August 29th through September 1st the Fair Grove Varsity Cheer Squad held the Junior Cheer Camp for grades Pre-K to 4th. 85 elementary kids participated in the camp; it met after school each day and was run by members of the varsity squad. There the kids learned a cheer, chant, and dance; all of which were performed Friday, September 2nd, at the Fair Grove vs. Pleasant Hope football game. This year they learned the “FGS Go Eagles” chant, the “Fair Grove Eagles Are Here To Win” cheer, and a dance to the Ghostbusters theme song. The kids loved learning all week and then getting to perform it in front of the crowd. “The kids are always excited to be there,” says Jaden Peterie, (10) Varsity cheerleader “that’s what makes it the most fun.”

The camp helps build a cheer program by getting the kids interested in cheering and giving them a chance to perform in front of a crowd. It also encourages them to try out once they are old enough. “I was a junior cheer camper in elementary and that’s what started my love for cheer,” said Hannah Mallard, (12) Varsity cheerleader.

The cheer camp not only helps build a better cheer program for the future, it also allows the varsity girls to make connections with kids. The kids look up to the cheerleaders and love getting to “hang out” with them. “Although it’s a fundraiser for our squad, it’s also a great opportunity for the cheerleaders to work on their leadership skills,” says Cheer Coach Tiffany Hill.

The girls are in charge of teaching the kids the cheers and helping them perform it for their parents and spectators at the game. The camp is a great opportunity for the elementary kids to develop cheer skills and for the varsity squad to give back to their community.