If you're looking for cheerleading camps in NC, you'll first want to decide whether you want to participate in a day camp or an overnight camp. You can find either option in North Carolina, but knowing which type of camp you want to participate in will help you narrow your choices.
Recommendations for Cheerleading Camps in NC
Before you start trying to find a cheerleading camp on your own, ask your coach or your friends if they have any recommendations for cheerleading camps in NC. If you're actively involved on a cheerleading squad, chances are your coach will have a number of suggestions for camp. In fact, she may even want you and your teammates to participate in a specific camp as a squad. You wouldn't want to sign up for one camp only to find out that your coach wants to you attend a different one.
Types of Cheerleading Camps
Whether you attend cheerleading camp in North Carolina or another state, you'll have the option to choose between attending an overnight camp or a day camp. You'll also be able to choose between highly-competitive camps or introductory camps for individuals just learning about the sport of cheer.
Overnight Camps
Overnight camps tend to offer more intensive cheerleading instruction and they're particularly popular for individuals attending camp as part of a team. The campers all live, cheer and play together, so they form bonds quickly and develop a strong team atmosphere. When looking for overnight camps in North Carolina, check with major cheer organizations like the National Cheerleaders' Association and Universal Cheerleader Association for camp listings by state. When accessing these websites you'll likely find overnight cheerleading camps at the following locations:
- Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
- Great Wolf Lodge, Concord, NC
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
- Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC
- Cheer Excellence, Greenville, NC
- Peace College, Raleigh, NC
The following organizations also offer overnight cheerleading camps in locations throughout North Carolina:
Day Camps
There are a number of different day camp options that allow you to commute back and forth to camp each day. If you live in the same city as a major North Carolina college or university, like the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State or Wake Forest University, you may be able to save money on an overnight camp by signing up for the commuter option. You'll participate in the same camp as the overnight participants, but you'll drive back and forth from the camp each day, treating it like a day camp. One final day camp option involves intro or beginner camps that teach basic cheerleading skills to girls and boys starting to get involved in the sport. Many organizations hold week-long or single day camps at reasonable prices for this purpose. Similarly, high school cheerleading squads often host half-day cheerleading camps for youth in their district to begin instilling local girls and boys with a sense of community and team spirit.
The following organizations offer cheerleading day camps or commuter camps:
Choosing a Camp
After narrowing down your camp options, choose which camp to attend based on your budget, the location of the camp and whether or not you have friends or teammates attending the same camp. Camp is as important for developing friendships and self-esteem as it is for improving skills, so don't underestimate the importance of attending a camp that will positively impact your attitude toward yourself and your teammates.
