By By Matthew Nascone
Anna Davis and the Northview High School cheerleading squad scouted upcoming cheerleaders Saturday at their 11th annual NHS mini cheer camp.
The camp had a turnout of 57 girls from ages K-5 through fifth grade. Davis, NHS's cheer sponsor, said she was happy with the turnout for the event.
"It makes me feel good to have all these people here today," Davis said Saturday morning.
The girls cheered the day away at the camp performing cheer stunts and learning dance routines. They also were served a snack in between stations.
"We wanted to do something for the community because a lot of these girls are involved in Mini Mites and other cheer organizations," Davis said. "We wanted to give something back to them."
Davis said she believes the camp is a way to give the girls a chance to see what it is like to cheer in front of a big crowd. The participants will perform during halftime of Northview's opening-round playoff game against Vernon Friday night.
"They come to all the home football games and now they will be performing at halftime of a game," Davis said.
As with any project, Davis said there was a lot of work involved in preparation.
"We had a lot of work to do to make sure the children were safe and having a good time," she said. "We took the time to sit down and plan out schedules and know exactly what they are going to get, for instance goodie bags and t-shirts. We definitely put a lot of work into this clinic."
Of course there is always work to be done, but when the work is finished there must be time for fun, Davis said. She said the girls played various children's games while they were getting registered for the camp.
"I think they had fun learning their dance routine and cheering," Davis said. "I think overall even my cheerleaders had a good time. These children are unpredictable and that makes it fun."
Davis said she believes the camp is a good opportunity for her cheerleaders to be helping teach what they know about cheerleading. She said all she wants is for the campers to have an enjoyable experience.
"I can see that they are looking up at my cheerleaders and it is a mentoring opportunity for my cheerleaders," Davis said. "I think the little girls are going to have a good time and go out next week (Friday night) and have a great time performing at the halftime show."