CHEER

Cheerleading was officially recognized in the 1970's, but has been a part of the Pop Warner program for several decades. The first ever National Cheerleading competition was held in DeKalb county, GA. Today, more than 180,000 children are participating in Pop Warner cheerleading and dance around the world.

Participation in the Pop Warner Spirit program provides kids an opportunity to perform in an organized, supervised, safety oriented environment. The Camas Jets Pop Warner program emphasizes fun for all and encourages the development of qualities important long after Pop Warner days are gone.

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Teams participate on the sidelines at football games for home and most away games through to the Pop Warner Super Bowl. In addition to Game Day, teams participate in qualifying spirit events (League and Region) through to a Pop Warner National Championship. The Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Championships (started in 1988) are now held in December located in Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.​

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Reasons to participate in the Camas Jets Pop Warner cheer program:

• Pop Warner programs have no tryouts or cutting of rosters.

• Pop Warner has a mandatory play rule for all teams - every child plays!

• Pop Warner volunteers must complete a background check to be on the field with the players.

• Pop Warner participants and volunteers must abide by the Code of Conduct.

• Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) is the only national youth sports organization in America that requires its participants to perform adequately in the classroom before permitting them to play. More about the Scholastics Overview.

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What is provided? 

• Uniforms to be returned at the end of the season

• Jacket and bows to keep

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Equipment Needed 

There is an additional fee for undergarments, shoes and bags. We purchase these all at once to maintain consistency among the cheerleaders.  

• Cheer shoes are necessary to safely perform stunts and best support your cheerleader to cheer, jump, and kick at practice and games.

• Bags are required for each game and competition to hold your cheerleader’s equipment. In the case of a last minute change, all parts of the uniform, should always be available.

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How much does it cost to participate?
The registration fee for cheer is $295 for the entire season. This is subject to change for the 2024 season. 
 
How many practices are there and what is the time commitment?
Practices take place outside at the Prune Hill Sports Park. Starting August 1, we hold practices for 2 hours each weekday. Summer practices are not mandatory, but it’s a great opportunity to build strength and skill. Each cheerleader must complete 20 hours of conditioning before they are allowed to participate in stunting. Conditioning is important in preparing players for the strength and technique required for stunting. We also play games and include activities for teams to get to know each other and bond.

 

When school begins, practice will take place 2-3 times per week in the evenings, 1-2 hours a night. Practices during the school year vary by team and age and are determined by the coach.

 

When and where are the games?
Teams perform sideline cheer and stunts at Camas Jets football games, both home and away. Games take place most Sundays in September and October with the possibility of playoff games in early November. Saturday games are scheduled occasionally. Home games are held at Doc Harris Stadium in Camas. Away games are held in the Cowlitz and Clark counties in Washington and sometimes in the Portland area, but there may be opportunities to travel outside of the local area.

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Do the cheerleaders compete?
Our league's annual cheer competition will be in mid to late October. We will also be attending additional competitions. The dates for these events are announced later in the season.

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What is required of parents?
Cheerleading is a family commitment. The Camas Jets association is a 100% volunteer organization, and therefore depends entirely on the coordinated efforts of volunteers. Board members, coaches, and high school student demonstrators contribute countless hours of time and energy to make the cheer season a success. As such, the Camas Jets require the support of all athletes' families to make the season happen. Sign up for parent support obligations will take place after the game schedule is released.

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Is cheer safe?
The safety of all our athletes is a priority for the Camas Jets organization and we strive to give each participant a safe and enriching experience. Experienced and certified coaches and student demonstrators are always onsite to instruct on the proper technique for kicks, jumps and stunts. Players are encouraged to try new stunts but are never forced to do anything that makes them uncomfortable.

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What does a cheerleader need to be ready to practice?

• WATER Bottle: nice big water bottle (please no juice or sticky sweet stuff - water is better)

• HAIR UP OUT OF FACE: brush it out and put it in a pony tail - if they have bangs - please wear a head band. Bangs in the face = not safe.

• NO JEWELRY - NONE. It is not safe to wear jewelry while cheering.

• T-shirt or tank and shorts or leggings - no skorts or hoods or loose clothes - these create safety issues. Shirts or tank tops are required to wear over sports bras.

• WEAR ATHLETIC SHOES WITH LACES with ankle socks. Please no Vans, Converse, or platform athletic shoes. Stunting with shoes that can slip off is very dangerous.

• Sunblock - please apply before coming to practice

• Arrive early and ready to start on time. Please remind your cheerleader to use the bathroom before they start practice.
   

Everything you need to know about game day:

• Bag: To put their things in for the game. Store all parts of your uniform, including every bow, in your bag in case you have to put on the midriff (under shirt with long sleeves) or change your bow to match the team.

• Hair: Ponytail with cheer bow 

• Sunblock: apply before the games 

• Jewelry: NONE - the coaches will not be responsible for jewelry that is worn by accident. Take it off and leave it at home.

• Face: no excessive make up or glitter on the face. Smiles are free - bring them.

• Water: Water, water, water, and water.

• Finger nails: NO FAKE NAILS - Nails should be free of any color and not longer than the finger tip. We will have to cut their nails if they don't pass inspection. If polish cannot be removed, your player may not be able to cheer.

• ​​Tummies: Please make sure they EAT before the game. Snacks can be provided for half time but should not be anything messy. Granola bars, dried fruit and nuts are great, healthy options. And water, only water.

• Jacket/Leggings: After you receive your jacket and leggings, always bring them in your bag; you never know when a cold wind may blow. The jackets are also great to help cover their uniform if they want to eat something.

• Feet: plain white low crew socks and cheer shoes
   

What is your policy for inclement weather?

• During warmer weather, we may make adjustments to the practice schedule to help players stay cool. We provide additional water and give lots of breaks and time in the shade.

• When summer forest fires impact air quality in Camas, coaches will make daily determinations about whether it is safe for outside activities. Decisions will be based on information from a variety of local and regional sources, including the Airnow.gov. Typically, if the air quality is above 150 in the air quality index (AQI) we will relocate practice inside or postpone.

• As we move into colder, fall weather, we will still cheer in the rain. Coaches will determine if a change of uniform is necessary, especially if warmer clothes are needed. All parts of the player's uniform must always be in their bag in case there's a last minute change.

Breast Cancer Awareness
During the month of October, the cheerleaders are provided with something pink to wear in support of Breast Cancer awareness.