Camp is definitely a highlight of any cheerleader's experience. There's so much to learn, so many memories to be made and so much fun to be had! But if you don't plan ahead and set goals before hopping on the bus for your first team trip, you might not get the most out of your camp experience.

Aside from the typical skill goals, the following tips are essential for a smooth camp experience. Circle up, it's time for team talk!

Be Inclusive

Most teams are up from a mix of rookies and vets. Especially for rookies, finding a comfort zone can be tough. Camp and team outings can seem lonely if you're the one left out from late-night talks and inside jokes. Before the season starts, host a team meeting and vow that every member will be included in all activities. Your team will find they perform better and maybe even make new friends if everyone goes into the season with an inclusive mindset.

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Network With Other Teams

Camp is so much more fun if you go out of your way to meet new people. Make it a goal to be approachable. Be open, attentive and inviting and you'll meet so many new people. When the season starts, you will hopefully have new cheer friends in different cities!

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Say Goodbye To Drama

Cheer camp is typically four days. Camp is all about fun, learning new skills and bonding with your team. Make sure to leave the drama at home with your momma! You'll be amazed at the power of a positive attitude! And if you make this a goal as a team before heading to camp, you will have a much better camp experience!

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Let's Learn The Moves!

Choreography is taught quickly, and can feel overwhelming at times. Pair up rookies with vets or make small groups to help make learning material easier. Each pair or group should have a notebook to keep lists of material learned, tips on performing choreography correctly, and eight counts written out to assist in memory. Soon you will be ready to rock that hip hop dance like a pro!

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Be Open-Minded

It's easy to be set in your ways and unwilling to try new methods and approaches. You're at camp to LEARN, so try new techniques that are thrown your way. You may prefer your old approach, but give new techniques a chance--you might just find an new, easier way to do an old trick!

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Establish Go-To Skills

When your squad is announced at tryouts, have a meeting and decide on a team tumbling skill or jump sequence that everyone can realistically perform at camp together. Squads look so impressive when the full team can perform a skill together; it shows unity and strength. Preparing for camp evaluations during the short window of time provided can be a stressful situation. You definitely want to try to perform recently learned stunts, but always have that go-to pyramid or stunt performance ready.

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Set Up Stunt Groups Prior To Camp

Definitely have your squad's stunt groups set prior to camp. Groups that are comfortable together will be more apt to learn creative and more difficult stunts with less stress.

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Bring The SPIRIT!

Ever heard of a spirit stick? It's a thing, so get your mind right! Make it a goal to earn a spirit stick every day at camp. It's a longstanding tradition, and the extra positivity will really help make camp extra-exciting for the team.

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By: Vicki Dill