Cheerleading Camp Wear Buying Guide

The season for cheerleading camp is underway. Your coach has probably already picked your team and chosen a camp. Now you need to pack your campwear. What will you be wearing? Will your team be wearing one unified look our will you be choosing campwear that reflects your own personal style? Here is a list of the basic necessities you will need for camp and a few of our own favorites for this cheerleading camp season.

Uniforms
Shell – For a pulled together look, your team may want a campwear uniform. These cheerleading uniforms are made of a sturdy but lightweight material and come in basic styles and colors. These uniforms are inexpensive and are perfect for camp. These cheer shells can also be embroidered for customization.

Polo – For a campwear uniform look that is more casual, a polo shirt is a great option. Usually in white, these tops have contrasting collars and trim in team colors and can also be embroidered for personalization.

Our picks:

Cheerleading Basic Shell 00410

Cheerleading Sleeveless Polo 00104

Shirts
Tees – This campwear staple does not need to be limited to a plain white tee anymore! Styles include a relaxed fit or fitted styles in all one color or with contrasting collars and/or sleeves. Tees are available plain and also with print or embroidery, with everything from a modern cheer print to a custom design featuring your school initials or team’s names.

Tanks – The perfect look for summer and more popular than ever before. Tank tops can be plain or printed and can also be customized for your cheerleading team. For a splash of color, try layering tanks in contrasting colors!

Hoodies – Hooded sweatshirts are the perfect addition for comfort and warmth. Hoodies come in a variety of styles that are sure to be a hit with any cheerleader!

Our Picks:

Fitted Cheerleading Tee

Cheerleading Ringer Halter 608

Fitted Cheerleading Tank

Spirit Stamp Tank 5658

Cropped Cheerleading Hoodie

Shorts/Skirts
Skirts & Skorts – Campwear skirts are also made of a sturdy but lightweight material and come in a variety of styles and colors. These pair well with campwear shells, polos and tees and give a more classic look. Cheerleading briefs are usually worn underneath skirts, however skorts have built in shorts that eliminate the need for bodywear.

Shorts – Shorts are always a perfect choice for any cheerleader. Cheer shorts come in a wide variety of styles with various lengths, fabric, designs and colors. Cheer shorts look great with polos, tees or tanks.

Our Picks:

3-Pleat Camp Skirt 00420

Dolphin Cheerleading Short 4517

Low Rise Mini Mesh Short 461V

Raw Edge Short K41

Bodywear/Socks
Briefs – Cheerleading briefs will be a necessity if you are wearing a skirt. Briefs are made of a breathable material in regular or boycut styles and with either a regular or low rise. They also come in a wide variety of finishes and colors.

Bras – Don’t forget a sports bra! Proper support and breathability are a must so make sure you have a good cheerleading bra.

Socks – Mini Socks, Anklets and Tube Socks are all favorites of cheerleaders. For basic practice, a mini sock or anklet is recommended. However for a fun twist try a knee high tube sock. All socks come in assorted colors to coordinate with your campwear look.

Our Picks:

Low Rise Brief 00139

Boy Cut Brief 00433

Nude Cheer Bra 261

Chevron Cheerleading Sock 2796

Knee High Tube Socks 22T

Shoes
Cheer Shoes – The most important campwear is a pair of good supportive cheerleading shoes. There are many brands and styles to choose from. No matter what shoes your team wears during performance, you will want an alternate pair for camp and workouts so your good shoes stay clean and white.

Flip Flops – Your feet need rest too and a pair of cheer flip flops will do just that!

Our Picks:

Asics Gel-Inspire IIQ064Y

Nike Air Boom II 395749

Nfinity Evolution ED-6091

1 person likes this post.

Unlike

Cheerleading DVD’s – CheerZone’s Top 10 Picks

Need some new motivation for your workouts? Just need a few new moves for your routine? Keep in shape and polish up your skills with cheerleading fitness DVD’s! Here are our choices for the best DVD’s.

Cheerdance Workout
This one of a kind instructional dance DVD has cross-over appeal fusing cheerleading and dance. Not only will your cheerleading skills improve, but also build strength and flexibility to learn new skills.

Cardio Cheer
Paula Abdul instructs you on taking your cheerleading skills to new heights and getting into the best shape of your life! This five-disc set will give you the flexibility, endurance, moves, and power to achieve all your cheerleading goals.

West Coast Cool: Dances & Pom Sidelines
Two “totally choreographed” on the court time-out dances followed by four additional sideline pom routines.

West Coast Cool: Game Action Chants & Performance Cheers
Learn cool new cheers and chants from UCLA cheerleaders. Includes 12 game action chants and three performance cheers.

Cheeracise Cheerleading – Cheer Like a Pro
DVD includes six routines, a bonus music cd, makeup and nutrition tips, and many different workouts for improving your cardio, leg strength and flexibility as well as six dance routines with step by step instruction.

Winning It All: Advanced Stunts 2
The ability level of your squad will naturally progress to higher and higher levels at a safe, yet fast, pace.

Winning It All: Basic Partner Stunts & Transitions
Learn the basic stunts and transitions and all the fundamentals you will need for proper execution, including information on muscle memory, team assessment and other critical coaching aides.

Pop Warner Presents 30 Partner Stunts for Youth Cheerleading
Easy to follow, step by step instruction for 30 stunts at various levels from beginner to advanced.

Dances And Quick Dances
Exciting new dance to inspire your squad! Features three original 8 – 8 count and four 4 – 8 count dances.

CHEER!
UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association) instructor Lacey Taylor takes you step-by-step through the key moves and chants, essential cheers, and the big dance routines then shows you what it takes to become a successful leader.

Like

Unlike

Cheerleading Bags: How to Choose

You have your uniform, poms and your shoes.  Now where are you going to put them?  Show your spirit with a cheer bag.  With so many styles to choose from, there is a perfect option for every cheerleader!  But how do you choose the one that is right for you?  Here is a guide to help you do just that!

When choosing a bag, consider what you are going to be carrying and how the bag will be used.  Will you be carrying just your shell and skirt?  Carrying just your shoes or poms?  Perhaps a pom bag, backpack, or garment bag is all you need.  Or will you be carrying your entire uniform as well poms, a change of clothes, and other accessories?  Then you are in need of a duffel bag.  If you are using your bag just to carry your things to cheerleading practice, then a simple in stock bag may be all you need.  If you are using your bag for games or competitions, a more complex duffel bag may be necessary.

There are many cheerleading bag styles to consider, most depending on personal preference.

Duffel Bag:  The most traditional cheer bag style comes in a variety of sizes and shapes.  The duffel has handles and/or a shoulder strap as well as zipper closure.

Backpack:  Easy on the back, the backpack is worn over both shoulders and has a zipper closure.

Sling Bag:  Similar to a backpack, a sling is worn over one shoulder.

Tote Bag:  Simple bag with carrying straps with zippered or no closure.

Pom Bag:  A bag sized just for a set of pom poms, usually with drawstring closure and shoulder strap(s).

Garment Bag:  Hanging bag used especially for cheerleading uniforms to keep them clean and wrinkle free.

Whatever style you choose, you need to consider the features of the cheerleading bag.  Inner and/or outer pockets may be necessary to carry your water bottle, cell phone, and keys.  Sturdy straps are important as well.  You may even want to consider a bag with a removable shoulder strap, removable inner bags, and a bag with a place for an id tag.

For more on the go tips and must haves, Click Here!

No matter what style you choose, be sure to get it in your team’s colors.  Show your team unity and order matching bags for your team, complete with your school initials embroidered on them.  Most cheerleading bags can be purchased with an in-stock design, customized with a team print, or with no design at all.

Here are our top picks for cheer bags!

Competition Duffel

This sturdy bag is a basic duffel with room for everything.

Custom Pom Pom Bag

With custom colors and tackle twill, your bag is as unique as your team.

The Ultimate Cheerleading Duffel

This bag is the must have for any cheerleader who is on the go with every feature one could need.

Like

Unlike

New Cheer Bows for 2010

Our CheerZone 2010 Cheerleading Catalog is coming soon and we have a lot of new products in store for your cheerleading team.  Among them are our great new cheer hair accessories.   We have doubled our online selection of cheer bows and they are now available in more colors and styles than ever before.  We can also custom order additional styles and colors if you don’t see what you need.  Check out these new styles!

284 Headband

The perfect finishing touch for your cheer uniform or warm-ups!

Available with Solid, Polka Dot, Striped and Star Ribbons as well as Sparkle Ribbon and Metallic Ribbon.

281  3-Layer, 2-Loop Bow with Tails

Classic cheer bow with more style choices than ever before!

Available with Solid, Polka Dot, Striped and Star Ribbons as well as Sparkle Ribbon and Metallic Ribbon.

280 3-Layer, 2-Loop Bow

A new favorite with up to 3 ribbon choices for a more personalized look for your team!

Available with Solid, Polka Dot, Striped and Star Ribbons as well as Sparkle Ribbon and Metallic Ribbon.

327PT Pigtail Bows with Korkers

The must have cheerleading bows of the season!

Each pair bows with corkers is made with 3 ribbon styles of your choice.
Available with Solid, Polka Dot and Striped Ribbon.

491PT Pigtail Bow

Add some style to your pigtails!

Each pair of 5” bows is made with 2 ribbon styles of your choice.
Available with Solid, Polka Dot, Striped and Star Ribbon as well as Sequin Dot Ribbon and Sparkle Ribbon.

264 Basic Bow with Tails

The basic bow is back and in more options for the perfect look!

Choose just one color or customize with a contrasting knot color.
Available with Solid, Polka Dot and Star Ribbon.  Solid styles also available in metallic ribbon.

Check us out at www.cheerzone.com for even more styles!.  We are sure to have the perfect cheer bows and hair accessory to complete your look!

Like

Unlike

Create Cheerleading Uniforms and Cheer Routines, Competitions and More – Cheerleading Games for Fun!

Looking for something fun to do in your downtime between cheerleading practices and workouts? Check out one of these great cheerleading games. Whether it simulates tryouts, practices or competitions, each game will help you polish your cheerleading skills and knowledge while having fun. They also make great gifts for any cheerleader!

Video Games

All Star Cheer Squad (Wii)

Wii All Star Cheer Squad

In All Star Cheer Squad, players will follow a year in the life of a cheerleader as you learn new moves and cheers, participate in practices and create your own cheerleading routines in the hopes of making the cheerleading squad and eventually becoming its captain. High-energy game includes cheerleading squad competitions and cheer-offs using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to perform real-world cheer and dance moves and full body cheer experience using the Wii Balance Board (optional). Customize the look of your team including facial features, hair, style & color, make-up and cheerleading uniforms.

We Cheer (Wii)

Wii Cheer 2

Putting players in the middle of a nationwide cheerleading competition, We Cheer uses Wii Remotes as virtual pom-poms to create a realistic cheerleading experience. Players mimic moves as directed on screen to learn cheerleading routines, using a full range of arm and body movements. Game includes 30 hit songs, character customization, and real, active game play.

Imagine Cheerleader (Nintendo DS)

Imagine Cheerleader DS

Become the new girl who wants to be a cheerleader. Learn different cheers, jumps, lifts, and cheer routines that will excite the crowds and enable your teams victory!

Online Games

High School Cheerleader – www.addictinggames.com

Want to make the cheer squad? Show us what you’ve got with this virtual cheerleading tryout!

Spirit Fever – www.spirit-fever.com

Your goal is to start a new cheerleading program and lead it to win a cheerleading competition. You can hold tryouts to gain cheerleaders for your team, create cheer routines, compete in cheer competition, and design your own cheerleading uniforms. You can train your team and individual cheerleaders to tumble, jump and stunt too. Achieve all this by playing mini-games that are fun and educational, teaching you about safe cheerleading. Spirit Fever is a good way to learn cheerleading basics and have fun.

Board Games

Cheer Monopoly

Just like the regular Monopoly® game, this cheerleading version will give you and your friends hours of play. Game references many cheerleading companies on the game board, money and playing pieces.

2 people like this post.

Unlike

Choosing the Right Cheerleading Poms for Your Team

A cheerleader’s pom poms are one of the most important parts of the cheerleading uniform.  They are not only used as props in a routine or cheer, but they make the uniform stand out and shine.  With so many colors and styles available it can be difficult to choose which style pom is best for your team.  We’ve put together this guide to explain the differences in pom poms and help you in choosing the poms that are right for you.

Pom Pom Size

Most poms come in standard sizes of 4”, 6”, 8”, and 10”.  This size refers to the length of each streamer strand from where it comes out of the handle.  When considering the size of a pom, consider who will be using them, how they will be used, and what the desired effect is.  In general, the younger the cheerleaders the smaller the pom should be.  The most commonly used size is a 6” size which is perfect for schools and most cheering.  However, if you have a choreographed routine or a special use, you may want to consider an alternate size.  The 4” size pom is the lightest with the 6” size being fairly light as well.  These poms are more easily carried which makes them great for younger cheerleaders and for fast paced choreographed routines.   The 6” pom and the 8” pom are both well suited for school cheerleading as they are easy to carry and can be seen clearly from a distance, allowing fans to see them in the football field or on the basketball court.  The 10” size is the largest.  This pom is much heavier but is also more dramatic and the most eye catching.

Pom Streamer Width

Most pom poms are made of vinyl streamers which come in widths of either 3/4″ (wide) or 3/16” (narrow), though some brands may offer variances in this sizing.  The standard width for poms is 3/4”.  These poms will have 1000 streamers and provide a fluffy ball shape.  The 3/16” width has 3000 strands and has a longer, flowing look which also provides for more movement.

Pompom Handle

There are four main handle styles for poms: Baton, Hidden, Standard, and Block.  Some companies have additional styles that are variances of these handles, however these are the most commonly found styles.

Baton:  This is the most common handle.  It is a single 3”-4”tube with strands coming out of both ends.  The handle is not visible when in use and is recommended for any size of pom.  Many companies keep Baton Handle poms as their in stock poms.

Hidden:  These handles have a 1” dowel handle with a large elastic loop off the top.  The handle is not visible when in use and is recommended for any size of pom.

Standard:  This handle is a large plastic loop with a 2”-3” plastic tube through the middle of the loop.  The handle is usually visible when in use and recommended for poms size 6” or larger.

Block:  This handle has a block with a plastic loop on top.  This handle is easy to grip but is heavier than other styles.   The handle is usually visible and is recommended for poms size 6” or larger.

Plastic, Wet Look, Metallic, and Glitter Pom Poms

There are several different pom strand finishes that provide different looks.  The following are the most common:

Plastic:  Strands have a matte finish with very little shine.

Wet Look:  Strand have a shiny finish, as though the strands are wet.  The finish helps reflect light.

Metallic:  Strands have a high shine look to them and reflect a lot of light.

Glitter:  Metallic strands that are only 3/16” wide and are used to highlight the other colors and materials of the pom.

Pom Colors

What colors and how many colors should you choose for your pom?  You can choose based on your school or team colors.  You may also want to match the colors in your uniform or choose colors that contrast with your uniform so the poms stand out more.  You may also want to consider how you want the poms to stand out or how they will work in your routine or cheers.

1-Color Poms:  Great choice when you want to stick with basic poms that will be used year after year.  You can match your uniform or go with a contrasting color.  1-Color poms also look great when choosing a non-matching pair.  They come in nearly every color, are usually in stock, and require no special ordering.

2-Color Poms:  Add a great splash of color when using two coordinating or contrasting colors.

3-Color Poms:  3 Separate colors can really stand out if chosen carefully, especially when the third color is a glitter color for accent.

Pom Pom Styles

There are many styles to choose from.  Here are a few of the most popular.

Solid Pom Pons: One single color for all strands.

2-Color Mix Pom Poms:  Mixture of two different colors of strands.

3-Color Mix Pom Poms:  Mixture of three different colors of strands.

Solid with Glitter Pom Poms:  Mixture of one color of strands mixed with another color of glitter strands.

2-Color Mix with Glitter Poms:  Mixture of two colors of strands mixed with another color of glitter strands

Solid with 2-Color Glitter Poms:  Mixture of one color of strands mixed with two colors of glitter strands

Half & Half Pom Pons:  Two colors of strands on one pom, each color is one-half of the pom, and colors are not mixed

Target or Bullseye Pompoms:  Two colors of strands on one pom with one color on the outside and one color on the inside (not mixed), creating a bullseye or target.  If this style is chosen with the Baton handle, there will be two targets, one on each side of the handle.

Matching or Non-Matching Pair

Poms are generally sold individually so it is up to you to create the ideal pair.  Traditionally, poms are used in pairs with both poms being identical.  Sometimes, though, you may want to have a non-matching pair of poms.  Matching poms provide a cleaner look and are a good choice for most teams.  Non-matching pairs can be a great eye catcher for some routines as some will require two different color poms.  They also offer a great way to add more color to a uniform.  Your choice will depend on your team and the type of routines that they will be doing.

Ordering Poms

When ordering poms, here are a few things to remember in order to ensure you get the look and style you want:

Ask for color swatches:  Colors vary between companies and can also vary between strand finishes.  To be sure you are getting the color you want or if you are coordinating with a uniform color, ask for color swatches.

Order early:  Your pom may be a custom pom, made especially for you.  Call ahead of time and don’t wait until the last minute as it may take several weeks for production and shipping.

Ask questions:  Don’t be afraid to ask any questions.  If you are not sure what style you need or what handle would suit your team, just call the company and ask.  They have the knowledge to be able to assist you with making the right choice.

Fluffing the Pom Poms

Many poms will be pre-fluffed, however some may not be.  Here is the proper way to fluffing poms.

For Wide (3/4”) Strand Poms:

1. Take a few streamer strands of the pom and gently pull them down and away from you.
2. Shake the pom vigorously after pulling several strands to help separate the streamers and fluff the pom.
3. Repeat until all the streamers are separates and fluffed.

For Narrow (3/16”) Strand Poms:

1. Take a handful of strands; lightly crush in your hand then release.  Repeat until pom is fluffed.
2. You may also want to gently rub the strands between your palms to help separate them but don’t overdo it.  Excess rubbing can make strands look stringy.
3. Be careful not to over fluff the pom which will cause the pom to lose the flowing look and movement that is unique to the narrow strand poms.

Like

Unlike

Nike Boom Cheerleading Shoe – 2010 Preview

Take a look at the 2010 Nike Air Boom II Cheerleading Shoe!�

The Nike Air Boom II will be available in the 2010 CheerZone Catalog!

• Synthetic leather upper with mesh mid foot and heel collar for breath-ability
• Lace option for customization and unified team style
• PU mid-sole with visible air-sole heel unit, archtech support system and medial pivot position.
• Low-profile
• Perfect for the cheerleader looking for flexibility, support and lightweight performance.

Will your team be choosing the Nike Air Boom  II Cheerleading shoe for the 2010 season?  Let us know what you think!

Like

Unlike

On The Go!

Bag sales are up so that must mean cheerleaders are gearing up for competition travels!  So what better time for us to break down competition must haves for cheerleaders and coaches alike.

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

Cheer Christmas Party

Wow its December already!  The snow is falling, the air is brisk and Christmas is just around the corner.  Maybe it’s just me, but I always get excited to plan the perfect party around the holidays.  The cheerleading Christmas party has always been my favorite. There is no better bonding time than around the holidays.  So here are my tips for you to throw an amazing holiday party.

Theme: Pick whatever theme best suits your team.  A spa theme is for the team that wants time to chat.  It can include facials, manicures and pedicures and you’ll have lots of time for having fun.  If your team is always on the run and never has time for a break a movie marathon can make for a nice break. Or if you feeling like letting loose and having some fun throw a game night by playing Truth or Dare or Marshmallow Mouth (Who can say GO PIRATES with the most marshmallows in their mouth).  Whatever your theme your team will love spending time together for the holidays.

Food: Everyone loves a holiday feast.  Whether you’re doing deserts or having a full dinner make sure everyone pitches in.  Having a potluck is just another way to show great teamwork.

Stocking Stuffers: Christmas just wouldn’t be right without cheer stockings! You can fill your stocking with all kinds of fun cheerleading items.  From cheerleading pillow cases to Pom Pets or water bottles the stocking can fill up fast.  If you’re on a budget you can find inexpensive cheerleading gifts easily.  You can buy fun cheerleading stationary for just a couple dollars and then fill the rest of the stocking with home made gifts from cookies to ornaments. No matter what you fill the stocking with make sure it has your personal style and your cheerleaders will be sure to love it.

Gift Exchange: If you’re planning a gift exchange be sure to set a budget.  Your gifts could be distributed through secret santa, name drawing or the always fun white elephant.  Secret Santa’s buy the gifts anonymously. The person bought for doesn’t know who bought the gift.  The Secret Santa has to listen and get to know that person to find out what they would like.  Name drawing keeps things easy.  Each cheerleader draws another’s name to determine who they buy for.  The White Elephant gifts are traditionally gifts considered extremely tacky, or that do not fit the tastes of the recipient.  The thought behind a white elephant gift exchange is to give everyone a chance to rid themselves of these tacky gifts–and invariably gaining a new one! The first cheerleader opens a gift (usually laughter will be heard). When the next cheerleader opens their gift, the first gets the option to trade their gift with them or keep it, and so on and so forth until everyone has a gift.

No matter what your take on the perfect holiday party is – as long as you keep your team in mind it is sure to be filled with fun memories.  Have fun, be safe, happy holidays and Christmas cheerz!

Like

Unlike