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Dawson County Junior High cheerleaders host camp
S-Cheer Camp pic 1
Dawson County Junior High School cheerleaders pose with young campers after completing their halftime routine practice during last weeks camp. - photo by Amy French Dawson County News

For the last two weeks, the gymnasium at Dawson County Junior High has been a haven for young girls who love pom-poms, tumbling and all things cheer.

This was the inaugural summer for the junior high cheer squad to offer day camp for young Dawson aspiring cheerleaders.

"We have received wonderfully positive feedback from all of our camp participants," said Megan Sipsy who ran the camp. "I think their favorite part is our Cheer Showcase on Friday at the end of each session where they get the chance to show off what they've learned for their family and friends."

Sipsy is the eighth grade physical science teacher at DCJH and said the success in this first effort was exciting, and as a fundraiser, helped the program generate nearly three-quarters of the money needed for the team's new uniforms.

The eight eighth and ninth grade cheerleaders spent two weeks working with students ages 5-10 years old.

"All eight cheerleaders, and our manager, helped run this camp and it has been a huge success-not only for the younger girls participating but also for our junior high cheer squad members to work as a team," Sipsy said.

June 19-23 saw second, third and fourth graders completing warm-ups, motion and chant practices, learning jumps and learning a halftime routine.

Sessions lasted from 8-11:30 each morning and then from 12:30-4 each afternoon.

The schedule for the camp also worked around the school summer lunch program that was hosted at DCJH. Campers were able to get free lunch on break between the sessions.

Campers also got to play games, do activities and crafts and break for snacks.

The week of June 26-30, Sipsy said the group was all second and third graders.

Sipsy said that the parental feedback was also positive with many asking about signing up for next year's event.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed sponsoring the students running this camp," Sipsy said. "It has given me the chance to see my squad grow closer as a team while helping younger cheerleaders develop a passion for the sport. I look forward to hosting this camp for many years to come."