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 or sideline stunts quickly for fun. I wish we would have practiced some sideline material as a team.
4. Brought a wagon
As a coach, you can inevitably end up carrying a lot of STUFF, especially at camp. I ended up having my backpack and the sign bag and the speaker and our folding chairs. Having a wagon would have made it much easier to carry around our props and we would have been able to bring more props.
Here is what I am SO glad that we DID prepare before camp
1. Created lineups before camp
We made lineups and put the team into these lineups so they knew how to line up at camp. These include:
- Sideline Lineup with stunt groups
- Cheer Lineup with stunt groups
- Dance Lineup based off of stunt groups in a pyramid formation
2. Had a pyramid idea before private coaching
Staff can create pyramids but we came into camp with an idea of they pyramid we wanted to perform. We were open to changes that the staff suggested but it helped us nail our pyramid sooner so that it could be clean and hit during the performance.
3. Planned bonding games
We have team meetings each night of camp in the dorm common room that include bonding. Our bonding focuses on building relationships among the team to create friendships and trust. I have a post here where I talk about bonding games we do at cheer camp.
4. Announced captains
We announced captains during the week leading up to camp. I have a post here where I talk all about choosing captains. Our captains were able to grow in their leadership skills during camp and when coaches step away for the coaches workshop, we knew we could rely on the captains to step up and lead the team. There are also captain workshops at cheer camp, so it's great that they can attend those.
5. Had matching outfits/uniforms
This is pretty standard, but I am so glad we ordered our clothing & uniform package far in advance so the team could wear them to camp. They LOVE the outfits and it helps the team feel unified.
6. Had set stunt groups
We spent the weeks leading up to camp trying different groups for stunts. We set the stunt groups a week before camp so they were comfortable stunting together when it came time for camp.
7. Practiced some of the UCA stunts before camp
We go to UCA every year and they teach many of the same stunts. I hold onto the coaches Game Day booklet that they give us to refer back to throughout the year. So in the weeks leading up to cheer camp, we practiced some of the stunts that UCA would teach at camp.
I specifically have my team practice Bajas for my new athletes.
8. Arrived to camp early & brought lunches
We arrive to camp a couple of hours early to ensure we can get checked in and eat lunch before the day begins. This helps us get settled.
9. Coordinated outfits with coaching staff
Our coaching staff coordinated shirts for each day of cheer camp. This year we also got matching shoes! This is not required, but I do think that by matching your staff, you provide a united front for your team and it helps you feel professional.
If you liked this post, check out my post about Tips for Cheer Camp.
What do you and your team do to prepare for camp? Let me know below! I am always looking for more ideas.
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