Cheerleaders at First Presbyterian Day School hosted a free cheerleading camp for kids in their community.
13WMAZ spoke to the 17-year-old organizer and the girls who inspired her to 'spread more cheer.'
From chants to cheers, 10-year-old Janiya Parker said this camp is one of the highlights of her summer.
“If we didn't have this camp, I don't know what I would be doing right now,” said Parker.
That's the reality for many of the girls here. It inspired 17-year-old Harrison Martin to create this program last summer.
“The thing that's so special about these girls is that they are so loving. And they love coming out here,” said Martin.
The young ladies in the program are part of a group called Campus Clubs. The organization works with at-risk kids and families to equip them with life skills, educational resources and more.
The free, week-long, camp provides the girls with food, t-shirts and quality time with First Presbyterian Day School cheerleaders.
“They work hard for us to have this cheer camp. And we learn that teamwork makes the dreamwork,” said Parker.
Martin said her goal was to give girls a chance to gain more confidence and hope.
“You can be a cheerleader throughout all the stages of your life. Whether you're sad or you're happy or if you're going through a hard time," Martin said. "You can always find that little bit of joy and just bring it out."
Martin is a rising senior at First Presbyterian Day School. She hopes to pass on this program after graduation in hopes that it will continue.