This summer, middle school and high school students from across the state of Alabama are attending the Universal Cheerleading Association’s mascot camps at the University of Alabama. The campers learn new skills to enhance their school spirit and become more involved with their school’s cheerleading programs.

“There are six cheerleading camps over the summer,” said John Markle, a senior majoring in business management and a UCA summer camp mascot instructor. “Usually, anywhere between two and 25 students attend the mascot portion of the camp.”

Macee Thomas, a freshman majoring in secondary education and a UCA summer camp mascot instructor, said the camp is a great experience.

“Every student learns a great deal more about what it means to be a mascot,” Thomas said. “They go back home knowing how to lead their school in pep-rallies and football games.”

During the four days the campers attend mascot camp, they learn skits, how to interact with a crowd and how to make props.

“The mascots-in-training spend three days preparing for their big show on the last day,” Markle said. “The final show is a skit that incorporates all of the skills that the campers learned throughout the week. The skit includes a choreographed dance and a line dance.”

Outstanding high school seniors who attend UCA’s mascot camps are given the opportunity to try out for the University’s mascot: Big Al.

“There were five Big Als for the 2009-2010 school year,” Markle said. “Next year, we are hoping to add at least two more Big Als. There are already six confirmed students trying out for a Big Al position in the fall.”

Participating in the Big Al mascot camp as a middle school or high school student gives the students an advantage when it comes to being chosen as Big Al, Thomas said.

“Attending a summer camp points the students in the right direction for being a mascot at the collegiate level,” she said.

The University’s Big Als stay busy year round.

“Big Als have anywhere from 12 to 16 public appearances every week,” Markle said. “Big Als make appearances at anything from campus events to weddings and bar mitzvahs.”

During the fall, all five Big Als rotate performing at home football games. Only two Big Als travel to away games, but school is their first priority.

“Big Al appearances are scheduled around the students’ class schedule,” Markle said. “School comes first.”