Members of the Tamaqua Area High School varsity cheerleaders placed top in various categories during their time at Pine Forest Cheerleading Camp. At the four-day camp, the girls learned a wide array of dances and cheers, as well as having opportunities to practice new stunts.

Organizers said that camps also provided opportunities for cheerleaders to meet new friends.The Tamaqua cheerleaders received numerous awards at camp, including first place for sideline, first place for cheer, second place for extreme routine, fourth place for Home Pom, and a "Great Cheerleaders" trophy. The team also received a Leadership Award, which included a Gatorade cooler and a plaque.The cheerleaders were also evaluated for three different skills and received ribbons in all evaluations, including a blue ribbon for extreme dance, red ribbon for cheer and blue ribbon for home pom.On the second day of camp, the girls received the top banana award. This award was given to the cheer group that represents spirit, happiness, kindness and energy. Trip advisers said that the cheerleaders had to remain positive, adding that is a major accomplishment for the girls.On the third day of camp, the girls in both varsity and junior varsity had the option to audition to be an All American Cheerleader.Girls who tried out were seniors Gabby Freed and Emily Ward, sophomore Emma Osenbach and freshmen Kelsey Ziegler, Melissa Boerner and Alissa Hollenbach.At the audition, the girls had to perform routines in front of the judges, as well as other cheerleaders from other squads. Some of these routines consisted of Xtreme Routine, All American Cheer and Your Best Jump.Tamaqua girls who placed were Gabby Freed and Emily Ward, who earned an All American medallion, certificate and official patch. They also have the opportunity to participate in a special event trip to London.Also at camp there was a program called Pin It Foward. This is where the UCA Cheerleaders gave a pin to varsity and JV cheerleaders who they thought represented a good person and someone who helps everyone out.Then, the next day the girls who received a pin give a pin to someone they recognized as helping everyone out. Tamaqua girls earning pins were Freed, Krissy Gilbert, Rachel Oberman and Kelsey Ziegler.