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!

Make Cheer 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.

Make Thank Yous for Cheer Camp 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.

Practiced and Prepared a Short Cheer to Perform

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. 

Brought a Wagon to Carry All of the Things

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. 

I do bring a fully stocked Cheer Coach Backpack. Here is my Blog Post about Cheer Coach Backpack Must Haves.

Here is what I am SO glad that we DID prepare before camp:

Created Cheer Lineups Before Cheer 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

Formed Stunt Groups Before Cheer Camp

We spent the weeks leading up to camp trying different groups for stunts. We set the stunt groups a week before cheer camp so the groups were comfortable stunting together when it came time for cheer camp. 

Brought Pyramid Ideas Before Private Coaching

Cheer camp staff will create pyramids for your cheer team, 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. 

Planned Team 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. 

Cheer Camp Team Bonding Blog Post

Selected and Announced Cheer Captains

We announced cheer captains during the week leading up to cheer camp. Our cheer captains were able to grow in their leadership skills during cheer camp and when the cheer coaches step away for the coaches workshop, we knew we could rely on our cheer captains to step up and lead the team. There are also captain workshops at cheer camp, so it’s great that the captains can attend those. 

Choosing Cheer Captains Blog Post 

Matching Cheer Practice Outfits & Cheer 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.

Practiced Stunts Before Cheer 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. 

Arrived to Cheer 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. 

Coordinated Cheer Coach Outfits

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.