NCA Staff

Applications are now closed for the 2025 camp season.

NCA Leadership Staff is an option for many states.

NCA Leadership staff have the opportunity to instruct at our Leadership camps which offer in-depth training on individual and team leadership which is woven throughout the camp experience.  Our NCA Christian camp staff is chosen from our Leadership staff.  NCA Christian camps offer faith building opportunities as well as worship each night.

All applicants for Leadership or Christian staff will go through a personal interview either at a live tryout (no video upload needed) or after video submission is reviewed.

Applications are now closed for the 2025 season.

The following list will give you some pointers for successfully completing your digital application:

• Please note that all applicants must turn 18 years of age by the end of May, depending on your staff training date, to apply for the NCA Staff this summer. If you do not meet this requirement, please check back and reapply next year.

• Applicants must provide 1 personal reference and 1 professional reference.  Please choose 2 people who would provide information about you.  They will be asked to answer questions about you.  You will send them the link that is in the application prior to submitting your full application.
• Start early – it is stressful to throw together a quality video at the last minute. You can save video clips on your phone now and compile them later.
• Think of your tryout as a job interview – only include the best of your abilities.

For video links, review your videos before submitting! Make sure videos contain the following (in this order if possible):

• An introduction (tell us about yourself and why you believe you would be an excellent addition to the NCA Staff).
• Three (3) different connected advanced jumps (no spring floor).
• One (1) cheer or chant showcasing motion technique and gameday presence– please use one of the cheers or chants from the link below. NO POMS please.
• 1 running tumbling skill (no spring floor).
• 1 standing tumbling skill (no spring floor). If you don’t have tumbling please note in video that you do not tumble.
• Two (2) stunts – must perform two group stunts, it is optional to include an additional partner stunt. Please be sure to wave or otherwise designate which person you are in the video.
• 1 Dance – applicants must choose either a dance or band chant from the link below. NO POMS please.
• Perform jumps and tumbling on a standard cheer surface (grass, court, or thin mat) with shoes on.

Some questions to be prepared to answer on the application:

• List experiences, honors, awards and activities that helped prepare you for this role.
• Social media handles
• Other summer obligations (jobs, vacations, summer school, etc).
• Confirm the availability of reliable transportation to camps and the ability to drive 4-6 hours.
• You will upload a recent full body photo.
• Please be mindful of the deadline on your application.

What To Include

• An out of character introduction including name, where you mascot, and why you want to be an NCA Instructor.
• 1 skit demonstrating crowd interaction and engagement

Please apply HERE

Please click HERE for 2025 Tryout material.

*2024 material will be used for the 2025 tryout season.

How will I be notified if I am hired?

You will be notified by email on or before March 15th of your employment status. Staff is hired in each region based on the number of returning veteran staff and the number of camps projected for the summer. If you are selected as a New NCA Instructor, you will be sent a comprehensive packet of information that will contain paperwork and detailed information on all areas of instructing summer camps for NCA.

If hired, how will I be trained?

All NCA instructors attend a mandatory Staff Training Meeting that will take place in the months of May and June. There are multiple Staff Meetings set up across the country and you will be asked to attend the meeting located in your region. This extensive meeting will cover all aspects of your job as an instructor (policies, procedures, teaching methods, safety, etc.) NCA will help to coordinate transportation to and from the Staff Meeting, and all expenses are taken care of for the meeting.

If hired, how will I be staffed for camps?

Your availability during the summer will be the biggest factor in determining how many camps you will have on your initial schedule. We request that you be available for at least 5 full weeks during the summer (June through August.) The more flexible you are, the more camps you will receive throughout the summer. Camps that grow in enrollment and the addition of Home Camps will allow you to add camps continuously throughout the summer as your schedule permits.

If hired, how much will my uniforms cost?

NCA is able to offer significant discounts to our new staff for their uniforms. The average cost for a new instructor is about $85 and includes all attire that will be worn at camp, including shoes, as well as other needed materials.

How much will I get paid?

Your NCA hourly pay rate will be based on the state in which you are working and will be no less than the State Minimum Wage. Once at camp, all lodging and meals will be paid for by NCA. On top of your base pay you will receive non-taxed expense money per camp for travel and additional meals. If you are asked to travel a longer distance and you go beyond the fixed amount, you will be reimbursed through an expense report. If you are scheduled for a Day Camp or a Home Camp, you will be housed in a hotel and given more expense money since you will be on your own for more meals. You will be trained on all of these procedures at Staff Meeting.

How much travel is required?

You will be scheduled for camps within a 6 to 8 hour radius from your home address, and we will attempt to give you as much information as possible to set up travel with other instructors. Of course, we try to schedule you close to home, but that’s not always possible due to camp locations and enrollment. Travel is a required part of the NCA Instructor position, and you are ultimately responsible for getting yourself to and from camp.

Are travel and meals covered?

Once at camp, all lodging and meals will be paid for by NCA. On top of your base pay you will receive nontaxed expense money per camp for travel and additional meals. If you are asked to travel a longer distance and you go beyond the fixed amount, you will be reimbursed through an expense report.

Are there live NCA tryouts I can attend?

Yes, in many parts of the country we offer live tryouts.  You can check the Applicant BAND Click Here to join the BAND for live tryout dates and locations, the NCA Website, or contact your Staffing Director.

If I attend a live tryout, what materials do I need to bring? Will I still need to submit a skills video later?

If you attend a live tryout, you’ll need to turn in your Agreement of Compliance form, photo, letters of recommendation, and application there. The AOC form is mandatory, but if you’re unable to submit any of the other items at the tryout, you may mail any missing items to the office separately. You may need to submit a video of your skills to the office if you attend a live tryout. Reaching out to the Staffing Director for your region will provide you with the most accurate information for your state. It is acceptable to do both live and video tryouts.

How can I confirm my application and video were received?

Upon submitting your digital application, a confirmation screen should appear. If you have additional questions, please contact your Staffing Director.

I was unable to send in my application/video by the January 31st deadline, can I still apply for a position?

Applications that miss the deadline are taken on a case-by-case basis. In areas where more instructors are needed, it may be possible to apply late. Contact the NCA office and speak to the appropriate Staffing Director about your situation.

Is the NCA Instructor position year-round?

Although the summer has the heaviest volume of camps, NCA has much to offer throughout the entire year. Regional and National competitions are held all over the country, and staff members play a vital role in the success of these events. NCA also recommends staff members for judging and choreography throughout the year, which helps you to earn extra money.

• Start early, it can be stressful to put together a quality video at the last minute.
• Think of your video as a job interview, let us get to know YOU!
• Review your video before sending it in to be sure you have all the requirements.
• Please do not wear warm-ups, t-shirts, or any other oversized clothing.
• Only include the best of your abilities in each segment of the video.
• Submit your video link as unlisted.
• Be sure to look your best in every way, including hair, make-up, attire, etc.
• Combine all videos into one unlisted YouTube link. Instructions on how to format your video are here. 

What to Bring:

• Release and Waiver Form
• Video Release Form

*Applicants MUST:

• RSVP With Staffing Director in order to attend your Live Tryout.
• Complete Wufoo application before attending (Note “Live Tryout Attendance” when asked for video link)

Live tryouts are now closed for the 2025 season.

NCA is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for its participants’ physical, emotional and social development, and promoting an environment free from abuse and misconduct.

Varsity Spirit Staff are required to complete the following as part of the hiring process:

• Pass annual background checks.
• Training course titled Athlete Safety: Participant Protection, which includes recognizing and reporting misconduct.
• Athlete Safety Education program covering cyberbullying, hazing, human trafficking, and imbalance of power.
• Signing of a Good Moral Character Affidavit.
• Fingerprinting and additional clearances as required by state law and camp requirements.
• USA Cheer Safety Certification: complete athlete protection training, concussion awareness training, and adhere to a member code of conduct.

NCA Staff is an exciting opportunity for cheerleaders to develop professionally in a field they love! Our instructors are some of the most talented and personable cheerleaders in the nation.  The NCA Staff takes great pride in being part of an amazing family of instructors that spans the country and positively affects the lives of thousands of cheerleaders every year.

As a member of NCA Staff, our instructors have the opportunity to wear many different “hats” both during and after camp. As the industry progresses and changes, so does their job. Each year that our staff are invited back, the job will bring more responsibilities and opportunities that teach life skills and open up new doors professionally. Below are some expectations, responsibilities, and benefits that is the standard for all NCA Staff.

Our NCA Staff are expected to be a:

• Teacher: 95% of being on NCA Staff is providing excellent teaching – ensuring that cheerleaders who attend NCA Camp understand, comprehend, and retain the valuable information that is provided. Camp is about the campers and how well they learn and grow from their experience with the NCA Staff.
• Mentor: Our instructors are expected to are teach values, hard work, dedication, perseverance, and determination.
• Customer Service Representative: The key to success in customer service is to communicate, be proactive, attend to the attitudes and needs of the customer, and ALWAYS be positive.
• Evaluator: NCA Staff are expected to give immediate and accurate feedback, verbal and written, on several performances throughout camp.
• Performer: It is imperative for our instructors to exhibit technical ability and performance quality. By performing and demoing cheers, chants, stunts, and various skills in front of the camp – NCA Staff are expected to set the standard for skill and technique.
• Competition Crew: Throughout the competition season, our staff is hand selected to help work and/or judge regional and national competitions for NCA and other local/state organizations.

• Instructor salary.
• Per diem to cover meals and travel expenses.
• Exposure to choreography opportunities.
• Marketable professional skills such as public speaking, staff and team management, to name a few.
• Networking opportunities.
• Learn and teach innovative NCA curriculum to athletes and facilitate team bonding.
• Staff discount in the Varsity Store.
• Special Event opportunities.
• Sponsorship discounts.
• Memories that will last a lifetime!