Fair Grove High School’s Color Guard recently held their color guard camp February 5 through 12, available to students grades seventh to 11. The camp gave students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of color guard before the upcoming season.
The camp is led entirely by high school students, giving them a chance to take on leadership roles while guiding younger participants. This year, the camp leaders were sophomores Lacie Workman and Megan Bright, with juniors Madison Crews and Abbie Barton. Together, they taught color guard skills and fundamentals to the other participating students using routines and skill building exercises they made themselves.
For many of the leaders, teaching at camp is a meaningful experience. Workman said, “My favorite thing about color guard is getting to teach what I love to younger kids, because I remember whenever I was the one being taught.” She explained that camp focuses on introducing basics and slowly building them into a full routine, teaching three to four skills per practice session.
Similarly, Bright, a sophomore who has participated in these camps since sixth grade, stated, “It’s really fun getting to help people discover what guard is all about.” She added that the fast pace can be challenging, since students need to learn fundamentals and choreography in just a couple of hours after school.
Fair Grove Choir and Music Teacher Audra Harmon, who sponsors the camp, highlighted the value of watching students progress quickly. “I always love watching new students go from not having any knowledge of color guard to completing choreography to a song in just a few short days.” She added that while time is limited, the camp is a great way to spark interest in color guard and encourage more students to try out for the team.
Camp sessions typically begin with stretching and warm ups, followed by learning and practicing fundamentals. The students then work on choreography, often repeating movements until they are perfected. The camp not only shows participants basic skills but also helps build teamwork, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for color guard.
The color guard team presents their routines at football games during marching season, as well as at both the Fall Festival Parade and the Christmas Parade. By including students from seventh through 11th grade this year, the camp hopes to inspire more students to join and grow the Fair Grove Color Guard program.
