Cheerleading Camp: What's Best for YOUR Squad?

Cheerleading Camp: What's Best for YOUR Squad?

Cheerleading camps come in a variety of styles to fit the specific needs of your team. They're one of the most anticipated and memorable moments of the year

May 27, 2016 by Vicki Dill
Cheerleading Camp: What's Best for YOUR Squad?
Cheerleading camps come in a variety of styles to fit the specific needs of your team. They're one of the most anticipated and memorable moments of the year for any squad, so make sure you do your research to choose the perfect camp!

If you are a cheer coach or sponsor, start by asking yourself these questions:

  • What material/choreography are you hoping your squad will learn at camp?
  • Do you need pep rally dances or mainly sideline cheers for the games?
  • Do you want your team to focus on stunting?
  • Does your team learn quickly?
  • What kind of media technology does the camp provide for the material taught at camp?
  • Do your want your team to work on tumbling at cheer camp?
  • Is your team made up of mostly beginners or lots of experienced cheerleaders?
  • Do you have team members you can trust?
  • How old is your team and are they ready for an overnight camp?
  • What is your budget?
  • Is the camp held inside or outside?
  • How big is the camp?
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Types of Camps

Overnight Camps held on College Campuses:
The biggest names in summer camps are conducted by Varsity. They offer several different types of camps, but the most popular and traditional one is their four-day camp held at a university. These camps can be quite large—some of the more popular camps can attract around 1000 cheerleaders. This type of camp not only creates lifelong memories for the squad, but also helps them learn a lot of material. In addition, the participants get the feel of being college students because they usually stay in the dorms.

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Resort Overnight Camps:
A newer addition to the world of cheer camps, resort overnight camps are usually held at desirable locations, like beach towns or an upscale hotels. These camps are usually a little more expensive, and possibly less intense. Often, the squads are given time off from camp to enjoy their surroundings.  

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Local Camps with No Overnight Options:

Often held at a commuter-type college, high school, or middle school, this type of camp can be ideal for middle school cheer teams that aren’t quite mature enough for overnight camps without chaperones in every room. These camps tend to be more personal and not as big. They allow squads to learn all the necessary material while getting to go home every evening, which gives them the summer camp feel without the travel. School districts often schedule camps like these for their middle school squads. These camps are usually held from 9AM-5PM, and are definitely more affordable. 

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Private Day Camps:
Some squads opt for a private camp just for their team. These can be conducted by one to several instructors, and usually last up to three days. Private day camps are great for teams that need a lot of one-on-one attention.

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Day Camps at an All-Star Gym:

These camps are usually the most customizable. Led by all-star cheer coaches who work year-round and have years of experience, these camps allow you to request specific material or skills you need your squad to learn. This type of camp can really fulfill your squad’s specific needs. The potential downside is it’s usually not an overnight commitment, which may not satisfy the traditional aspect of going away to cheer camp. But day camps at all-star gyms can be less expensive—matching outfits aren't necessities, and not having to pay for room and meals helps keep costs down. 

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Regardless of the camp you choose, expect the following:

  • Stunts and stunt safety training
  • Team-building games
  • Motion and jump technique
  • Cheers, sidelines and dance choreography
  • Pyramid training
  • Professional training by experienced cheerleaders