camps
• Cheerleaders of America coach camps
• Cheer Ltd. camps

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