Today, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) kicked off the first-ever Virtual Cheer Camp with an interactive live-stream event with the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders. Over 1100 youth signed up to attend the virtual event remotely from a computer or mobile device in their homes since COVID-19 restrictions do not allow for an in-person meeting of this size.
During the live stream event, LA County Parks staff and the LA Rams Cheerleaders taught original cheer and dance routines while promoting positive self-esteem, teamwork, and empowerment.
“We have empowered our boys and girls for 25 years with our Cheer Program,” said Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation Director Norma E. García. “LA County Parks will keep the cheer spirit going during the COVID-19 pandemic through an interactive experience with the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders, to ensure that our cheer participants across LA County have the celebration they deserve with our first ever Virtual Cheer Camp!”
“The Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders are thrilled to be a part of the 25-year anniversary for LA County Park’s Cheer Program,” said Rams Cheerleading Director Keely Fimbres. “Community engagement lies at the core of the Rams organization, and the virtual cheer camp is a unique way to encourage our youth to stay healthy and active as we continue to navigate these challenging times.”
The Virtual Cheer Camp continues online through Friday, July 31, with pre-recorded instructional videos from LA County Parks and Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders available via LA County Parks From Home Virtual Recreation Center. Viewers will learn cheer basics like angles, jumps, icebreakers, and fun dances for mini, juniors, and teens.
Visit parks.lacounty.gov/virtualcheercamp for LA County Parks’ Virtual Cheer Camp. New videos will be posted each day from July 27 to 31 of Virtual Cheer Camp for cheerleaders and spirit squads to remotely practice new cheers, improve their cheerleading skills, learn new routines, and get inspired.
On the website you can view:
A recording of today’s live event featuring LA County Parks and the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders: https://youtu.be/d_QZ6PGLQOI
An inspirational video in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the LA County Parks’ Cheer Program: https://youtu.be/gprBIvJBmK4
This year, LA County Parks celebrates the 25-year anniversary of its Cheer Program, which empowers girls, boys, and youth between 4-18 years old. Every year about 500 to 800 participants learn different levels of techniques like stunts, dance, and cheer from cheer instructors at 20 parks. Programming is taught with the philosophy that safety comes first; fun activities are incorporated that aid in deferring youth from the pressures of the streets and help build self-esteem and social skills. Participants also take part in local parades, cheer clinics, and cheer competitions to better their skills for the culminating event: The Cheer Off.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions Safer At Home health order, LA County Parks had to close facility amenities temporarily. The Department is committed to providing access to healthy recreation opportunities this summer during the unprecedented crisis. Currently, LA County Parks is offering Mini-Cheer Camps in open spaces at Castaic Sports Complex, Rimgrove and San Angelo parks, at only 12 student capacity per location, due to COVID-19 health guidelines. To widened our reach and provide programming to our 500-800 participants, it was important that we offered an alternate avenue to unite online with the Virtual Cheer Camp.
