To this point, I’ve covered what criteria should be considered when choosing a cheerleading camp and why going to camp is so important. Now, let’s take the guess work out of the whole situation by giving you some comparisons of top choices. I was able to speak with someone in each organization represented to ask some questions and get the details that will help make your decision a little easier. >From Universal Cheerleaders Association, we spoke with Daniel Uselton. AC: Where is your territory? UCA: “Our camps are all across the nation and internationally as well.

  In one of my previous articles I mentioned the importance of going to camp. I stand by that, with one little side note. You have to be ready. Cheerleading camp is notorious for it’s intense schedule, so if your team is not adequately prepared, it can make for a very long week. The sooner your squad can begin practicing together, the better.

    Of all the roles that a cheerleader fulfills, community leader can be one of the most rewarding. As a young person participating in athletics, your time can be quite heavily spoken for.

Developing a strong team that is able to work together and find solutions is very important to the success of your season.

    I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again- One of the hardest things about cheerleading is that you have to make it look easy.

  Having good jumps is a great way to make any routine obviously better.

   Cheerleading camp does several things for a squad.

Fundraisers are a big part of the year as a cheerleader. As previously mentioned, there is not always a huge amount of financial support from the schools, so most of the money making responsibilities fall onto the team members. Depending on the regulations that are set forth by your school/school district, you may be limited to the number of fundraisers you can do.

In recent news, there has been a scrutinous lens pointed at cheerleading, for the level of danger that is involved in the activity.

  I was recently asked by an Athlete's Connection reader why there was a specification of Northeast in front of Nationals for the last installment of Sideline Superheroes? Her question was, if it's a national competition, doesn't that include the entire nation and not just the Northeastern part.

       Columbus, Ohio and the Columbus Convention Center were home to the 2007 Northeast Nationals, hosted by American Cheer Power.

    Throughout this segment I will reference different companies that host or sponsor events in which cheerleaders can participate.

Tryouts are always nerve racking, regardless of how prepared you are. Preparation, however is an important element to your success. Here are some ideas to help you get ready for the big day. Firstly, you want to get in shape.

  With the school year coming to a close, graduation is on the brain.  For most seniors that means making plans for college.  If any of you think you would like to cheer in college but aren’t sure what to do, I hope these ideas point you in the right direction.

  One look at the Springwoods High School Cheerleading website and it's easy to see how they've earned their success.

This past Saturday American Cheer Power hosted the Small Gym Championships in Belton, TX.  There were approximately 100 teams in attendance and there were many awards earned.  The competition day began with the younger age cheerleaders and moved through the older competitors.  Small Gym Championships is a way for smaller programs, 150 athletes and under, to have an opportunity to compete against other programs that have the same enrollment.

  Welcome to a different perspective on sports.  Up to this point, the Athlete's Connection has not included cheerleading as one of the activities that we cover.  Beginning with this article there will be weekly submissions that cover various aspects of cheerleading, from different participant perspectives to competition highlights.  If any of you readers out there want to comment on articles or make article submissions yourself, please do.  To give a little insight on my thoughts about cheerleading, I’d like to start by saying that I do not consider school cheerleading a sport.  WAIT!  I’m not saying that cheerleaders aren’t athletes, just that cheering for your school team isn’t a sport.  Why?  The primary focus of a cheerleading squad is not to compete, rather to support.  To do this effectively, especially the way the activity has evolved, you must be a highly skilled, extremely specialized, incredibly fit athlete.  The difference is the primary purpose.  Cheerleaders don’t have games, meets, matches, etc.