Whether this is your first time at cheer camp or your senior year camp finale, cheer camp can be an exciting yet intimidating time. 

Here at the United Spirit Association, we've compiled some tips and tricks to make sure you have the most memorable cheer camp experience this summer.

Preparation

Being prepared for cheer camp is a sure-fire way to ensure a great camp experience. Planning coordinating outfits as a team, as well as setting team goals, can lead to stronger unity and success! For individual preparation, don't forget to pack your sunscreen and reusable water bottle. Proper hydration and sun protection are crucial, as it's a possibility your summer cheer camp could be outside. 

Look out for those orange Gatorade coolers during your breaks to stay hydrated and healthy!

Spirit, Spirit, and MORE Spirit!

The best way to get pumped up for cheer camp is to create that team spirit that everyone always talks about. Before arriving at camp, have a go-to chant you and your team can do while waiting for instruction. Having a quick and catchy cheer or chant will also assist in keeping the energy high at all times, it might even score your team that coveted spirit award!

Get Ready To Learn

While you're at cheer camp you will be learning a bunch of new material to take with you into the new cheer season. Cheers, dances, band chants, and stunts require an open mind while learning. Don't doubt yourself when it comes to new skills, and remember, a cheer camp staff member will always be there to help you along the way. Lean on your cheer staff while you're at camp; after all, you are learning from the best.

Confidence Is Key

If you ever start to feel frustrated with yourself during camp, remember why you are there in the first place! You are at camp to learn and make memories. You were placed on this team based on your energy, skillset, and capability to be a spirit leader! You made this team for a reason, you are wearing those letters across your chest for a reason, and you are wearing those school colors for a reason, so let them shine! 

Stay confident in yourself and your team this summer. Confidence is always key.

Remember The Little Moments

While you're at cheer camp it can be easy to get overwhelmed. You'll have new material to learn, choreography to remember, and stunts to perfect. But, camp isn't always about who is the best stunter, jumper, or dancer. It's about the moments you create with your team and the memories you will take with you into the new school year. 

Remember the bonding conversations you’ll have with your team and remember the motivating rituals your team will have created. These moments will lift you up when you feel down, and best of all, give you stories to tell for years to come.

Above all else, have fun this summer. Cheer camp is an amazing experience that not everyone gets to have. Share these tips with your team and try them out when you get to camp!

Written By: USA Cheer Staff Member, Kaitlynn