Selected for their technical skills and ability to effectively communicate with students of all ages, the USA prides itself on a staff that is professional and loves to teach. Each instructor is dedicated to supporting and helping our students be the very best they can be in a safe, positive and productive environment. United by this common sense of purpose, discipline and pride, the USA Staff is focused on taking our teams to the next level.
“A USA staff member is someone who is a technically trained athlete who has compassion for their students. Someone who goes above and beyond to engage the athletes and to ensure that they leave USA camps with memories that last a life time.” Jesa Herman – USA Regional Program Director
Before you get started with the application process, remember what kind of position you are applying for. Being a member of the USA Staff is not just an honor, it’s a real job. For some, it may be your first job. It is a teaching position, with less emphasis on performing than you may have realized at camp. A good deal of hard work and commitment are required. But it’s also a great summer job that will give you an opportunity to make friends and create memories that you will never forget.
Each year we accept applications and hold selective auditions for our cheerleading, songleading, mascot, pep flag, dance, and band programs. The USA Instructional Staff teaches over 20,000 students each year at camps in California, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and Arizona. In addition, the USA produces dozens of one day spirit, dance, and band competitions, clinics, and rallies. Each year we host special tour events and performance opportunities in California, Florida and Rome.
The tryout process begins with submitting an on-line application. In addition to those asked to apply while at camp, others interested can also submit an application here. We will review and consider each application for a possible invitation to attend regional auditions, which will be held between December 2019 through March 2020 (dates are still being determined).
All applicants must be 18 years old (by June 1, 2020) or over and must have graduated from high school by Summer 2020 in order to apply. If your application is accepted, you will be invited to audition/ interview in your area where you will be judged on everything from your skills and athleticism to your personality and character.
Thank you for your interest in the USA staff and we hope to receive your application in the near future! If you have any further questions regarding the USA Instructional staff or the application process, contact Lizbeth Rohrmoser at 800.886.4872 x2022 or by email at lrohrmoser@varsity.com.
Application Link: USA STAFF APPLICATION (Click to apply)
So what should you do while you are waiting to find out about tryouts? Keep cheering, dancing or doing whatever skills your activity requires! Give it your all! Practice teaching by helping new team members, and continue to sharpen your own skills at every practice, game, and competition. Identify your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Focus on becoming more versatile as a performer. If you’ve always been a top in stunts, give basing a try, and if your feet don’t usually leave the ground, get in the air! The same goes for all the programs that USA offers. The more versatile and all-around you are the better chances you have of making it onto the USA Staff.
Most of the tryouts will take place in late winter/early spring. The number of instructors that will be chosen depends on the number of staff we have returning and the number of camp enrollments we foresee for the upcoming summer, both with respect to the region/area in which you preside. Hundreds of “Apps” are given out at camp each summer but only about 30-45 new instructors will be hired for the cheerleading program and 5-10 for each of our other programs.
Applicants are evaluated in these general areas:
CHEER – Taught a cheer & dance at the tryout, Asked to bring an original sideline cheer to teach, Jumps, Tumbling (standing and running), Stunts (all girl and coed), Interview
SONG/POM – Taught a cheer and short dance combination at the tryout, Asked to bring an original routine to teach, Turns, Kicks, Leaps, Interview
DANCE – Asked to bring 3 original choreography combinations across 3 different styles.
DRUM MAJOR -Demonstrate Drum Major Skills, Conducting/Spinning Skills, Interview
The in-person tryout process varies from region to region. The judges (Program Directors/Managers & veteran staff) will interact with applicants in a workshop setting. They will be looking at the technique with which you perform the material and/or skills required for the program that you are auditioning for (jumps, stunts, and tumbling for cheer) (turns, kicks, leaps for Song/Pom and Dance) (spinning, conducting and leadership skills for Drum Major).
Perform your skills as if you are already on staff. Project the qualities that embody a USA instructor: confidence, capability, poise & energy. You’ve been selected to try out because you’ve got the skills, now focus on how you execute them!
What are the judges looking for during the interview? Well, that’s hard to nail down. The judges are looking for a certain special unnameable quality, so the best advice is to just be yourself. Here are some more interview tips:
If you have been selected and offered a USA summer camp instructor position, you will receive a letter within a month after your tryout. You will then have approximately one month to notify the USA office of your intent to work next summer.
Good luck and remember that individuals are chosen based on their ability to continue a legacy of greatness. The USA is successful because of its teaching staff. Being chosen means that you have the potential to fulfill a tradition of excellence!
Unfortunately, not everyone gets noticed. So just because you may not have gotten an invite for the USA application process at camp, that does not mean that you cannot submit an application. If you are 18 or over, a senior in high school or have graduated from high school, please complete the application by clicking the link below.
More information coming soon.
Click Here For More Information about VCA Staff
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