Performing Arts: Cheer, Dance, Sing & Talent (Grades 1-9)

Cheer Camp (Grades 1-5)

  1 week sessions       9:00am - 12:00pm & 9:00am - 3:00pm       $390-$650

Welcome to Cheer for C.H.E.E.R (confidence, helpfulness, equality, encouragement, and resilience!) Camp! Our Beginner Cheer Camp is specially designed for young athletes who are new to cheerleading and want to build not only their cheer skills but also their ability to speak up, listen, and lead with confidence. In this camp, you’ll learn the fundamentals of cheer, a dance routine, and two cheers while also focusing on the importance of clear communication, speaking with authority, and leading by example. Led by a Sidwell Friends Lower School Teacher, Cheer Camp is the team we can all support this summer!  

Camp Highlights:

  • Foundations of Cheerleading: Learn essential cheer techniques such as cheers, chants, dances, and jumps. We'll focus on proper form and rhythm, building a strong foundation for future growth.

  • Voice Projection & Clarity: A big part of cheerleading is being heard and leading your team. We’ll work on speaking clearly, projecting your voice, and confidently leading chants and cheers in front of a group.

  • Leadership Skills: Discover what it takes to be a cheerleader both on and off the mat. You’ll practice taking initiative, communicating with teammates, and building team spirit.

  • Confidence Building Exercises: Participate in activities that help you become comfortable with speaking in front of others, whether it’s leading a cheer or simply sharing your ideas in a group.

  • Teamwork & Support: Cheerleading is all about working together, so we emphasize collaboration and learning how to support your teammates both in skill and in communication. You'll build strong bonds with your fellow campers as you practice cheers, stunts, and fun team-building exercises.

  • Positive Feedback & Encouragement: Our experienced coaches will provide supportive, constructive feedback that helps you build confidence—not only as a cheerleader, but as a leader who speaks up and takes charge when needed.

Who Should Attend?
This camp is ideal for beginners who want to learn cheerleading fundamentals while also gaining confidence in speaking up and taking on leadership roles. No experience necessary — just a willingness to try new things and speak your mind!

At Cheer for C.H.E.E.R Camp, you'll leave not only as a better cheerleader but as a more confident, assertive individual ready to lead the way — both on the sidelines and in life!

Join us and learn how to cheer, speak up, and lead with confidence!

Attire: Campers should come in athletic clothing that they are able to easily move in. Campers should be prepared to dance barefoot as the program takes place in Sidwell Friends dance studio.

Dance Explorations (Grades 1-4)

Welcome to Dance Explorations—a whimsical world where young dancers embark on a journey of self-expression, creativity, and rhythmic exploration. This vibrant camp is specially crafted for children in the elementary age group, offering a delightful blend of movement, as they learn and try various dance genres.

Led by Sidwell Friends Movement Teacher, campers will have the opportunity to express themselves through various dance styles, fostering a sense of confidence and individuality.

In this camp, children will explore a new style of dance and movement each day: ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop. Instruction will include learning the dance technique specific to each dance style, exploring the history and cultural significance of each dance form through books and video, and learning how find their own voice as a dance artist by creating dance choreography with their peers. While the emphasis is on fun and self-expression, our instructors ensure that campers learn fundamental dance techniques and improve their coordination.

In addition movement, through fun group activities and collaborative dance routines, campers develop essential social skills. Friendships blossom as they share the excitement of mastering new dance moves together, in a supportive and inclusive environment. Join us at our Dance Explorations, where every twirl, leap, and pirouette contributes to a magical week of learning, friendship, and creative expression!

No prior dance experience necessary. Camp will take place in Sidwell Friends dance studio.

Attire: Campers should come in athletic clothing that they are able to easily move in. Dance shoes are not necessary. Campers should be prepared to dance barefoot or in sneakers (hip hop).

SING Out Loud! Vocal Camp (Grades 5-9)

Whether your child loves to sing in the shower, the car, the choir loft, or the spotlight, Sing Out Loud! Vocal Camp is a joyful, full-day experience designed to help young singers grow their voices, build confidence, and have fun making music together.

 This camp blends casual, camp-style energy with age-appropriate vocal instruction, introducing singers to foundational techniques used in both solo and choral singing. Through group warm-ups, vocal games, ensemble singing, and guided solo exploration, campers will learn how to use their voices safely and expressively.

Led by Sidwell Friends Middle School Music Teacher - no prior experience required. 

Throughout the day, campers will:

  • Learn healthy vocal techniques such as breathing, posture, tone production, and projection

  • Explore solo singing in a low-pressure, encouraging environment

  • Practice aural skills and music literacy through games and group activities

  • Sing together in choral and small-group ensembles, developing harmony and listening skills

  • Experiment with different musical styles and genres

  • Build confidence and community through playful performance activities and group collaboration

Instruction is differentiated to support all levels, from beginners to experienced singers, ensuring every camper feels successful and challenged at the right level. The atmosphere is intentionally fun, inclusive, and supportive–perfect for students who are new to singing as well as those with choir or performance experience.

The camp day includes a balance of structured instruction, creative exploration, movement, games, and social breaks, making it engaging and developmentally appropriate for a wide range of ages. The experience culminates in an informal sharing or mini-performance, allowing singers to celebrate their growth in a relaxed and joyful way. We’re excited to embark on this journey of singing together and can’t wait to create magical, musical summer memories.

Sidwell Summer’s Got Talent! (Grades 2-5)

Lights on. Mic check. It’s YOUR time to shine!

Does your child love to sing, dance, act, create, or show off a special skill? At You’ve Got Talent, campers will explore their creativity, build confidence, and experience the thrill of performing in a fun, supportive, and high-energy environment!

Throughout the week, campers will rotate through exciting performance and creative workshops - including dance, music, drama, comedy, visual arts, and specialty talents - as they discover their strengths and develop new skills. With guidance from energetic camp staff, campers will learn the fundamentals of stage presence, teamwork, and showmanship while shaping a performance they can proudly call their own.

The week builds toward a show-stopping Talent Showcase where the camp community will be invited to cheer on our rising stars as they perform on stage and celebrate their hard work. Every camper will shine, every talent will be honored, and every child will walk away with a boost of confidence and unforgettable memories.

o   Perfect for beginners and experienced performers alike

o   Solo and group performance opportunities

o   Creative design, props, and costumes included

o   Leadership roles for older campers

o   Confidence-building, skill-building, and FUN!

Whether your camper is a natural-born performer or just discovering their spark, You’ve Got Talent! is the ultimate place to explore, create, and shine!

Dates, Hours, and Fees

2026 Dates
Week AM ONLY FULL DAY
June 15 - 18 *4-day week Sidwell Summer's Got Talent (3-5)
June 22 - 26 SING Out Loud! (5-7)
June 29 - July 2 *4-day week Cheer Camp (2-3)
July 6 - 10 Dance Explorations (1-4)
July 13 - 17 Cheer Camp (4-5)
July 27 - 31 Dance Explorations (1-4)
August 3 - 7 Sidwell Summer's Got Talent (2-5) SING Out Loud! (7-9)
Hours
AM Only: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Full Day: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Fees
AM Only: $460 5-day week / $390 4-day week
Full Day: $650 5-day week

AM Only program campers must be picked up at 12:00pm or you should select a PM Only Program during registration to create a Full Day of programming.

Transition Time: Campers will be supervised for lunch and transition between AM Only + PM Only programming.