A Weekend That Changed Everything: Our Cheer Camp Story
- ksmith0454
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
When my daughter found out she was heading to her first cheer camp, the countdown clock immediately began.
She packed her bag a full week in advance, just in case “on time” wasn’t early enough. Every conversation leading up to that weekend turned into a cheer camp prep session—who’s bringing what, what stunts they’re going to try, and of course, snack negotiations.
By the time I picked her up after camp, though, all that pre-camp energy had transformed. She came home so genuinely happy, confident, and proud of what she’d learned—and ready to catch a solid 12-hour nap.
For the first time in Red Bird Mission history, a weekend-long cheerleading camp brought together motivated young athletes—and a passionate team of coaches and mentors who made it all possible.
Varsity Coaches Meredith Asher and Candace Litton, both former cheerleaders with a love for the sport, joined forces with Kaitlyn Henson, Josh Collins and Lynn Sproles to pour their energy, experience, and heart into empowering every girl who attended. It wasn’t just about learning stunts or building strength; it was about encouraging confidence, teamwork, and growth. Hosted at the Mission Dormitories, the camp was a perfect mix of serious practice, deep team bonding, and spirited devotional activities that our girls will never forget.
The weekend kicked off with team-building exercises that emphasized positivity and unity.
The girls exchanged uplifting messages during the Positive Plates activity and untangled themselves—literally and figuratively—through the Human Knot challenge, learning the importance of communication and trust.
Devotions focused on self-esteem, highlighted by Ephesians 2:10, reminding the girls they are God’s masterpiece, created with a purpose.
One key highlight of the weekend was the workout session led by Josh Collins, a dedicated professional pursuing a degree in Exercise Sports Science with a Pre-Physical Therapy concentration.
Josh worked with the girls in the Red Bird School’s workout room, teaching them the fundamentals of strength training and proper form to ensure safety and efficiency.
His expertise provided the cheerleaders with a stronger understanding of how to develop their bodies to support the physical demands of their sport.
To help the girls continue building on the skills they learned, Josh went a step further by creating a tailored strengthening program for them to follow over the summer, setting them up for long-term growth and success.
Another immense source of inspiration came from Kaitlyn Henson, a Clay County Cheerleader with a remarkable background in competitive cheerleading.
Having gone to Nationals not once but twice—and achieving 1st place both times—Kaitlyn brought a wealth of experience and passion to the camp.
She focused on teaching the girls stunts, emphasizing proper form and precise placement to ensure safety and synchronicity in their routines.
Kaitlyn’s expertise and enthusiasm motivated the girls, giving them practical skills they could build upon and a glimpse of what could be achieved through hard work and dedication.
No cheer camp would be complete without tumbling!
The cheerleaders enjoyed a surprise trip to Pine Mountain, where they received expert instruction from Lynn Sproles.
Lynn emphasized basic tumbling techniques, jumps, and stretching, ensuring each cheerleader left with improved skills. This focus on proper technique and body awareness is crucial as they advance in their cheerleading journeys.
As the sun set, the cheerleaders gathered around a crackling bonfire, eager to share stories and deepen their connections.
One of the fun activities planned was "Two Truths and a Lie."
This game not only served as an icebreaker but also allowed the girls to learn more about each other on a personal level. The laughter and surprises during this game provided the perfect end to a day filled with hard work and growth.
The bonfire setting also included a devotion focusing on the "8 Habits of a Grateful Athlete." The campers discussed the significance of gratitude and how it can positively influence performance and mindset, nurturing their emotional well-being.
Coaches shared an important goal for this season: increasing involvement from local kids in our cheerleading program.
While last season’s team was filled with talented international students, whom we’re so proud to have supported, she expressed a heartfelt desire to create opportunities for more girls from our own community to step into the spotlight. This camp was a step toward that vision, inviting local girls to discover and grow their skills, confidence, and love for cheerleading.
Coach Meredith says, "We wanted to show these girls that there is a lot more involved in cheer than just putting on a uniform and looking pretty-Cheer is hard work and there are so many important elements included. From tumbling to facial expressions, it collectively forms an experience for not only the crowd but the squad as well. I wanted them to be a part of something bigger than them if just for the weekend!"
I’m so thankful for the incredible coaches and every single person who helped make this camp possible for our girls. Watching the effort and heart they poured into teaching, encouraging, and uplifting these young athletes was nothing short of inspiring.
This camp was more than cheerleading—it was a celebration of what community can accomplish together.
A special thank you to the others who helped make this camp possible:
Kathy Brock - (Shopped for food, cooked, set up, clean up, etc.)
Cody Asher - (Grilled, hauled, and set up)
Tonya - Athletic Director (Allowed cheerleaders to use workout room)
Katrina Osborne - (Allowed cheerleaders to stay in the dormitory)
Kayla Couch - (Provided necessities for dormitory, clean up)
Brad Kulp - (Let cheerleaders use the Cardinal House & Firepit)
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