Do not be alarmed if it seems Auburn has been taken over by cheerleaders.
The Universal Cheerleaders Association and the National Cheerleaders Association are hosting camps all summer long for schools around the country to attend.
UCA held its second camp of the season at Auburn June 10-13.
“The best part about UCA cheerleading being in Auburn is the Auburn Experience staff,” said Amber Leslie, a 4-year member of the UCA staff. “They help out in any way and make it fun for everyone. They are willing to do anything to make the camp run smoothly.”
Hundreds of cheerleaders put blood, sweat and tears into four days of work, learning dances, cheers and stunts for the upcoming season.
Many squads come to compete against other squads at the camp. They compete for the best home routine and the best at material taught at camp.
Individuals from each squad can also participate in an All-Star competition. These participants perform the material and are evaluated by the camp staff that then selects the All-Star team.
This year, UCA decided to change the way they do All-Stars, and they believe that if a camper is selected by their squad to try-out for All-Stars, then they should be recognized as an All-Star.
Aside from learning new material, the cheerleaders all have an opportunity to bond with each other through team games, practices, meals and rooming together.
“The bonding process and how you get to know your teams are the best things about cheerleading camp,” said Jessie Phillips, a sophomore from Saint Claire County High School. “You have a lot of fun, and it’s just a great time.”
Saint Claire County High School had a small varsity squad attend UCA camp. This year, they walked away with several awards including first place in the small varsity home dance competition and small varsity camp champions.
Despite all the hard work, teams are encouraged to have fun, not only through the games the staff plays, but also in the teams’ personal time.
“We come to camp every year at Auburn, it’s a tradition,” said Angela Mizzell, head coach of Saint Claire small varsity. “Watching the girls have fun is the best part about camp.”
Every year, thousands of high school and junior high school cheerleading squads attend cheer camps across the country. Several participants agreed it was an important event for each season.
“Cheerleading teams need to attend UCA camps because we turn young people into dynamic spirit leaders and help them develop strong leadership skills for life,” Leslie said. “UCA cheer camps instill confidence, enthusiasm, responsibility and motivation in all team members, while transforming them into a unified squad. We do all this while having the time of our lives.”
