Cheer Camp 101

Cheer Camp 101

It’s been YEARS since I went to dance camp (I really don’t want to show my age HAHA). So when my youngest daughter made the cheer team for middle school and I knew they were going to camp over the summer I had no idea what to expect. Was it similar to what I went to? Was it completely different?

Thankfully, I knew a couple of the previous cheerleaders and their moms. I asked a million questions to make sure we had everything she could possible need for the four day camp. Of course, the cheer coach and sponsors provided us with your typical packing list, but after our stay, I found a few things they didn’t include that could be helpful for any other moms sending their kiddo off to cheer camp.

Lysol Wipes and Spray

I learned this from a fellow mom and her husband. They came prepared. When we got into the dorms they offered us the wipes and spray to clean the counters, desk, spray the bed and wipes down the bathroom. Although the dorms have been cleaned after the students left no telling what had decided to grow in the weeks leading up to our arrival.

Snacks

The kids usually eat an early dinner (we’re talking early bird special) then head back for additional activities. They would get to their dorms around 9pm and would be starving once again. If your kid will have access to a microwave, easy to heat meals are a huge help. I packed individual mac and cheese and ramen bowls. I wanted to make sure it was something quick and easy for her to make. Also, send them with any and all the other snacks you can think of! These kids are working their butts off during the day and need all the energy to get through the 12+ hour days.

Heavy/Thick Blanket

The dorms are usually kept pretty cold and the kids have been working hard all day. A good, thick blanket will keep them warm and help them sleep even better. Let’s be honest though, they are so exhausted they normally pass out as soon as their heads hit the pillow.

Card Game

They usually do have a lights out time, but if they have a little free time, a card game is a great way for kids to get to know each other and decompress. We sent an Uno set and my daughter said they had a blast playing it in the evenings. A little mindless fun without the screens!

Box Fan

Whether your kid is a hot sleeper or someone who likes a sound machine to fall asleep, this is a great idea! Although the dorms are normally kept chilly, they do come in from the long hot day looking for some relief. A fan along with the AC is a match made in heaven. Bonus if it can be used as a sound machine when it’s light out time.

The packing list that is given is a great road map for what to pack for cheer camp, but these few extras may help to give your camper some relief and a little extra love from home.