Every child has a place on the mat this summer at a camp from Highland Park High School’s Spirited Scots, the inclusive cheer squad known for its energetic performances at games, community events, and pep rallies.
The group will host four days of cheer fun in June for students with and without disabilities ages 10 through high school transition programs.
Campers do not need to live in Highland Park ISD to beat the heat while they cheer with the Spirited Scots. During last year’s inaugural summer of camp, one participant even flew in from North Carolina to join the fun, explained Tyler Robins, who sponsors the Spirited Scots with fellow special needs educator Abbie Vela.
“Last year it just went so well, and it was so much fun. The feedback was so positive,” Robins said. “Getting students of all different ages together to feel like a Spirited Scot for a few days was really, really cool.”
During its first summer, Spirited Scots camp was limited to students with disabilities. This year, Robins and Vela expanded the program to include general education students interested in learning about Spirited Scots mentorship.
By the end of April, the camp had already more than doubled its enrollment from last summer and reached its 20-student capacity. Robins and Vela opened a few additional spots. They explained that camp options for students with disabilities and those who want to support them are limited.
“There are so many students that have a passion for the special needs community,” Robins said. “In the summers, there’s not a whole lot of opportunity to volunteer.”
Afternoons at Spirited Scots Cheer Camp will include games, activities, cheers, dances, adapted jumps, and adapted stunts. On the final day of camp, students will perform cheers, along with an adapted jump or stunt, for their families and friends.
Camp will be guided by Robins, Vela, and about a dozen Spirited Scots mentor cheerleaders, who are volunteering their time to make the program a success. Campers will start the afternoon with stretches and get-to-know-you questions before transitioning to high-energy games, cheers, and skills.
“It’s all about making them feel included and connected, and making it fun for them,” Robins said.
Clara Erwin, a Spirited Scots mentor and senior at Highland Park High School, said she’s enjoyed watching campers come out of their shells.
“It’s such a joyful environment where everyone’s supporting each other,” she said. “You can mess up. You can learn. You can grow and just have fun while you’re doing it.”
For spirited athlete Emerson Schorr, the best parts of camp are jumping and doing the cheers.
Vela and Robins said they hope that camp builds connections and reaches those with a passion for the special needs community.
“It’s a way for students of all ages with or without disabilities to come together and learn cheers,” Robins said, “and feel the joy that is being a Spirited Scot.”
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