Cheer squads attend summer camps to hone skills

Local high school cheerleaders participated in Universal Cheerleaders Association camps this summer and earned recognition. Teens attended UCA camps at the University of Puget Sound, Great Wolf Lodge or their own campuses at different points throughout the summer, when teams start practicing in preparation for fall sports.

The Mariner High School squad won third place in overall rally routine and a Most Improved trophy, among other honors, at a camp it attended.

Head coach Katrina Craddock said she was most inspired to see her team receive a Camp Leadership Award.

Camp Leadership “is often seen as the most special award given at camp since the staff have nothing to do with deciding the squad who receives the award,” Craddock said. “This award is voted upon by the teams at camp … and is given to the squad that made the camp experience special.”

Stanwood High School also received a Camp Leadership Award at a summer cheer camp. The team also received three third-place trophies.

Everett High School won a Most Improved trophy at a camp event.

Granite Falls High School enjoyed a day as Top Banana, and at the end of the camp came home with four trophies, including first place for cheer and an overall second-place award.

Lynnwood High School won a first place trophy for rally routine, an overall superior rating and other honors.

Cascade High School held a cheer camp on their own campus and posted an overall superior rating.

Kamiak High School won a third-place overall trophy for band dance and a trophy for extreme routine. “I’m proud of my team’s positive attitude, hard work and kindness to others,” coach Kim Nelson said. Kamiak plans to compete this season, for the first time in many years. “One of our team’s goals is to compete at the state level in the Game Day division,” Nelson said.

Other local high schools who had teams at cheer camps this summer included Glacier Peak, Jackson, Lake Stevens and Meadowdale.

Camp honors for local schools also included “spirit sticks,” All-American nominations, and “Pin it Forward” honors given to well-rounded cheerleaders who show exemplary school spirit.

The Mariner High School cheer squad won several awards at a summer cheer camp. (Contributed photo)

The cheer team from Cascade High School was among several Snohomish County squads to attend camps this summer to hone skills for the coming sports seasons. (Contributed photo)

The cheer team from Everett High School was among several Snohomish County squads to attend camps this summer to hone skills for the coming sports seasons. (Contributed photo)

The cheer team from Kamiak High School was among several Snohomish County squads to attend camps this summer to hone skills for the coming sports seasons. (Contributed photo)

The cheer team from Lynnwood High School was among several Snohomish County squads to attend camps this summer to hone skills for the coming sports seasons. (Contributed photo)