Make up a Camp DIY team song or cheer
Create a short camp team song or cheer with simple rhythm and lyrics, practice it with teammates, and perform it for your group.
About this activity
Create a short camp team song or cheer with simple rhythm and lyrics, practice it with teammates, and perform it for your group.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather your teammates and your materials in a quiet space.
- 2
Step 2
Choose a fun team name or theme for your cheer.
- 3
Step 3
Decide how long the cheer will be — aim for about 15 to 30 seconds.
- 4
Step 4
Make a simple beat using claps stomps or your noisemaker.
- 5
Step 5
Write a short catchy chorus with a repeated line or rhyme.
- 6
Step 6
Create one short verse or a call-and-response line to add variety.
- 7
Step 7
Assign who sings the chorus who says the response and who keeps the beat.
- 8
Step 8
Add one easy movement or pose that matches the chorus.
- 9
Step 9
Practice the cheer slowly until everyone knows their part.
- 10
Step 10
Practice the cheer at full speed with energy and smiles.
- 11
Step 11
Perform your cheer for your group with big voices and movements.
- 12
Step 12
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you make a camp team song or cheer?
Start by gathering your team and choosing a simple theme or slogan. Pick an easy rhythm (clap, stomp, snap) and write a short 4–8 line chorus with repetitive, clear lyrics. Add a call-and-response line so everyone can join in, assign a leader, and create a few simple movements. Practice in short bursts, encourage energy and smiles, and keep the performance under 30 seconds so it’s memorable and fun.
What materials do I need for a camp team song or cheer?
You mostly need people and imagination. Optional items: small percussion (rhythm sticks, tambourine), bandanas or team flags, index cards with lyrics, and a phone to record practice. Choose a quiet practice spot and bring water and sunscreen for outdoor rehearsals. Keep props safe and age-appropriate and follow camp rules about noise or equipment. Encouragement and patience are the most important “materials.”
What ages is this activity suitable for?
This activity suits a wide range of ages with adjustments. Ages 4–6: very short cheers, lots of movement and repetition. Ages 7–11: simple lyrics, clapping patterns, and leadership turns. Ages 12+: try more complex rhythms, harmonies, or rap-style verses. Supervise younger children and let older kids help design the cheer so everyone can participate and feel proud of the team performance.
What are the benefits of making a camp team song or cheer?
Creating a team song builds teamwork, confidence, memory, and communication skills. It encourages creativity and leadership and helps quieter kids join in through call-and-response lines. Movement and rhythm improve coordination and energy release, while short performances reduce stage fright. Low-cost and adaptable, the activity strengthens group identity, boosts morale, and leaves lasting positive camp memories for all participants.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have the 'noisemaker' mentioned in the materials?
Use household items like a plastic water bottle filled with rice, a wooden spoon and pot, or a paper towel tube as the noisemaker referenced in 'Make a simple beat using claps stomps or your noisemaker.'
Our team keeps rushing and missing cues when we sing at full speed — how can we fix that?
Follow the instructions to 'Practice the cheer slowly until everyone knows their part' while one person keeps a steady clap or a phone metronome, then gradually speed up before trying 'Practice the cheer at full speed with energy and smiles.'
How can we adapt the cheer for different ages?
For younger kids, shorten the cheer to 5–10 seconds with a single repeated chorus and one easy pose, and for older kids extend to about 30 seconds with an extra verse, more complex beat, or added call-and-response as suggested by 'Decide how long,' 'Create one short verse,' and 'Assign who sings.'
What are simple ways to improve or personalize our cheer before sharing it?
Personalize the cheer by adding team-themed props or matching colors, designing a simple team logo to display during the chorus, and recording your 'Perform your cheer' moment to 'Share your finished creation on DIY.org.'