Camp Dates: June 8-11, 2026
Camp Code: HAR SIM I NCA (3-night stay)
Location: Hardin Simmons University
| Resident Fees |
|---|
| Athlete – $385 |
| Coach – $315 |
| Commuter Fees |
|---|
| Athlete – $250 |
| Coach – $180 |
Required Before Camp
What to Expect at Camp
HOW TO REGISTER FOR CAMP
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- NCA/Varsity Rep will notify us when you register with them. Your camp registration is not finalized until Southwest Camps’ Registration Form is processed.
- If you haven’t registered with NCA yet, that’s OK. This may be done after you complete Southwest Camps’ Registration Form.
- Southwest Camps’ Registration Form (You will get a confirmation email from JotForm.com. Please make sure your email server does not block or think it’s spam.)
- Your team will NOT be registered for camp until we have received our online Registration Form. This form contains information that is NOT provided to us by NCA.
Helpful Hints
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- Please note that Varsity Spirit 2026 Rules has a 1:10 adult to participant ratio required for their camps.
- Email address should be one that you check regularly throughout the summer. Important camp information and updated invoices will be sent to this email address until camp starts.
- If any information should change after you have completed our form, DO NOT fill out this form again. Please notify Southwest Camps immediately with any changes in numbers, contact information, changes in participants or coaches that will be attending camp, etc. Be sure to include the school’s name, group, and camp attending so we may update your account and the campus accordingly.
- Individual Participant (not with team)
The individual participant must be accompanied at all times by a registered adult sponsor (21 or over). The adult sponsor must pay applicable fees and plan on attending the coaches/directors meeting each day for important information. - Make sure to include all bus drivers, chaperones, sponsors, and coaches staying in dorm on your registration form.
- The Dorm Room Assignment form (Excel Form – download required) is due by May 26, 2026. A $30 late fee will be charged if not received by that date.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
| Resident Fees |
|---|
| Athlete – $385 |
| Coach – $315 |
| Commuter Fees |
|---|
| Athlete – $250 |
| Coach – $180 |
- Prices are per team member or individual (not with a team) attending camp.
- $100 per person deposit is required by May 11, 2026. (non-refundable after May 19, 2026)
- Your deposit guarantees your spot at camp. If the camp does become full and we have not received your deposit, you may be asked to come as a commuter.
- Invoices are not automatically emailed. Upon request, we will be glad to send you an invoice. Please include the school’s name, group, and camp attending in your request.
- Southwest Camps does not have a parent payment portal and does not accept individual payments (team member). The coach, school or the booster club is responsible for collecting individual athlete payments and submitting the entire amount to us all at once.
- Please send all payments to Southwest Camps NOT NCA.
- Send payments to P.O. Box 350 Cisco TX 76437.
- Payment options: official school check, cashier’s check, credit card (3% fee applies), money order or ACH/EFT. Personal, gym, booster club or business checks will not be accepted after May 19, 2026.
- Full Payment is due by May 26, 2026. NO EXCEPTIONS will be permitted.
- Purchase orders for deposit amounts will be accepted to hold your spot at camp. However, they must be paid in full absolutely no later than May 11, 2026. (non-refundable after May 19, 2026)
- Purchase orders for the remaining balance must be paid in full absolutely no later than May 26, 2026. NO EXCEPTIONS will be permitted.
- Due to the 2026 Varsity 10:1 Ratio Rule, Southwest Camps will extend a $50 credit to each registered chaperone/other adult attending in order to meet that ratio.
REFUNDS -CANCELLATION POLICY
Refunds will not be available until after the completion of all 2026 camps and are refunded back to the person or school that paid for camp.
Southwest Camps retains the following amounts per person from any refund you might be due for cancellations or drops.
If canceled or dropped between:
| 45 – 31 days prior to camp start date | $100 per person non-refundable |
| 30 – 15 days prior to camp start date | 50% of total camp fee per person non-refundable |
| 14 – 0 days prior to camp start date | No Refunds |
**New CAMP ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
USA CHEER MEMBERSHIP
Varsity Spirit requires all adults attending an Overnight Camp have a USA Cheer/Dance Coach or Professional Membership. Only one of the two USA Cheer memberships is necessary to meet this requirement. The Cheer/Dance Coach Membership is recommended—with the safety and risk management course, along with professional liability coverage—but either the Cheer/Dance Coach Membership or Professional Membership meet this requirement for Varsity Spirit Overnight Camps. Please print out and bring to camp. Varsity Spirit will cover the membership fee for all registered coaches and team personnel who attend a Varsity Spirit camp lasting two or more days. Check out this link for more information: Which Membership is Right for Me?
Supervision of Minors at Overnight Camps
- Authorized Adult Supervision Requirement: Varsity Spirit requires a 1:10 authorized adult (coach, sponsor, school employee, or parent chaperone) to participant ratio. All authorized adults must be 21 or older, have an active USA Cheer/Dance Membership, and be registered for the camp through Varsity Spirit.
- During Instructional Camp Hours: Each team must always have one authorized adult in charge present with participants. Varsity Spirit’s instructional and administrative staff will also be present to ensure compliance with Varsity Spirit’s required supervision ratios. For teams with over 30 participants, at least two authorized adults are required.
- Outside Instructional Camp Hours: Varsity Spirit’s supervision requirement (1:10 authorized adult-to-participant ratio) must be maintained during all times other than instructional camp hours, including commuting, dining, accommodations, and open practice. If campers are staying overnight, the authorized adult(s) must also stay overnight onsite.
NCA/VARSITY RELEASE & WAIVER FORMS:
DIGITAL WAIVERS It’s time to fill out your digital waivers!
- The link to the waiver is available on your myVarsity account.
- Both the waiver template and link to the waiver are unique to your registration and prepopulated with your team’s name, registration number, camp you are attending, and camp dates.
- Click the red plus sign (+) to the right of the link to see the names of all camp attendees who have completed their waivers.
- Please ensure all waivers are completed 3 weeks prior to camp. If an athlete submits their waiver more than once, that’s not a problem! Once submitted, please allow up to 2 hours for waivers to show up in your MyVarsity! Do you need help? Click here: Digital Waivers and FAQ
All camper insurance and medical information, to include medication, is now the coaches’ responsibility to collect and maintain.
Please join the Camp BAND to receive important updates from staff including schedules, any last-minute updates, etc. Big Country HSU Cheer Camp Band link
EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM:
Emergency Contact Form– (PDF Form Fill – download required)
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- Complete this form, print and sign. The original must be turned in at camp check-in for each person. Make a copy for yourself to keep with you at all times during camp.
- Everyone attending camp and staying on campus must be included on this form.
CAMP RULES:
Camp Rules (PDF Form)
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- Please make sure that you provide a copy of the camp rules to all participants and guardians of participants.
- Please make sure that everyone that signs the Camp Rules form is acknowledging that they have read and will comply to camp rules. This does include coaches, sponsors, chaperones, and bus drivers.
- Complete this form, print and sign. The original must be turned in at camp check-in for each person. Make a copy for yourself to keep with you at all times during camp.
HSU Participant Release Form:
HSU Release and Waiver Form– (PDF Form Fill – download required)
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- Complete this form, print and sign. The original must be turned in at camp check-in for each person. Make a copy for yourself to always keep with you during camp.
- Everyone attending camp, staying on campus and using the Fletcher Fitness Center must be included on this form.
FIRST DAY OF CAMP CHECK-IN
When: 9AM – NOON
Registration process must be completed BEFORE checking into the dorms. Plan to turn in all forms at this time.
Where: Moody Center Lobby
2200 Hickory Street
Abilene, TX 79698
Opening Rally: 1:00 PM at the Fletcher Fitness Center.
HSU Campus Map
Note: Lunch is included in your meal plan as a resident camper on the first day of camp. (Lunch is served at 11:00 am – 1:30 pm)
“Final Day Performances” will be at the Mabee Athletics Center.
SCHEDULES
Camp Schedule
Camp/Mascot Schedules Camp schedules are subject to change by the Head Instructor. If there are any changes, a new schedule will be handed out on the first day of camp during the first coaches meeting.
Mascot Schedule
If there are any changes, a new schedule will be handed out to the mascot at camp.
DORM INFORMATION
Housing in Prichard Hall
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- Expect four bedrooms to a suite sharing two bathrooms. (New dorm for this year’s female campers!)
- Dorm rooms are assigned by HSU staff only.
- Dorm room keys for every person will be issued to the coach/chaperone for distribution. The coach/chaperone is responsible for collecting and returning their team’s keys at the end of camp. Any room key lost during camp or not returned at check-out will incur a $50 fee per key card that will be billed to and payable by your school.
- Male Team Members: All males will be housed separately from females. Males are not allowed on the female floor.
- The Dorm Room Assignment form (Excel Form – download required) is due by May 26, 2026. A $30 late fee will be charged if not received by that date.
- Male coaches must bring a female chaperone to stay in the dorm with the team.
- Resident Female Coaches: If you bring more than two male participants to camp, you must bring a male chaperone to stay with them.
- All males (coaches, participants & bus drivers) will be housed together, separate from the females.
- ABSOLUTELY NO decorating in the dorms.
- Extra Long Twin size bed sheets are required.
- Bring a blanket just in case the room is too cold.
For special needs, diets and/or injuries, arrangements can be made through Southwest Camps. Please call or email us.
MEALS
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- Meals are serviced in the newly remodeled cafeteria located in Moody Center The Caf – Hardin-Simmons University
- Resident Fee includes meals, which will begin on the first day at lunch (11 am-1:30 pm) and end on the last day at breakfast.
- Commuters are welcome to pay at the cafeteria entrance.
- Normally the cafeteria prepares meals/food for all different types of diet. (If you require a special diet, please let us know immediately. Please complete the Guest Food Allergy/Dietary Request Form (PDF form – download required) and email it to us no later than 2 weeks prior to camp.)
PARKING/VISITORS
See Campus Parking Map for designated parking areas.
VISITORS: At this time, visitors will be welcome for the “Final Day Performances” ONLY at the Mabee Athletics Center.
WHAT TO BRING
Use this list to make sure you are prepared. Commuters will not need everything on this list.
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- RE-USABLE SCREW TOP WATER BOTTLE
- HAND SANITIZER
- HEALTHY SNACKS AND WATER
- BEDDING AND TOWELS (XL TWIN)
If one of your participants requires wrapping at all times, please be sure to bring your own wrapping to camp. The wrapping that we furnish at camp is for injuries during camp.
WHAT TO WEAR
Check your BAND app or the Camp Schedule for appropriate clothing, contact your Varsity/NCA Rep for any additional questions. Big Country HSU Cheer Camp Band link pending
The statement below is a suggestion from NCA:
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- 1st Day: Half Day PM – Camp clothes – shorts and t-shirts/tank tops.
- 2nd Day: Full day – Camp clothes – shorts and t-shirts/tank tops.
- 3rd Day: Full day – Camp clothes – shorts and t-shirts/tank tops. This is also known as FUN DAY. You can dress to match the THEME but of course, they don’t have to (just a suggestion!) This is also the day that participants try out for All American. Many participants choose to wear their uniforms for tryouts.
- 4th Day: Half Day AM – Most teams choose to wear their uniforms on the final day but again, it is not required.
FUN
2026 Camp theme: UNITE!
This year’s theme, UNITE, reminds us that real unity is built through recognition, trust, and choosing to move forward together. Our founder, Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer, lived that message—overcoming personal challenges and creating NCA so others could find their own voices. His legacy shows that growth happens alone, but true leadership happens when we lift others with us.
What to Wear on FUN Day!
Show off your creativity and team spirit by dressing as your favorite dynamic duos or perfect pairs—think peanut butter & jelly, pom & megaphone, or puzzle pieces that connect to form one message. It’s a fun way to highlight how every teammate contributes to making your squad stronger together and better as one.
MUSIC REMINDER –
Your camp music will be sent to you soon! You will receive a Varsity email 3 days out from camp with instructions, link, and a unique 6 digit code to download your music. Be on the lookout for this email.
· Music can only be downloaded through the Varsity website – not through the Varsity App
· There will only be one music code sent per team even if the registered coach is the same for multiple teams.
· Separate Varsity emails will be sent for each team.
· The unique download code will be emailed to the coach that is listed on the Varsity camp registration.
· If you want additional albums, you will receive a link and password (in your original music code Varsity email) to purchase the same album with music AND video at a discounted price.
CONTACT INFO
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- If you have any questions concerning registration, payments, food and dorms, please feel free to contact us either by email or by phone at 888-442-2514 or 254-442-2500.
- If you have questions about classes, instructional items and clothing, you will need to contact your Varsity Rep or call NCA – Cheer 1-800-527-4422.
- Click Here to visit the NCA website or download the NCA 2026 Brochure.