The Hidden Expenses in High School Cheerleading

When signing up for your cheer program they usually give you a packet with tryout requirements, a basic calendar of the year's events and football games, and of course the prices. They may give you an estimate or a solid number but regardless of what was printed, there's always a few hidden costs that cheerleading brings in. Here's a few that may show up over the course of your season!

Picture from Google Image Search

#1 Cheer Bows

 

These cute accessories don't always come cheap. In fact there's bows that go from $4-$25! Each bow for each girl can't always be covered by the boosters so it is left to the parents to chip in and get their daughter whatever bow is required. Bow buying usually is brought up around competition season or holidays such as Christmas, or Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

#2 Personalized Keep Sakes

 

These are what the girls look forward to. They want to have these after graduation and be able to look back. These keep sakes are usually: cheer boxes, letterman jackets, etc. Cheer boxes are what the girls need to stand on in order to see the game, and when you make Varsity you get to purchase a varsity letterman jacket! But how much do these things usually cost? Well a cheer box you have to pay for the wood, paint, primer, handles, and brushes. Each box usually rounds out to $35. A letterman can be anywhere from $250-$400! WOW! Didn't see that coming?

 

#3 Costumes

 

Some squads like to get creative and stray away from the usual uniform especially around holiday and spring assemblies. This means parents have to purchase whatever costumes the team decides on whether it's a shirt with colorful socks, or a full blown costume all the way down to the fake eyelashes!

 

#4 Team Bonding

 

Getting together doesn't always come cheap especially if you're holding a team dinner. Prepare yourself to buy all of the girls a decent meal and expect seconds! When it comes to bonding on weekends it may result in a trip to the movies, an amusement park, mini golf, etc. That means you'll be pumping out enough for the ticket and a quick snack.

 

 

Cheerleading may seem like too much money then it's worth but trust me when I say it really is all worth it. High school is short and on cheer you make friendships that will last a lifetime! These hidden expenses can be easily taken care of by asking the boosters or coaches questions before tryouts or after you make the team. Get all of the info so it's easy for you and your family to budget in order to make your cheerleader's season the best it can be!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader