What Are Dance & Cheer Jobs at Summer Camp?

Dance and Cheer Jobs at Summer Camps

Dance and cheer jobs at summer camps combine high-energy choreography, spirit programming, and team-building into one of the most dynamic roles on the activities staff. From traditional sleepaway camps blending dance and cheer into daily electives to specialty residential camps running competitive prep, dance-and-cheer instructors get to share their love of performance with every kind of camper.

As a dance and cheer instructor at an overnight camp, you’ll teach routines, jumps, stunts, motions, and choreography across age groups. You’ll plan showcases, support color war and theme night programming, and run team-building experiences that build camper confidence. Many co-ed residential camps run a unified dance/cheer program, giving multi-style instructors the chance to teach across genres throughout the summer.

What does a dance and cheer instructor at summer camp do?

You’ll teach choreography, jumps, motions, and stunts while leading routines for camper showcases. Daily classes, rehearsals, and special events anchor the role at the sleepaway camp throughout the summer camp season.

What certifications help when applying for dance and cheer roles?

USA Cheer Safety credentials are highly valued for cheer-heavy programs, along with strong dance training and CPR/First Aid. Many overnight camps offer certification support during staff training before the summer camp season starts.

Do dance and cheer programs include stunting?

It depends on the camp. Traditional residential camps usually focus on basic motions and no-stunt routines for safety. Specialty cheer camps often offer full stunt and tumble programs with certified staff and strict safety protocols.

What does the pay look like for dance and cheer jobs at camp?

Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and credentials. Sleepaway camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, which makes the overall summer camp package meaningfully more valuable than the base figure suggests.

Can current college cheerleaders teach at summer camps?

Yes — many co-ed residential camps actively recruit current and recent collegiate cheerleaders for dance and cheer instructor roles. Combine performance experience with teaching credentials to stand out at top sleepaway camps.