The Northview High School Chiefs’ cheerleading squad grew by more than 30 members this summer, thanks to a two-day camp in the school’s gym.

Forty-five girls ages 4 to 13 registered for a mini cheerleading camp Thursday and Friday to get first-hand cheer tips from members of the NHS squad.

“Northview has had one of these every year the school has been here I think,” said cheerleading sponsor Megan Carroll. “It’s an annual fundraiser for the cheerleaders.”

The money raised from the $20 registration fee and $10 t-shirt help to defray travel costs for the squad as well as some individual equipment costs, Carroll said.

The 45 girls learned line dances for band chants as well as chants and cheers, Carroll said. The group also learned an original dance choreographed by the 33 members of the Northview varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads.

Carroll said the squad members look forward to the camp each year.

“How could you not,” she said. “Look at these girls. Even if they weren’t learning cheers they’d still have a good time.”

The group will take what they learned this week and put it to good use. They will join the varsity cheerleaders on the track around the football field during the first quarter of the Chiefs’ first game Aug. 23 against Bay.

The spirit usually lasts throughout the year even if it’s in an unofficial capacity, Carroll said.

“The girls wear their t-shirts to every game and continue to cheer throughout the year,” Carroll said. “They feel like they’re part of the group.