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Bringing family to cheer
CANFIELD
More than 160 Canfield students high-kicked off the start of the annual Cheer Kiddie Camp at Canfield High School.
Ashley Williams, head cheerleading coach and high-school science teacher, said Monday she is happy to be part of a program for the third year it has doubled over the years in participation.
“It really brings this whole sense of family around,” she said.
Family is a strong ideal the camp is teaching this year with its Disney theme. Cheer camp leaders stress the word “Ohana,” meaning family, a well-known word from the Disney movie “Lilo and Stitch,” because with family, anything can be achieved, Williams said.
“We wanted to spread that message by continuing to open our arms and program up to everyone,” said Alexis Hudock, high-school senior. “[The camp] brings everyone together.”
All students, from prekindergarten through eighth grade, sported a complementary shirt and bow for their hair, matching their cheer sisters.
Williams said the Disney theme helps teach the youngsters to believe that anything is possible.
“It’s really inspiring to teach you to be what you want to be and do what you want to do and follow your heart,” she said.
One of the most-important lessons taught during cheer camp was about being a leader, both in and out of the cheerleading uniform.
“We want to exemplify all of their good qualities and really stress the importance of being a good person all the time,” Williams said.
Hudock said she enjoys seeing the girls so eager to be part of such a strong leadership team.
“It’s a wonderful feeling when the girls come back on the second day excited to be here and ready to learn more,” she said.
The camp wraps up Wednesday with a performance at 11:15 a.m. at the high school to display their new skills – from toe touches and team-building exercises to dances.
“It’s really awesome just watching how rewarding all of this is for the kids,” Williams said.