By Angelina Liu and Kendall Gayle Washington
Loud cheers echoed throughout the vaulted ceilings in Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, TX. on July 20-23, as Bishop Dunne Varsity Cheer gathered as part of the Universal Cheer Association’s 2022 Summer Camp.
The theme for this year’s camp was Friday Night Lights. The camp allowed for cheer squads to unite as one and learn more about each other and the sport. Squads enjoyed the onsite waterparks and meals during camp. The camp included stunt training, team leader programs, game day preparation and dance practice.
Before the team went to Great Wolf Lodge, they prepared the week prior in the Bishop Dunne Gym.
The Falcon cheerleaders believe there is more to their program than just cheer.
During Camp Prep week, the Varsity cheerleaders did stretching drills and a variety of cardio drills to get in shape for cheer camp. After workouts, each cheerleader had the opportunity to showcase their talents through stunting, tumbling and jumps.
The Bishop Dunne Cheerleaders not only become one through their sport, but through team bonding. Over the four days the team spent at Great Wolf Lodge, they become closer than ever — Freshmen were hanging out with seniors, and vice versa.
During a discussion with some of the Falcon cheerleaders the sense of camaraderie and love for their teammates was clear as they shared expressions of purpose and love.
Amid cheerleading and team bonding, each day was closed out with a team circle with each cheerleader holding their left hand up because its closest to their heart and spirit fingers because they’re cheerleaders; as they closed out on family.
“One, two, three, FAMILY.”
