Forty students from the Bethpage Union Free School District in grades K-5 participated in the district’s first summer cheer camp, led by Bethpage High School’s varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders. The two-day camp was held on Aug. 16 and 17 in the gymnasium of John F. Kennedy Middle School.
Throughout the two days, the elementary students learned the basics of cheerleading with the help of the high school cheerleaders. This included dancing, jumping, tumbling and performing stunts. They also participated in fun games to encourage team building.
Bethpage High School Varsity Cheerleading Coach Amanda Leonardi, Assistant Varsity Coach Noelle Bonanno and Junior Varsity Coach Morgan Truman facilitated the camp. Each elementary student paid $75 and received a bow, with the cost supporting the varsity cheer team’s trip to next year’s national cheer competition. Coach Leonardi expressed how it was a great experience for the high school cheerleaders who could serve as role models for the elementary students.
“I knew how much they were going to enjoy it,” she said. “We also want to build up our program throughout the community – from varsity and junior varsity, all the way down to kindergarten.”
The elementary students had fun getting to know the varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders as they learned new cheers. Together, they practiced a cheer routine which they proudly showed families at the conclusion of the camp. The performance showcased all the skills that they learned during the two days.
“I hope the students really learned what cheerleading is all about,” said Bethpage High School Varsity Cheer Captain Ella Russo. “It’s not just cheering on the sidelines, it’s more than that. I hope this inspires them to join cheer in the future and I hope that they enjoyed themselves.”
