Cheer Camp Traditions

Cheer camp serves as a training camp for cheerleaders. The primary purposes of the camp are to teach and develop skills as well as bond and have fun. Most cheer camps have their own traditions and camp leaders are encouraged to make up their own traditions. For example, if the camp is located near a mountain, a hike up the mountain on the first day can be an excellent tradition.

  1. Door Decorations

    • Most overnight camps divide up cheerleaders into smaller rooms or cabins. Give each room the same materials such as markers, construction paper and other craft supplies and have the roommates decorate their door. This can be a way to personalize the cabin and create a sense of team building and bonding.

    Spirit Stick

    • At the beginning of camp, create a spirit stick to be given out to the cheerleader or group of cheerleaders who shows the most spirit either during specific activities or at the culmination of the camp. The stick can be as simple as a dowel with a ribbon tied around it or an elaborate creation with ribbons in team colors, glitter, bells and anything else that can be tied or hot glue-gunned to a stick. Making the spirit stick can be a tradition in itself, with each cheerleader or group adding its own special touches.

    Uniforms

    • Part of cheerleading is the uniform. While uniforms are usually chosen by coaches, cheerleaders certainly have opinions on what they like to wear. Have each cheerleader design her own uniform or design uniforms in groups. Give all the cheerleaders the same materials and supplies and have a pageant to display the final products. The girls can then vote which uniform is the most creative. Substitute or add hair bows or pom poms for a modification of this project.

    Cheering on the Go

    • Keeping up enthusiasm goes along with the job description of cheerleading. During the day, when traveling or when going from activity to activity, have the cheerleaders cheer or chant. The cheers can be quick and short, such as when going from the cafeteria to the bunks or longer, like on a bus ride. Cheers can be the same from year to year or new ones can be written by the participants at camp.

    Cheer Competition

    • At the end of the camp, have an original cheer competition. Break up the cheerleaders into teams and have each team prepare its own cheer using the experience at camp as a theme. This can be a lot of fun and the cheers can get very creative. Award the spirit stick to the team with the best cheer.