About USA

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About USA

The United Spirit Association represents a 70+ year tradition of summer training camps and special events, offering quality instruction and a creative environment where students can develop friendships and enjoy a positive learning experience.

The USA was established as an outgrowth of Robert Olmstead’s original California Specialty Camps. Mr. Olmstead conducted his first summer training camp in 1950 and since that time, hundreds of thousands of students have enjoyed “A summer vacation where learning is fun.” Today, as a part of the Varsity Spirit Corporation, the USA actively promotes the values, ideals and vision of the Olmsteads while working to reach students now and in the future. The USA is the largest summer camp and special event organization of its kind in the western United States, conducting camps primarily in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Through its “Home” camps and Special Events/Competitions, the USA reaches students and performers nationwide.

Living up to its name, the United Spirit Association provides specialized instruction and year-round events for spirit, dance and band auxiliary activities. This summer, USA camps will offer complete programs at all levels for cheerleaders, Songleaders/Pom, Dance Teams, Drum Majors, Mascots, Pep/Short Flags, Dance/Drill Teams, Advisors, Leadership Teams, Directors and Coaches.

USA / VARSITY SPIRIT is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for its participants’ physical, emotional and social development, and promoting an environment free from abuse and misconduct.

Varsity Spirit Staff are required to complete the following:

  • Pass annual background checks.
  • Training course titled Athlete Safety: Participant Protection, which includes recognizing and reporting misconduct.
  • Athlete Safety Education program covering cyberbullying, hazing, human trafficking, and imbalance of power.
  • Signing of a Good Moral Character Affidavit.
  • Fingerprinting and additional clearances as required by state law and camp requirements.
  • USA Cheer Safety Certification (Cheer only): complete athlete protection training, concussion awareness training, and adhere to a member code of conduct.

About Our Staff

Selected for their technical skills and ability to effectively communicate with students of all ages, the USA prides itself on a staff that is professional and loves to teach. Each instructor is dedicated to supporting and helping our students be the very best they can be in a safe, positive and productive environment. United by this common sense of purpose, discipline and pride, the USA Staff is focused on taking our teams to the next level.

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Philanthropy

Give back with Varsity Spirit! The USA is proud to partner with Varsity Spirit and St. Jude to help create better lives for youth.

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Testimonials About USA

"'To be a part of USA staff is to be an integral piece in something so much bigger than me. I have the opportunity to elevate the student experience at camp, at competitions, and hopefully for life! This is exactly what USA did for me as a camper. I am now so incredibly blessed to impact lives and leave lasting impressions that will hopefully inspire generations far beyond me.'" Katrina FelipeUSA Staff Member
"'To be a part of USA means to be a part of a family where you aren’t judged or criticized. You’re accepted for who you are and loved regardless of your flaws. If anything USA acknowledges that our differences in strengths are what makes us special and where we fall short, others step in and help out to make us even stronger.'" Leilani GellnerUSA Staff Member
"'Being part of this amazing eagle family means helping to enrich the lives of everyone we encounter. From athlete, spectator, staff member, to ourselves it feels like 24k gold to be in service of others with the USA.'" James Gomez (Ramos)USA Staff Member
"'Being a part of USA staff means sharing the passion of spirit with colleagues and athletes. It means being a part of one big family and having the opportunity to work side by side with amazing and talented individuals. It allows us to discover parts of ourselves we never knew existed, get comfortable with the uncomfortable, obtain knowledge to carry in and out of USA, and be a part of something bigger and greater than ourselves.'" Travis PangelinanUSA Staff Member
"'To be a part of USA staff is to be a part of a family. I have met so many amazing people through this program and made so many lifelong friends! In addition I have learned so much about myself and my personal teaching style. USA is such an eye opening experience you learn how to stay organized, be flexible, problem solve, have time management skills, and be a leader. Being able to freely choreograph as well is a benefit of this program! All in all the connections you make to teams, coaches, staff, and dancers in the industry on your USA journey is incredible and though it is a challenging job it’s a rewarding one.'" Bethany Alvarez.USA Staff Member

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