Is this the first time that your squad isn't going away to camp?  Do you worry about camp feeling too much like practice and you want to make sure that your camp experience stands out?  Private camps are just as valuable, if not more, than an overnight camp in terms of squad bonding and individualized attention.  Just like any other camp, the amount of improvement and enjoyment you will get out of the experience will depend on how much time and energy you put into those three days.  A great attitude and a little planning can make your private camp really memorable!

Getting Prepped...

After you decide on a private camp, think about what you want your team to get out of camp.  Then hold a team meeting to discuss what the cheerleaders want to get out of camp.  Once you have identified your goals for camp, start getting in physical shape for camp and planning some fun bonding activities (more on this later)! 

When you set up your private camp with your state director, request instructors who are strong in teaching the areas that you'd like to focus on.  When your instructor contacts you prior to camp, be specific about your goals so that the instructor can tailor your camp schedule to concentrate on those areas.

Plan to have the kids wear the same outfits, whether they order them through Varsity, have them printed locally, or make them on their own.  Try to fundraise for camp so that everyone can afford to go.  The team will get so much more out of it if everyone can attend!

During the Day...

Throughout the week, make sure the team's focus is development of their relationships as well as their skills.  Creating a camp atmosphere is more about your psyche than your location.

Video tape the team performing the material throughout the week.  If your squad forgets any of the material, or there is an argument down the line about what a certain move is supposed to look like, you have something to reference.  Plus it will be great footage for your awards banquet.  

Ask questions and take notes.  A lot of material is going to come at you during your camp and if you don't write it down, you may forget some valuable info!

Instructors will probably have some ribbons and awards, but you can still give out other prizes to recognize your team.  Give out fun awards on the last day as well as serious ones like "most improved," "dancing queen," or "entertainer of the week."  If someone does something that stands out, award them for it.

On the last day, invite parents and friends to come and watch the squad perform what you've worked on that week.  Their parents will be happy to see their money paid off.

Here are some other fun things to do during your private camp:

• Paint signs for football season and get way ahead!
• Plan your first pep rally, public appearance, or parade.
• Have a pot-luck lunch.
• Designate one day as "hat day" and every team member must wear a hat.
• Plan a "race day" and have races during breaks.  Have potato sack races, water balloon races, and relay races.  Award prizes to the winners.
• Practice setting up and running on the football field and basketball court.
• Popsicles, silly string, water guns, and water balloons are a fun way to take a break and cool the squad off during an exhausting day.
• Conduct a ceremony to welcome new members.

After Hours...

Planning fun nightly activities can provide your private camp with the bonding normally associated with an overnight camp.  The best part about camp is that it gives the cheerleaders the opportunity to work and play intensively for a three day period.  You can easily recreate this bonding experience at home with a little creative preparation.  Have your captains, seniors, or moms plan some fun activities for the team to do together at night.  Whatever you choose to do, invite your instructors.  It will be a great time for you to pick their brains and for the kids to get to know them better. Here are some suggestions for fun nightly activities for your private camp:

• Have a cookout at a team member's home.
• Have a pizza party at a local pizza parlor.
• Have a bowling party with team members and parents.  Award prizes for highest and lowest scores, craziest bowler, etc.
• Have a pool party with a luau theme.  Team members can wear grass skirts and have a championship limbo contest!
• Rent old dance movies and have a slumber party.
• Watch a national competition together.
• Hold All Star evaluations in a team member's back yard.  Ask your parents to join you!
• Assign big sister / little sisters on your squad by pairing up vets with new members. Give them an activity to do together, like a scavenger hunt, treasure hunt, or make them do an amazing race around their town.

Try to keep in touch with your instructors throughout the year.  You can usually get in touch with them through your state director.  They will always be happy to hear how you are doing and help you out throughout the season!