Ideas for Starting a Cheerleading Camp

Sports are very competitive, and cheerleaders instill spirit and enthusiasm in both the players and the fans while games are played. The desire to be a cheerleader might begin as a child, watching teams play at local parks and cheering the players on with friends. This can turn into more organized techniques with high school and college squads, which someday could lead to a professional career. A cheerleading camp is a good start for any child who wants to pursue this art of sportsmanship, and starting one involves preparation for activities the students will participate in while there.

  1. Licensing and Preparation

    • When starting a cheerleading camp the correct licensing is required. This can be obtained through your state licensing agency and requirements vary depending on where you live. Salaries that will be paid to camp counselors and employees should be determined to fit your desired budget and background checks should be done on all potential staff. It also needs to be decided if you will rent, lease or buy the place where your camp will reside.

    Obtaining Equipment and Determining an Exercise Routine

    • When starting a cheerleading camp you need to determine an area where exercise sessions will be held and purchase the proper equipment to accomplish the chosen activities. The exercise program you set up should be considerate of both the improvement of fitness and the students' safety. These exercises should consist of ones that will aid the most in cheering and will help create a well-balanced fitness program for this type of activity. Some of these exercises might include aerobics, jumping jacks, lunges, squats, calf raises and a light weight lifting routine.

    Preparing Games to Improve Skills

    • Games are a fun way for a cheerleader to learn such things as coordination and self-control and when starting a cheerleading camp you should decide what games will be part of the students' daily activities. Research should be done on the games you choose and what skills each effectively improves. Some examples of games effective in cheerleading are "Chicken Fighting" and the "Limbo," as they improve shoulder strength, balance and flexibility.

    Obtain the proper transportation and plan field trips

    • Obtain proper transportation such as buses or vans when starting a cheerleading camp and plan field trips you are your students will go on that will aid in improving their cheerleading techniques. Students who will be attending your camp might dream of being on a professional squad one day. Planning trips to such events as basketball or football games, so they can watch professional cheerleaders, may give the students inspiration and ideas for techniques to use in their own cheer routines. Before the opening of your camp, check with teams and see if you can arrange a session for the students to meet the professionals and receive advice from them.