A First Experience Worth Cheering For

Eighth grader Taniya Bracey described attending camp for the first time as “A good experience… The coaches helped a lot and taught us new things.” She loved the energy, the teamwork, and the “good vibes” that helped the squad grow closer.

The athletes learned about safety, endurance, and injury prevention, too—all essential building blocks for long-term growth in competitive cheer.

Seventh grader Kimberly Haskins was eager to talk about the new technical skills she mastered. 

“Stunt-wise, I learned how to go up into a full,” she shared. A “full” is a stunt where bases extend their arms completely, lifting the flyer—Kimberly—high overhead. She also worked on making her motions sharper and more precise.

Her teammate Amari Reed, also in eighth grade, shared that the team didn’t just grow closer—they brought home hardware.
“We got one big trophy and two little ones,” she said, smiling. “And we got a spirit stick.”

For those unfamiliar, the spirit stick is a symbol of positivity and unity, awarded to teams that bring energy and encouragement to every moment. “It’s like this big and it’s yellow,” Amari explained, stretching her hands apart. Their trophies now proudly sit in the school’s trophy case—visible proof of a weekend well spent.

Connecting With Other Squads

Camp wasn’t just about skills; it was about community.

The Northview squad connected with cheerleaders from several schools, including a team called the Bulldogs. “They cheered us on… they’re very encouraging and supportive,” Amari said.

Being around other teams—even high school squads—gave the Northview Falcons new ideas and motivation. They noticed areas where they want to grow, especially volume and motion sharpness, and left inspired by seeing older cheerleaders perform.

A Glimpse of College Life

For many of the students, IU Bloomington was their first time stepping on a college campus.
“It was actually nice,” one cheerleader said. “I liked their dorms and their food.” Spending time on a college campus opened some minds to future possibilities.

A Coach’s Perspective

Northview co-coaches Angelia Joyner, in her second year leading the squad, and her daughter, coach Maria Arias, shared why this camp was so valuable.

As a former cheerleaders, they know the confidence, leadership, and teamwork the sport can build. Cheer camp provided not just athletic training, but life skills like sportsmanship, networking, and personal development.

The experience benefited the coaches as well. Learning alongside the squad allowed the coaches to grow, sharpen their coaching skills, and gain insight from national instructors.

Most importantly, Coach Joyner emphasized the long-term impact:
Students will feed into the high school program with stronger fundamentals, greater confidence, and even potential pathways to college scholarships.

An Experience That Almost Didn’t Happen

This transformative opportunity was made possible thanks to a grant from the Foundation and its committee. The grant funded camp fees and ensured that cost wasn’t a barrier for Northview athletes.

Coach Joyner summed it up best:
“What an AMAZING experience that would not have been possible without the help of the Foundation and the grant committee.”

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