If your team is considering attending a cheerleading camp, you are probably aware of the many options out there. Which camp should you choose? Take a look at your team. What level are they at? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Where could they use improvement? What are your goals for your team? What are you hoping to get out of the cheer camp experience? Once you have answered these basic questions, it is time to start searching for possible cheer camps. Here is a guide to help you in selecting the best cheerleading camp for your team.

Cheerleading Camp Types:
Resident camps – Attending these cheerleading camps involves staying at the camp location day and night for an extended period.

Commuter camps – These cheer camps will require participants to travel to the camp on a daily basis for the length of the camp dates.

Day camps – Day camps are held for one day only.

Clinics – These cheerleading camps usually involve the instructors coming to the location of the team.

Cheerleading Camps for Cheer Squad types:
All-stars – The most demanding type, all-star cheerleading camps focus on more advanced skills and will be more intense than the other camps.

Scholastic – These cheer camps are going to focus on the skills used for cheerleading in schools and colleges.

Recreation – Teams that cheer for recreation, or are looking for a more relaxed and fun camp should consider this type.

Co-ed – Not all cheerleading camps offer programs for co-ed teams so this is very important to consider when choosing where to go if you have a co-ed team.

Factors to Consider:
Curriculum – Take a close look at what each camp offers and whether it meets the needs of your cheerleading team. Consider your team’s skill levels, what the camp emphasizes, and how your team will benefit from each. Does your cheer team need to further their jumping or stunting skills? Are you just in need of fresh ideas for routines and cheers? Does your squad need more emphasis on team building?

Location or Travel – Some cheer camps may be close by and some will be further away. Consider the location, especially for commuter camps, as this can be an obstacle for some team members.

Cost – Expensive is not necessarily better so do research and consider only those camps that are truly affordable for your cheer team. Plan ahead of time and do some fundraisers to help with costs as well.

Dates – Cheerleading camp dates will vary, as the length of camp does too. Look for a camp that is held at a time that is feasible for your team.

Like

Unlike

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.

Like

Unlike

Appearance
The cheerleaders that you choose will portray an image that reflects greatly on your team.
Watch for cheerleaders who have a neat and clean appearance with minimal makeup and properly fitting clothing. Does the cheerleader portray the image you want to put forth?

Voice
One of the most important tools that a cheerleader possesses is her voice. Listen for cheerleaders who know how to yell in a loud, solid voice without screeching or singing. Does the cheerleader enunciate well?

Enthusiasm
Does the cheerleader have a lot of enthusiasm? A cheerleader’s voice should reflect the spirit of the team.
Does she smile? A cheerleader should smile regardless of how nervous, or frustrated she is.
The cheerleader should look like she is having fun out there.

Attitude & Personality
Attitude is probably the most important thing to watch for. A cheerleader with a poor attitude will never be a committed team player and will not reflect the spirit of your team. Look for a cheerleader that is outgoing, confident and friendly. Someone who does not give up easily and continues on with her head held high, even after making mistakes, will be a major asset to your team.

Willing to Try New Things
All the cheerleaders on your team will have to be open to trying new things, whether it is new dance moves or more advanced stunts. Watch for cheerleaders who are not afraid and will be willing to put forth the effort into trying something that they have never seen or done before, even if they may not succeed at it right away. A cheerleader that can do only a few stunts but tries hard to learn the new ones is more valuable than the cheerleader who can do many stunts but is unwilling to improve them or learn more.

Leadership
Watch for cheerleaders who are not afraid to take control of a situation and are willing to initiate things, not just be a follower.

Team Work
Team work is extremely important as you need your team to work well together. Watch how the cheerleader interacts with others. Does she help another cheerleader out who was having trouble or does she stand aside and mock the teammate? Does the cheerleader speak of “I” or “we”? Does she interact with the other teammates or wish the other girls good luck?

Versatility
A cheerleader who is versatile and can perform many functions within the team is quite valuable. Can the cheerleader be a base or a flier, or is she capable of doing either?

Tumbling & Stunts
If your team will be tumbling and/or stunting, have a minimum level in mind that each cheerleader must meet. Should they know how to do a back handspring? If the cheerleader has not mastered this, how willing is she to try to do so. What you are looking for and what each cheerleader needs to know is up to you and the needs of your team.

Commitment
Look for cheerleaders who are knowledgeable. If you cheer for a school or sports team, look for cheerleaders who have a basic knowledge of the game and also perform well academically as grades may be a factor in the cheerleader being allowed to cheer. Also, look for cheerleaders who are going to be committed. Be up front about all commitments of not only practices and games but any competitions, camps, and community or school activities. It is also important to make the cheerleader aware of any financial commitments that may be necessary. Be sure that the cheerleader is able, and willing, to fulfill these commitments.

Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate each person trying out for the cheerleading squad can really determine the success of your team. Try not to rush your tryouts. Hold tryouts over a span of several days for the best results.

What is the team’s style?
Look at the team’s previous members.  Are they bouncy and enthusiastic?  Athletic?  Fun and eccentric?  Be sure your style meshes with the team style and you will fit in well.

Does the team cheer for sports teams?  If so, what sports?
Be sure to have a basic knowledge and enthusiasm of the sports for which the team cheers.  However, if the team cheers for a football team and you hate football, consider another squad.

Is the team competitive?
If the team is competitive there will probably be a lot of focus on mastering skills and acquiring new, advanced ones too.  You will likely experience demanding practices and expectations will be higher than teams who do not compete.  Is this what you are looking for?

Am I expected to be capable of certain dance, tumbling or stunting skills at tryouts?
If so, be sure to practice them well in advance so that you can perform them to the best of your ability.

Does the team participate in many spirit activities, fundraising, community events or volunteering?
These activities can require a lot of time and commitment.  Is this something you are willing to commit to?  Are you outgoing enough to be comfortable with these activities?

What are the time and financial requirements for the team?
Be aware of the team’s schedule and commitments as well as the financial expectations of the team.  Be sure that you are able to meet these requirements ahead of time.

Do some research and talk to the coach before tryouts.  Express your interest in the squad and find out if there is anything specific that they are looking for. Not only will you get the information you need but you will have caught the attention of the coach.

Like

Unlike

Before you decide what your fundraiser will be, there are a few things you will need to do to be prepared and, most of all, to be successful:

Establish a goal.

Figure out how much money you need to raise and what date you need to raise it by.  Don’t forget to also factor in any upfront costs associated with the fundraiser itself.  This will help keep your team motivated and also helps in determining what fundraiser would be best for you.  You may wish to have more than one fundraiser.  Direct each fundraiser toward a specific goal.  You may hold a cheerleading clinic for elementary students to raise funds for new cheerleading uniforms and then have a penny drive to raise money for an upcoming competition. Just be sure to space your fundraisers out a bit.

Know what others groups are doing for fundraising in your area.

You will not be very successful if a local church is having a bake sale on the same weekend as your or if the girl scouts are taking orders the same week you are selling cookie dough.

As a team you can accomplish anything!

Remember that fundraisers are a lot of work but if you work together it will be a sure success.

There are countless ideas for fundraisers.  Some may not be practical for your location, season or budget, but here are some ideas to get you started.  No matter what you choose to do, show your spirit.  Wear your team cheerleading uniforms or cheer warm ups.  Show your school colors with hair ribbons or pins.  If you show your spirit, others will too!

• Sell spirit or mascot items, or any other items relative to your city, state or region.  Our Spirit Sticks are always a hit!
• Have a raffle.  Sell tickets and raffle off prizes.  Prize possibilities: 50% of the money you collect, community donated coupons or gift cards, gift baskets (have each team member make a themed basket such as chocolate lover’s basket, pasta dinner basket, etc…), or any services or goods you can get a community organization to donate.
• Make Cheer Cans out of old coffee cans.  Decorate them, including your fundraising goal, and add a hole in the top for donations.  Take them around to local stores and gas stations and ask if they will display them.  Attach a Pom Pet to the top of the can, you’ll be sure to catch the customer’s attention!
• Recycle!  Collect bottles and cans.  Many local recycling centers will also buy old cell phones and ink cartridges.
• Have a penny drive for each classroom for one month.  The classroom that raises the most gets a pizza party.
• Offer services around the holidays.  Gift wrapping at Christmas, babysitting on Valentine’s Day…
• Make a school calendars and sell it.  Don’t forget to have game days pre-marked on the calendar!
• Have a rummage sale or bake sale.  Our CZ Post-Its would make great labels for your bakes goods!
• Take advantage of the holidays.  Have a picnic and sell bagged lunches for 4^th of July, an egg hunt for Easter, sell pumpkin pies just before Thanksgiving, a party with trick or treating for Halloween.
• Make a cookbook.  Gather recipes from other students, parents and teachers. Deliver them in gift bags in your school’s colors!
• Hold a clinic for elementary students. Teach them a few cheers and have them perform at a game.  Don’t forget poms for your students…our Rooter Poms would be perfect in your school colors!
• Donate your time at a local business for a day.  Ask local businesses to allow your team to work for them for a day for a portion of the profits or for donations. Gas stations and drive-thrus are great places to start.
• Sell flowers for spirit week or holidays.  Arrange with a florist to sell the flowers ahead of time and have them delivered at a later date.  Sell red roses or carnations for Valentine’s Day or Sweetest Day, carnations in a school color for homecoming, poinsettias for Christmas, etc.
• Have a carnival. Set up a carnival in the school gym or football field. Have booths with different games and activities.  Remember a face painting for the kids or checkout our face tattoos!
• Have a car wash.

For even more ideas visit our website at cheerzone.com for a complete list of fundraising ideas!

Whichever fundraiser you choose to do, be sure to keep the community informed of your goals.  Let them know what you are raising the money for, how much you are trying to earn and how much you have earned thus far.  Don’t forget to send a thank you to any person or organization who donates their time or good to your fundraiser too.  Check out our stationary for a fun touch!  With team work and a lot of spirit, your fundraiser will be a success no matter what you choose!

Like

Unlike

You’ve been preparing for Cheerleading Tryouts daily. You’ve taken some tumbling classes at the local gym. You’ve stretched every night and have done all you can to perfect your jumps, by now your last name should be Herkie. Your motions are crisp and strong. Each time your mother walks by the bathroom she sees you make a variety of “facial expressions” in the mirror and the dog seems to be howling your cheers along with you. Physically and vocally you are ready for cheerleading tryouts – but so are 30 other girls. What can you do to leave a lasting impression on the judges?

Bring whatever you need to feel prepared and relaxed to tryouts. Bring your water bottle, a snack, your good luck charm. Bring anything that will help calm your nerves the day of tryouts.

Bring your confidence – stand tall, make eye contact with the judges. They’re more likely to remember the confident girl that gave them a genuine smile, over the wallflower.

Don’t stop smiling. A smile speaks a thousand words. Not to mention when you smile you naturally feel better – so why not smile the whole way through.

Dress the part – make sure your t-shirt says cheerleading. Wear your gym or school colors, cheerleading shoes, and absolutely no jewelry!

Hair pulled back with a big bow. You want the judges to see and remember your face. Pull your hair back and wear a bow in the team’s colors for extra attitude.

Subtle make up. Clean fresh make up is always great. Be sure to bring your lip gloss. If you nervous your mouth may get dry. A little lip gloss will go a long way!

Add a bit of school spirit – add a small fake tattoo of the school mascot to your face.

When you take the floor “Hit the crowd”. Approach the floor chanting “Go Team!, Let’s go! We’re #1!”. This will help wake up the judges and prepare them to watch you.

Don’t let a mistake bring you down. Keep going and pull through – this is after all what will be expected during a competition or game.

Be positive and have fun. The judges can tell if you’re having fun. Encourage others to show that you’re a team player. The judges are always watching you – even if it’s not your turn to try out.

Thank the judges after you tryout.

Remember most of all Have FUN! If you make the squad – CONGRATS! If you don’t make the squad – keep practicing – there’s always next year!

Like

Unlike

Fun, Fabulous and Fearless is the best way to describe the 2009 cheer fashion trends. Whether you’re looking for a traditional look or wanting something edgy we’ve got a look for you. Here are our favorites for 2009!

If your team won’t be buying cheerleading uniforms this year stay on top of the trends by accessorizing. Here’s our take on a traditional style with a fun and funky flare!

The knee high socks give the look a great eighties throwback!

For a flirty look we’ve taken a traditional polyester uniform and made it into a short and sassy, fitted FormFlex.

If you’re looking to make your rivals green with envy – this FormFlex cheer uniform will do the trick. The style is bold and strong while the cut-out sleeves gives you that feminine touch.

To stand out in a crowd your cheer uniform better have a little bling. Just a touch of shimmer or sequins will make the most traditional of cheerleading uniforms absolutely fabulous!

For cutting edge style try a sublimated cheer uniform. It’s amazing! The design is infused into the uniform. You’ll have a totally customized look with the most amazing clean lines. Your stunts and motions will appear flawless in these cutting edge styles.

We’ve put together our list of things to do during the off season to help prepare for your next cheer season. Whether you’re a coach or a cheerleader, be sure to check out this list!

Coaches:

Develop a yearly plan. The more organized you are now the easier it will be to stay organized for the entire season. The more you can pre plan the calmer you will be when the cheer season arrives.

1) Create a Calender of Events. Outline the entire year of events to help keep yourself and your cheerleaders organized. Key events that should be on your calendar:

Check our the second edition of Coaching Cheerleading Successfully for a complete list of events to have on your calendar!

2) Gather all necessary Paperwork and Forms for the year. Make a categorized list of any paperwork that will be needed for tryouts, camps, competitions and etc… Example forms include:

3) Set Goals. Set goals and expectations for yourself and your cheerleaders.

4) Prep Your Cheerleading Supplies Order. Just because your squad isn’t established doesn’t mean you can’t determine what you will be ordering once the squad is chosen. Most cheerleading catalogs are mailed between February 15^th and March 15^th.

Research each catalog and select the cheerleading shoes, cheerleading uniforms and accessories and any props that you will be ordering. Don’t forget to take a look at the Cheerleading Uniform Creator at cheerzone.com to fully design your uniform. You can select your school colors, striping and best of all lettering. You’ll know exactly what your uniform will look like before you order!

Don’t forget about cheer camp. You can select the cheerleading camp outfits also. Choose the t-shirts and shorts that each cheerleader will need for summer camps.

If you can complete your selections before your squad is chosen you’ll be one step ahead in ordering. We all know that productions times for uniforms can range from 4-10 weeks for custom cheerleading merchandise. Getting your order in early will guarantee it before your season starts. And don’t forget to watch for early bird specials. Most Cheerleading Catalogs will offer discounts to coaches who get their team orders in early! Be sure your on the email list to receive the special offers.

Cheerleaders:

Your not just a cheerleader part of the year – you’re a cheerleader the entire year. During the off season your should be thinking about the upcoming season.

1) Stay Involved. Mentor youth recreation leagues or work with your coach and other team members to host a cheerleading camp.

2) Stay Fit. Keep in shape while you’re not cheering. Work on your strength and flexibility.

Check out the fitness section of our blog for some great workout ideas!

3) Set Goals. Keep a notebook with a list of your goals and progress so you can see for yourself that you truly are making progress. Give yourself something to work toward for the upcoming season.

4) Keep In Touch. Keep in touch with your teammates and coaches. It’s important to keep that bond even in the off season. Work with your teammates and coaches to create your list of goals and expectations. Together you can keep each other motivated.

Like

Unlike

Coach Checklist:

Cell Phone – Always have a cell phone on you! Keep your contact list updated with team members phone numbers as well as a secondary number in case of an emergency. Keep this information updated every year by having team members fill out an information form at the beginning of each season. There are some great sample forms available in Coaching Cheerleading Successfully.

First Aid Kit – Make sure that everything you may need is in your first aid kit.  Replace any old items and add any new ones.

Music – Make sure you have the music on hand for the routine.  You may even want to

bring along additional tunes to keep your team motivated.  One of my all time favorites is Champ Cheer & Dance 2!

Paperwork – Make sure you have copies of necessary paperwork needed to compete.

Medical Forms – Check that each girl has submitted their medical form so they are eligible to compete.

Notepad – Competitions are a great place to take notes on how your team can improve as well as what they are excelling in.  There is always much to gain from documenting new strategies seen throughout the competition season.

Video Camera – It’s always a great idea to use a video camera at all competitions.  Ask a parent to video tape the competitions for you so you and the entire squad can learn from them.

Cheerleader Checklist:

Cheerleading Uniform – Make sure you have your complete uniform ready for competition!

Shell

Skirt

Cheerleading Briefs

Cheer Socks

Hair Bows

Cheerleading Poms – If your coach doesn’t hold onto the entire team’s poms, make sure you have yours packed and ready to go.

Shoes – Competition shoes should always be clean and white. Our pick for the best competition shoe is the Nfinity Evolution.  It’s super light weight yet still provides amazing control.

Make-up – Even if make-up is applied before you leave for the competition, odds are you’ll need a touch up.

Snacks – It’s important to stayed fueled on the big day.  Be sure to bring some healthy snacks because you could be at the competition venue all day.

Water Bottle – Another important factor is to always stay hydrated.

Camera – Team websites are more popular than ever so, keep a camera handy capture and share memories from your competition travels.

Bag – Keep all of your gear together in a duffle bag.  Our pick for the best cheerleading bag is the Ultimate Cheerleading Duffle Bag. With separate compartments for all of your gear this bag is sure to keep you organized.

Finally always remember your Confidence and a Smile!

Like

Unlike

Olympian Warm-Up Set
One style from Birch Run that I recognized right away was the Charles River Olympian Jacket & Pant. This warm-up was worn by a cheer gym and customized with bright neon green tackle twill lettering that really stood out. I didn’t a get a pic but here is the what the warm-up looks like. So you can just imagine the possiblities with your team colors.

Endurance Warm-Up Set
Second on the list is a warm-up set that is a cheer teams must have whether your a competitive, high school, or youth squad. This would the most economical choice. This is a very traditional unisex solid warm-up that comes in black, red, dark green, navy, dark maroon, and royal. It can easily be worn over your uniform with sizes ranging from youth small to adult extra large, so this $19.99/piece warm-up is great for any team on a budget. These warm-ups are also in-stock as well so if you need them quickly this should be your first choice for cold weather fashion.

Verve Warm-Up Set
Next up is the new Verve Warm-Ups set from Don Alleson available May 1st through yours . This set is great for girls wanting a more fitted look. Comes in black/white, red/white, dark green/white, scarlet/white, royal/white, navy/white, purple/white. and pink/white. This jacket can be worn over any cheerleading shell or bodyliner. Wearing the pants over your skirt is optional depending on how form fitting the skirt style is. What I like best about this style is the band along the pants backside area that can be lettered or e with your team name. Letter the front of the jacket as well to have that whole “make an entrance, leave an impression” statement to all the other teams and fans.

Custom Uniform Wam-Ups Set
With these warm-ups you can mix match 10 different style jackets with any one of seven style custom pants. What’s great about these warm-ups is that they can be completely customized. You can match your uniforms color, striping, and lettering. Make sure to order these at the same time you order uniforms because due to the customization they will take approximately 8 weeks to produce. The wait is well worth what you’ll get in the end. The best part about these warm-ups is that they are available on our Custom Uniform Creator for you to edit and try out different looks. You can order just the warm-up or pair it up with a uniform. Get your whole team to create a look and then vote to see whose creation will be used for your team look this year.  Cheer Coachs…this is a great way to take a little of the ordering stress off your shoulders and make it a fun team oriented activity.

Trendy Winter Accessories
Acessories such as fleece head warmers and spirit beanies are always in fashion, but this year we noticed a lot of girls wearing leg warmers and arm warmers to accent thier team uniform colors. I made a short list of product images below that we like best. Some we carry some we hope to carry. Take a look and let us know which accessories you like best. Click on the image below to see where your can purchase these items.

Head Warmers

$5.99

$12.99

Arm Warmers

$8.50

$12.00

$9.00

Leg Warmers

$5.50

$10.00

$15.00

Tights…a little on the whacky side, but sooooocute!

$11.00

$11.00

$11.00

Like

Unlike