The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Cheer camp teaches youth the fundamentals
Youth cheerleaders in the city of Avon Lake are getting prepared for another season of junior and mini cheerleading.
The Avon Lake Youth Cheer program, available for grades first through sixth, held its introductory camp Aug. 14 and 15 at Avon Lake High School, 175 Avon Belden Road, to prepare them for another fall season of cheering.
“We’re a non school-affiliated program for youth who are interested in cheering,” said Michelle Sabol Whitely, director of the junior cheerleaders for the fifth and sixth graders in the program. “We cover the basics here, so we go over the different motions and jumps.
“We also cover game etiquette, which involves telling them how to stand and learning basic knowledge on what team is on offense versus defense and how to react to certain things.”
Sabol Whitely said the camp consists of two threehour sessions that work on a majority of what the cheerleaders will have to know.
“We start off with some stretching and making sure they are ready to do the various motions we will ask of them throughout the day,” she said. “They will then be broken up into different classes for various instructions on movement, chants and a variety of short and long cheers.
“We will also cover a ‘hello cheer,’ which is basically what is done to welcome an opponent.”
Whitely said current high school cheerleaders are asked to help out.
“I have them come over and help out with physically teaching them,” she said. “They do a great job with the girls, and you can tell the younger girls idolize the high school cheerleaders.”
Jennifer Dunleavy, director of the mini cheerleaders for the first through fourth graders in the program, said the mini cheerleaders are a joy to be around.
“I love going to the games and practices and seeing the enthusiasm our little cheerleaders have,” Dunleavy said. “The program teaches young, aspiring cheerleaders how to be part
of a group.
“I have had some girls with special needs in the past, and this program gives them a team to be a part of.”
Maddy Gavin, 10, an Avon Lake fifth-grader, said she cheers to see her friends.
“We like to come to practice to hang out and cheer together with these girls,” Maddy said. “It gives me something to do and allows me to show spirit.”
Chloe Parkinson, 10, an Avon Lake fifth-grader, said she has fun cheerleading.
“I will definitely cheer in high school,” Chloe said. “It’s something I love to do, and it allows me to see friends and support the footballers.
“The coaches also do a great job teaching me what I need to know.”