We just got back from UCA Cheer Camp this week, we took our high school cheerleading team. Here is what I wish I would have done before I went to camp and during camp! 1. Made Pins In the all-star cheer world, decorated clothespins are super popular. From what I understand, the goal is to clip a clothespin onto a cheerleader from another team to wish them good luck. Our team LOVED getting pinned and wished they would have decorated pins to give to other teams. It was such a fun way to bond and connect with the other cheerleaders. 2. Made Thank Yous for Staff I wish we would have as a team created a Thank You basket or something to give to staff. Practicing gratitude creates a better experience. Staff would know we appreciate them and the work they do and our team would get a chance to reflect on being thankful to attend camp. 3. Practiced and prepared a cheer routine Separate from the material they learn, there are a couple of workshop classes where the team will come up with a cheer o

 Ideas for Cheer Coach Gifts As a coach, truly the best gift I have received are either handwritten Thank You notes or messages of appreciation throughout the season. My love language is words of affirmation, so that might be why those mean the most to me!  But, if you do have a coach who you appreciate, your kind words go much farther than you realize! Here are some ideas that your coach is sure to love: Thank You Card Your words of appreciation mean more than you know!  Starbucks Gift Card If your coach drinks Starbucks - or their favorite form of caffeinated beverage! Belt Bag These are super cute and so handy! Bonus points if it is personalized. Backpack Again, bonus points if it is personalized! Coaches need a cheer backpack! Personalized Reusable Water Bottle Always a great idea! Team T-Shirt or Sweatshirt Honestly, as a coach you can never have enough team t-shirts!! There are ones you can customize on Amazon and Etsy! Gift Card for Nail Salon/Day Spa Or any form of self care! 

  Below is a list of all of the items you should keep in your cheer coach backpack! Backpack Binder Notebook Rules Book Cheer Lists Reusable Water Bottle Portable Speaker Cell Phone Charger Portable Charger Pens Permanent Markers Note Cards Tape Staples Hair Ties Bobby Pins Hair Clips Hair Spray Hair Gel Brush Comb Spray Deodorant Snacks Cash Wallet and ID What do you keep in your Cheer Coach Backpack? Comment down below!

What To Include in your Cheer Coach Binder Cheerleading Contract Calendar of Practices, Games, and Events Cheerleading Rules Cheer Lists Rosters Sign Out Sheets Cheerleader Allergies & Relevant Medical Information Cheerleader Contact Information Cheerleader's Parent/Guardian and Emergency Contact Information School Information Emergency Action Plan Attendance Sheet Accident/Incident Report Forms Athletic Clearances Formations & Lineups Practice Plan Fundraising Documents Budget Spreadsheet Cheerleader Sizes Required School Forms What do you include in your cheer coach binder? Comment below, I am always looking for more ideas.

Team Bonding for Cheerleaders Our team LOVES cheer camp! We try and capitalize on the positive energy at camp to build a strong foundation for the season. Cheer Camp is long and tiring so planning team bonding helps fill the day with moments of joy among the stress. Give yourself grace, camp is BUSY if you don't have a ton of time for bonding, try adding just ONE bonding activity that is low prep but creates unity. Cheer Camp Prep Bonding Here are some ideas to do BEFORE you get to camp to excite your team! Door Decorating Check with your camp if you are able to ahead of time. Have your roommates decorate their doors! I recommend ahead of time giving them a large sheet of butcher paper to decorate with paint and glitter. Crafting Here are some ideas for crafting for camp: Spirit Sticks Tie Dye T-Shirts DIY Sunglasses Friendship Bracelets Visors Belt Bags Supplies to use: Craft glue Gems Glitter Puff paint Fringe Letter stencils Fabric pens Permanent Markers Paint brushes Dress Up D

Cheerleading Practice Attendance Policy and Consequences Do your cheerleaders keep missing practice? It affects the success of the team. You have to rearrange stunt groups, line ups, and choreography. Often times this means watering down stunts.  I coach a high school cheerleading squad and I made the mistake my first year as head coach by not having an attendance policy. I always had cheerleaders absent! But once I implemented our attendance policy, we almost never had a cheerleader missing from practice.  Whether it be a doctors appointment, the flu, or a family emergency. Absences happen. There is no way to fully avoid them. However, you can set your team up for success by implementing a fair and consistent attendance policy.  Write Out Your Attendance Policy Clearly Include your attendance policy with your list of rules. We have a cheerleading contract that includes the attendance policy. Your attendance policy is implemented to ensure the safety and preparedness of your squad. Emp