Cheerleading Camp

October 1, 2011
Grades 4-7 If you aren't blinded by the white smiles blasting out from the pages, this volume in the Kick, Jump, Cheer! series will steer you right when preparing (and calming nerves) for that big trip to cheerleading camp. A little history first: Lawrence Herkimer held the first such camp in 1948, where he taught attendees the Herkie, a now-standard cheerleading leap. Today's camps come in all stripes, from resident camps held on campuses to day camps to private lessons. What goes on at them provides the meat of Green's text: strength training, stunts, and various special events like the All-American tryout and the awarding of the spirit stick. Proving she knows her audience, Green incorporates an undercurrent of understanding: At camp, set aside any personal problems you may have with someone. Camp is the time to focus on team spirit. A flowery design meshes well with the snazzy photos, and the back matter guides readers to other sources of spirit.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)