by Shelley Bennett
The Lassen High School Drill Team is gearing up for the new school year and held their own DIY Team Camp last week. My incredible captains Kissy Baesman and Parker Foreman helped put together some activities and work sessions to get the Grizzliettes ready for performing under the Friday Night Lights.
Both Kissy and Parker choreographed and taught their own pom routines. Pom is a dance style focusing on intricate, precise arm movements using transitions and formations for visual effect.
The dances were very creative and reflected each captain’s unique style, while highlighting the team’s strengths.
DT alum Sofia Bennett taught some sideline dances to the Grizzliettes and Cheer Team. Starting a new collab at LHS, the sideline dances are short and easy to implement with any kind of music, including pieces played by the Drumline.
The Grizzliettes are looking forward to working with the LHS Cheerleaders and hope that a larger group of performers on the track will create a positive, but loud, crowd culture in the grandstands.
Former captain Anna Townsend and her LCOE colleague Amber Akiwo led the team in a couple Team Building and Bonding exercises. The dancers started by taking a short, fun personality test which classified them as a bear, retriever, otter, or lion. Then they learned what qualities each type has and how they can work best together.
They also shared their histories in dance, heroes, and hopes for the future. The purpose was to recognize how you might help another team member when they need encouragement and empathy.
The next day, each team member shared something positive about the others, which culminated in a team-wide goal setting. There were lots of smiles around the circle as each girl read what others had shared, from their kind actions and words to the dedication they give to their team.
With no ribbons or awards, this year’s camp looked a little different than years past, but the outcome might be even better. Our team put together three-days of choreography, creativity, and teamwork that was tailored to our needs and now they are ready to get out on the field.
The Grizzliettes aren’t the only team putting in the work. Last week Lassen Football hosted their first annual Camp Grizz, a two-day intensive held at Sentimental Journey, and our Cheerleaders invited a UCA instructor to our campus to assist with cheers and stunts.
Looks like our students are ready for the school year even when some of the adults (it’s me, I can only speak for me) aren’t quite there yet!
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