Overnight cheerleading camps can take your squad to the next level, or serve as a starting point to bond a new squad together. All across the United States, there are overnight cheer camps that squads can attend. Some schools also team up with other schools in the area and put on their own cheerleading camps and clinics.
Overnight Cheerleading Camps in the US
Overnight cheer camps are held in the north, south, east, west and Midwest parts of the United States. Sometimes these camps at held at colleges, and sometimes they are held at facilities created specifically for summer camp purposes. The length of the camps can vary as can the skills that are taught and evaluated, but no matter what type your squad attends, you can be certain that your cheerleading skills will improve.
Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA)
The UCA offers overnight cheerleading camps all across the country. Some of the classes you can expect at a UCA camp include jump classes, dance classes and stunting classes. The camps are either two nights and three days or three nights and four days in length. Some of the things offered at these camps are:
- Team bonding
- Private instruction
- Daily evaluations
- Leadership training
- Pep rallies
- Coach training
The UCA has representatives in each state so that squads can even work to create an overnight camp in an area where one doesn't exist. Currently, the UCA has overnight camps all across the country, many at universities.
National Cheerleaders Association (NCA)
The NCA has its roots in the camp that Lawrence "Herkie" Herkimer started in Texas in 1948. Today, the NCA offers overnight cheer camps all across the nation. The camps are held at college campuses with lodging and meals typically included. Camps are either three or four days long. The camps focus on performance, team bonding and providing squads with new material. Some things you'll learn include:
- Dances
- Stunts
- Cheers
- Chants
- Sidelines cheers
- Pep rally ideas
- Coach training
- One-on-one instruction from NCA staff
Spirit Xpress
Spirit Xpress offers residential cheer camps at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The staff to cheerleader ration is about one to seven. Squads can choose from two tracks. Power Camp offers a well-rounded cheerleading program that covers all the different aspects a cheerleader needs to master. The Super Camp focuses mainly on more advanced cheerleading elements such as:
- Stunts
- Tumbling
- Basket toss
- Jumps
- Pyramids
- Dance
- Motions
Other Ideas for Overnight Camps for Cheerleaders
If you don't live near one of the overnight camps listed above, or your squad can't afford the cost, you may want to look for residential programs in your area. Occasionally, sports associations, schools and clubs will over one or more nights of cheerleading camp. These camps are typically held in the summer months and may cost hundreds of dollars less than a traditional residential program. With such a wide variety of camps from which to choose, your squad will find one that will enhance cheer skills and help build team unity for the coming cheer season.
