By SHANNON COLLETTI

Several dozen neighborhood girls gathered at Four Points Middle School on July 27 and 28 for Vandegrift High School’s annual Lil Viper Cheer Clinic. The young cheerleaders enjoyed learning chants, cheers, stunts, jumps and dances from the high schoolers, while also having fun playing games, doing arts and crafts and decorating cupcakes. 

“Little Viper Camp is important for the community because it provides a space for our high school students to strengthen their relationships with our younger students,” Varsity Coach Sydney Warnock said. “It allows our program to make an impact on the younger generation and inspire them to do what they love!”

The camp ran two days this year, as opposed to the traditional one-day clinic. This allowed the girls to form better connections and gave the little Vipers more time to engage with the material, Warnock added.

The camp is a fundraiser for Viper Cheer, helping to fund competitions, game-day food, and many other program essentials, Varsity Captain Harley Lombard said.

“Lil Viper Cheer is an experience for younger girls to have the opportunity to learn how to be a Vandegrift cheerleader,” she added. “We put it on so that the girls who look up to us in our community can be a part of the team and create memories with all the cheerleaders. We appreciate all the girls who participate in camp, and we hope to see you next year!”