One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Varsity is, “How can I be on the camp staff?” Whether it’s with UCA, UDA, NCA, NDA, USA, or ACA, cheerleaders and dancers across the country would love the opportunity to become a staff member for Varsity, but many are uncertain of what the job actually entails. We’ve taken your cheer and dance camp FAQ about staff and given you all the answers you’ve always wanted to know!

What is it like being a summer camp instructor?
Having a job as a staff instructor is a true honor and a completely rewarding experience. Most current and past instructors would agree that it's the most fun they've ever had, but there’s way more to it than just that. Varsity staff members develop marketable skills for the future, get the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others, make lifelong friends from across the country, and create memories that last a lifetime!

Though working for a camp company is tons of fun, it’s also still a real JOB where hard work and commitment are a must! Because it’s a teaching position, there is just as much emphasis put on teaching skills as performing them. A camp staff member’s days are long and tiring, the practices are tough, and most of their summer is spent on the road. But when all is said and done, being a camp instructor is the opportunity of a lifetime and one that brings responsibility and a bright future to all involved!

Describe the typical summer of a camp instructor.
An instructor’s summer can be summed up in one word: busy! Instructors work a number of camps each summer, so they are constantly on the road going from one university or school to the next. Camp can last up to four days, and those days for a camp instructor are nonstop! If you think your days at camp are tiring as a cheerleader or dancer, imagine waking up earlier and working later – that’s what camp instructors do! Instructors have to be ready to teach before campers even get to the venue, and when the camp day is over, they stay late to practice and prepare for the next day. Whew – that’s a lot of hard work, but for instructors it’s worth it to get to teach cheerleaders and dancers from all over the country!

How is being a summer camp instructor rewarding?
First and foremost, instructors make a difference in young people’s lives. They spend their summers dedicated to cheerleaders and dancers – teaching them, improving their skills, and giving teams the best camp experience possible! Whether you attend UCA, UDA, NCA, NDA, USA, or ACA camp, your instructors will make sure you leave camp a better team all-around. Along with being an exceptional teacher, an instructor’s job is full of dedication and responsibility that in turn, makes them stronger professionally and opens many doors to success down the road.

How can I tryout?
The tryout process varies for UCA, UDA, NCA, NDA, USA, and ACA instructors. It usually begins with sending in an application or a video entry. Many cheerleaders and dancers will be given an application at camp, but to try out, this is not necessary. Not everyone is always noticed at camp, so if you were not “apped” and still wish to tryout, you can call your State Director to request that an application be sent to you. Remember, you must be 18 or over and a senior in high school or have graduated from high school to apply. If chosen from your application or video entry, you will be invited to a tryout in your area where you will be judged on everything from your skills and athleticism to your personality and character.

For more information on staff, to get more of your staff questions answered, and to find out how to try out for staff, visit the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) staff page, the Universal Dance Association (UDA) staff page, the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) staff page, the National Dance Alliance (NDA) staff page, the  United Spirit Association (USA) staff page, or the American Cheerleaders Association (ACA) camp page!