Your Complete Guide: How to Host a Mini Cheer Camp That Wows

Julie Olinger
Sep 5
2 min read

There’s nothing quite like the energy of a gym full of young cheerleaders. Their smiles, their eagerness to learn, and their excitement to wear bows and shake pom-poms—it’s the heart of what makes cheer so special. Hosting a mini cheer camp is one of the best ways to connect your school cheer program with your community while giving kids an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re fundraising, recruiting future athletes, or simply building school spirit, a well-run camp can make a big impact.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to hosting a mini camp that both campers and parents will rave about.

Step 1: Plan the Basics

Before anything else, nail down the essentials:

Dates & Times: Will your camp be a one-day, half-day, or multi-day event?
Location: Most teams host at the school gym, but outdoor spaces or community centers can work too.
Pricing: Decide if it’s a fundraiser (per participant fee) or free as a community-building event.
Registration: Collect sign-ups with a simple Google Form or printed sheet. Don’t forget waivers!

Step 2: Build a Fun Curriculum

Mini camp should be a balance of learning skills and having fun. Try including:

Warm-ups & Motions: Teach proper arm placement with fun music.
Jumps & Chants: Keep skills age-appropriate and break them into easy steps.
Dance Combo or Cheer Routine: Put everything together into a short performance.
Games & Icebreakers: Simon Says, Pom-Pom Freeze Dance, or “Cheer Charades” to keep the energy high.

Pro tip: Keep sessions short and rotate often. Young cheerleaders have shorter attention spans—variety keeps them engaged.

Step 3: Involve Your Athletes

Your high school or middle school cheerleaders are the best mentors! Pair older athletes with small groups of campers to teach, encourage, and demonstrate. It builds leadership in your athletes while giving campers role models to look up to.

Step 4: Make It Memorable

The little touches go a long way:

Camp T-shirts or Bows: Great for photos and souvenirs.
Certificates or Ribbons: Celebrate each camper at the end of the event.
Group Photo: Share on social media and send home with parents.

Step 5: Showcase Their Hard Work

Nothing beats a performance! End camp with a mini show for parents—whether it’s a halftime routine at a game or a quick performance in the gym. It gives campers confidence and leaves families excited to come back next year.

Step 6: Follow Up & Build Relationships

After camp, share pictures on social media, thank families for participating, and invite them to future events. This helps build community connections and strengthens your program’s visibility.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a mini cheer camp isn’t just about cheers and chants—it’s about creating memories, building confidence, and planting the seeds for the next generation of cheerleaders. With some planning, creativity, and lots of spirit, your camp will be one kids talk about all year long.

✨ Bonus: Keep yourself organized with The Ultimate Cheer Coach Planner!

Take a peak inside by clicking HERE