School spirit has found its way to the Iowa State campus this summer session.

About 175 high school cheerleaders from all over the state of Iowa are gathering at ISU this week and next to attend a cheerleading camp in order to learn new routines for the upcoming school year.

The camp is called the Sunshine Summer Camp and is run under the direction of the National Cheerleading Association.

Dale Anderson, the camp director, said he and his wife started the camp at ISU 25 years ago.

Anderson said the camp is goal-oriented. He said all of the routines taught at the camp have been choreographed by the NCA and are taught by a staff hired by the NCA.

“The girls learn a lot about the activity they are interested in,” Anderson said.

On Wednesday the girls learned “the spirit dance and the camp cheer,” said Joy Bodine, the camp’s NCA staff leader.

The campers will be learning lots of new things. “Every day they have cheer and chant class,” Bodine said.

The girls will also be learning how to build partner steps and pyramids, how to improve their jump technique and how to take “band beats”— like “Dr. Who”— and turn them into cheerleading chants, Bodine said.

Campers are also given awards. The best known award is the Spirit Stick award, Bodine said.

“It is a red, white and blue stick that is given out to the person who shows great spirit and respect,” she said.

The girls also have a chance to be picked for the All American Team. Those chosen to be on the All American Team must show good motion technique, spirit and enthusiasm and gymnastic skill, Bodine said.

“All award winners have the opportunity to go on to special events,” Bodine said.

She said the camp is most about improvement. Her favorite award given out at the camp is the most improved award because it signifies that “[the campers] got out of the camp what they came here to get.”

Anderson said he and his staff work hard to make the camp a pleasant and safe experience for the girls.

“Parents and coaches feel safe about sending them to ISU,” he said.

The camp is also good for ISU, Anderson said, because it allows the girls and their parents to visit the university.