The Sequim High School Wolves’ varsity and junior varsity cheer squads attended a National Cheerleaders Association camp at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound from Aug. 5-8, along with 17 other teams from across the region.

Teams spent four days learning dances, chants, cheers, jumps, stunts and taking part in team-building activities.

Sequim High’s team earned a Spirit Stick Award — one of the top awards teams can receive — given to teams that exhibit qualities such as heart, diligence, dedication, good sportsmanship, a positive attitude and teamwork — each of the four days of camp.

Six Sequim cheerleaders were nominated for All-American Team, a distinction awarded to cheerleaders displaying top cheerleading skills: Hilary Holtrop, Taylene Eldredge, Emily Straling, Danica Miller, Tatum Jensen and Hannah D’Amico.

In addition, Miller was awarded the Pay It Forward Pin, which is awarded for displaying good attitude, spirit and kindness. The following day she awarded a pin to a cheerleader on another team.

Prior to attending the camp, Sequim High cheerleaders and members of the new SHS cheer booster club spent May-July fundraising for camp expenses.

The cheerleaders are grateful and want to express “Thank you” to the Sequim community for the generosity at their fundraising events, which included a bake sale, car wash, flea market and doughnut sales.

Cheer fundraisers will continue through the year. Applebee’s Cheer Day will be on the second Saturday of every month, when 15 percent of purchases at Sequim Applebee’s will be donated to the SHS cheer program, if you present a coupon available from cheerleaders or booster members.

Under the guidance of head cheer coach Kim King and assistant coach Caihley Baker, the cheerleaders have been practicing through the summer to prepare for the upcoming year. The squads cheer at football games, home basketball games and perform at school assemblies.

The first event for SHS’s cheerleaders is the the first varsity football game, set for Friday, Sept. 2, at Port Townsend, followed by the first JV football game, set for Monday, Sept. 5, in Sequim.

The cheerleaders also will participate in community service events such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the high school on Sept. 17.