ROCKINGHAM — The future of local cheerleading was hard at work in Richmond Senior High School’s gymnasium on Wednesday.
During the third day of the four-day annual Richmond cheer camp, 110 campers continued to perfect their cheers, routines and stunts.
Meredith Hood, who has been coaching the Richmond cheer team since 2008, said a lot of pride goes into “carrying on the longstanding tradition” of cheer camp.
“It’s important to continue the tradition of camp because most kids in Richmond County want to be a Raider cheerleader or football player,” Hood said. “This gives our cheerleaders, who used to be out here at Raider cheer camp, the opportunity to work with the little ones.
“This is good for our cheerleaders to be able to give back and work with the campers,” she added. “All of the girls here get to learn the right way to cheer, have fun and see what it’s like to be a Raider cheerleader.”
With the help of the program’s 15 varsity cheerleaders and 12 junior varsity cheerleaders, along with a couple of program alumni, campers rotated through a series of stations during the four-hour camp.
Hood said that there are several age groups, spanning all the way from the pre-k “Baby Raiders” to elementary and middle school groups.
Three of Richmond County Schools’ four middle school programs attended this year — Ellerbe, Hamlet and Rockingham.
Campers spent Monday establishing their skill level and capabilities, and began to craft a routine. Hood explained that Tuesday and Wednesday are used to teach cheers, stunts and practice routines.
“My favorite part is seeing the campers have fun and for me to be able to walk around to each individual group to help them,” Hood said. “It’s great to see so many girls come back each year and remember them.
“Thursday is such a great day, too, because everyone gets to see all of the hard work come together during their routines,” she closed.
On Thursday, the last day of camp, each age group and middle school team will perform their final routine for parents, family members and the community. The event will begin at 10 a.m.
Below are photos from Wednesday’s third day of camp, taken by sports editor Kyle Pillar.
