2012 Kansas Spirit Squad Camp Recap

By Maggie Hull, Media Relations Student Assistant

Campers at one of six 2012 summer KU Spirit Squad camps intently watch a stunt performance.

Aug. 13, 2012

Just less than 600 aspiring cheerleaders, dancers and mascots participated in one of the six Kansas Spirit Squad camps from July 15-22.

Camps were held at the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center, Horejsi Family Athletics Center and Lawrence High School. Current Spirit Squad members and coaches taught participants cheers, stunts, dances, mascot personalities, tumbling, game day leadership and safety. They offered coaches meetings and a fun, Disney-themed mixer on the last night of each camp.

2012 Spirit Squad camps included:
July 15-16	Overnight Camp (4^th & 5^th Grades)
July 16	One Day Clinic (1^st-3^rd Grades)
July 17-19	Middle School Camp (6^tth-8^th Grades)
July 20-22	High School Camp (9^th-12^th Grades)
July 20-22	Dance Camp (9^th-12^th Grades)
July 20-22	Mascot Camp (9^th-12^th Grades)

Spirit Squad Coordinator Cat Jarzemkoski said the number of participants was higher than previous camps.

“We do look at potential candidates at camp,” Jarzemkoski said. “We look for skill in stunts, tumbling, cheer ability, energy and a good work ethic.”

The Spirit Squad will host its annual Spirit Day on September 8 inside Memorial Stadium as the Kansas football team takes on Rice University. At Spirit Day, participants cheer on the Jayhawks with KU's Cheerleaders and Rock Chalk Dancers for the first half of the football game. For more information about the Kansas Spirit Squads and upcoming fall clinics, visit:

http://www.kuathletics.com/sports/c-spirit/kan-c-spirit-body.html

http://www.kucheer.com

http://www.kudance.com

http://www.kumascots.com