Brooklyn Education: Fontbonne’s Cheer Camp builds skills and friendships

Fontbonne Hall Academy held its 16th annual “Cheer with the Champions” summer camp in August.

During the week-long session, approximately 40 girls in grades four through eight learned cheers, chants, motions, jumps, stunting and dance moves that were incorporated into mini-routines.

The campers were grouped according to their ages and skill levels. FHA alumnae cheerleaders served as coaches, and current FHA cheerleaders were counselors. All of them shared their experience and enthusiasm. They taught the material to the campers and exemplified Fontbonne’s school spirit.

The campers developed confidence as they practiced routines that required them to trust themselves and each other. They learned the importance of teamwork, made friends and had fun.

Most of the campers return year after year, and the friendships they form grow stronger. The experience helps prepare them for high school cheerleading, and many of them go on to join cheerleading teams at the high schools they attend.

At the end of the week, the girls performed for parents, relatives and friends in the school gym. Awards were given out for exceptional achievement in various categories.

This year, the camp was featured on Currents, the NET TV news program.  Go to www.fontbonne.org to view the clip.

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Bishop Kearney is pleased to welcome Brooke Reinfeld to the Kearney community. Ms. Reinfeld will serve as both the athletic director and dance instructor.

Ms. Reinfeld is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, where she studied dance. Upon moving to New York City several years ago, she continued to dance while pursuing a degree in physical education at Queens College.

Currently, Ms. Reinfeld serves as the head diving coach at Queens College and dances with TKO Dance Academy. She is also a USA diving coach.

Kearney’s new dance program will include a foundation in ballet and jazz techniques, as well as an understanding of history and performance.

Ms. Reinfeld will also implement a “self-study” that will explore improvisation, partnering and choreography. The curriculum is meant to give all students an awareness and appreciation of movement while simultaneously building strong self-efficacy and self-esteem.