Cheerleading Squad Bonding Activities

Cheerleading has been around for many years. In fact, according to the Cheerleading Safety website, the first cheerleader was a man named Thomas Peebler. He jumped in front of a crowd of spectators at a University of Minnesota football game in 1898 and directed the crowd to follow him in a yell designed to raise the team's morale. Over the years, cheerleading has become a vital part of every sports team. Thus, it is extremely important for cheerleaders to bond as a group. There are many activities that will allow the cheerleading squad to bond and grow closer.

  1. Games

    • Cheerleading squads can play games that foster teamwork. One game involves each squad member picking a partner and standing back-to-back. The team members must lock arms by the elbows. Then each person must place her hands on her abdomen. The teams must get to the other side of the room. This activity can be challenging, but will create a bond as the teams attempt to navigate to the other side of the room. Another game is one in which the team is divided into two groups. Each team competes to complete challenges that test the teamwork of each member. Challenges may include lining up according to birthdays or lining up alphabetically by first names.

    Group Talk Sessions

    • Talk sessions are a simple way for the squad members to get to know important facts about each other and hopefully bond. The team can sit in a circle and ask questions, such as why each person joined the cheerleading squad or what is the most important thing about being a cheerleader. The squad members can even try a variation of truth or lie. Each person must tell the group something about herself. The team has to decide whether the item is the truth or a lie.

    Community Service or Fundraising

    • The cheerleading squad can perform community service. This activity allows the members to bond while helping others less fortunate. The cheerleading squad can volunteer at a soup kitchen, hospital or nursing home. Fundraising is another way to bond, because the team is working together to raise money and hopefully enjoying each other's company. Fundraising activities include car washes or a bake sales.

    Recreation and Entertainment

    • The cheerleading squad needs to unwind together as well. For instance, the squad can have a slumber party at a member's house. This may be a pleasant and entertaining activity for the members to spend time together. Alternatively, the squad can have a pizza party or go to the movies together. All these activities foster friendship and help the team to bond.