NCA Summer Camps
Inspiring Cheerleaders - Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.


Traditions are woven into every cheerleading skirt in America. Many of those traditions were started by NCA and continue to run through their Summer Camps each year.

NCA, founded in 1948 by Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer, was the first cheerleading company and held the first cheerleading camp. Traditions run deep at NCA, all the way to the core, and yet fun bubbles over at every camp! NCA has led the way for over 60 years with creative and innovative material that cheerleaders love to learn. Below are some NCA traditions that put the FUN in Summer Camp!




The NCA Spirit Stick
At NCA Summer Camp, the Spirit Stick is one of the top awards that teams can receive. It’s given to teams that exhibit all the qualities cheerleaders should have – heart, diligence, dedication, good sportsmanship, a positive attitude and teamwork. This tradition was started in the mid 50’s at a Summer Camp where one team stood out to Herkie as the most enthusiastic and supportive team. Though they didn’t have great skills, they showed incredible commitment, tremendous heart and unity. They were the first to arrive every morning and the last to leave. They displayed true sportsmanship and cheered for every other team as though it was their own. This team wasn’t going to win any technical awards, but Herkie had to acknowledge their incredible spirit in some way. He broke off a tree branch and tied a ribbon around it to give them during Final Awards. And everybody cheered! Well over 1 million NCA spirit sticks have been presented to teams at Summer Camp. Will your team earn one this year?  Check out the NCA Spirit Stick Feature now Varsity TV!


NCA created the first All-American Team
Decades ago, NCA created the All-American Team to recognize individuals who displayed amazing cheerleading skills. At NCA, Staff hands out Nominee ribbons to cheerleaders throughout camp. Once cheerleaders are nominated, they can tryout for the All-American team! The All-American Team and the Top All-American (the cheerleader that scored the highest on their tryout) is announced during Final Awards. Cheerleaders who are recognized with this honor are eligible to participate in NCA Special Events which provide the opportunity to travel across the world and do what cheerleaders love most – cheer!  Check out the NCA All-American Feature now Varsity TV!




NCA Staff – The Perfect Buddy Instructors
Summer Camp is the perfect place for cheerleaders to bond with their teammates. And the NCA Staff helps teams create memories that last a lifetime. Every team is paired with a Buddy Instructor at Camp. Each team’s Buddy helps them perfect their cheers, chants, stunts, pyramids, and dances. Buddies advise teams on the best curriculum choice and provide valuable feedback. Above all, they help motivate and inspire teams to be the best cheerleaders and leaders they can be!   Be sure to check out the NCA Buddy Instructor Feature coming soon to Varsity TV!





NCA Curriculum - Soar Higher
NCA has curriculum that cheerleaders love to learn. For over 60 years, NCA has created quality material that is fresh, innovative, and creative. Some favorite NCA classes include: Stunts and Pyramids, Basket Builders, Jumps, Dances, Sideline Routines and Game Day Cheers and Chants.  Check out the NCA Curriculum Feature coming soon to Varsity TV!


Traditions unite cheerleaders with their own team and connect them to the generations that came before and are still to come...start your own traditions this year at NCA Summer Camp!


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