Posted on 12/14/2006So it's time to get your youngster ready for the eagerly awaited cheerleading camp for kids. Cheerleading camp for kids is a time to learn, build team spirit and have lots of fun. If it is your child's first experience at camp, you might be a little nervous about what to expect. But, there really isn't anything to be worried about; your little campers will be so busy at cheerleading camp that they should not have time to get home sick.
Cheerleading Camp is an Team Building Experience
Most often a cheerleading camp will be the first time the entire squad is away together. To help these kids bond together you might want to consider doing some joint activities before they leave for camp. Go out to dinner, go to a movie, have a sleep-over. Help these kids get to know each other away from cheering. It's important that they start thinking as a team and not individually. Find some common ground with the other squad members and stay focused. Avoid fighting, favoritism, and anything that could divide your team. Consider dressing the kids alike at cheerleading camp. Buy matching T-shirts, shorts, or hair bows in your school's colors. Cheerleading camp is a way for kids to strengthen their team experience.
Cheer Camps can be Physically Demanding
Cheer camp can be physically exhausting and you'll need to make sure your camper is physically fit. It would be a big disappointment to experience an injury before your child's cheerleading season even starts. So prepare them physically. Build up their stamina, flexibility and strength. Have them prepare by doing some running, aerobics, and stretching. Many injuries can be prevented by using common sense, knowledge and safety.
Tips on Cheerleading Camp for Kids
Your camper will need to be prepared to listen, take notes and pay attention. If they have questions, make sure they are comfortable to ask them. Most cheerleading camps offer contests or competitions, encourage your cheerleader to enter as many as they can. This will help them learn to perform in front of other people and compete as a team. Remind them not to take criticism personally, because there will be a lot of opportunity to get feedback.
A helpful hint to prevent voice strain is to cheer from the diaphragm. Also, lowering their pitch a tad will help, and it doesn't sound unnatural.
