Hi everyone this is my first post but I have been a lurker for a couple of years. My 15 year old daughter has been doing allstar cheer for about 7 years. She was on the same team for 6 years and it was a hard decision to leave. But we knew the team was never going to go far there are 17 year old girls mixed with 7 year old girls. So we made the decision to leave and go to another allstar team in our small town. They are alot better but my daughter is dying to go to california allstars. The drive would be 2 hours each way. I was just wondering if anyone does this kind of drive? or its just to crazy to even think about? Where do I draw the line? Thanks in advance for any input...
WOW that is pretty far. If you are willing to make that sacrafice for her, then that's wonderful. But I would never have my daughter drive that much by herself or with another minor. Due to the fact that they really aren't that experienced as a driver yet. And if she wants to be on a higher level team you are most likely going to get the later hours team practices. So being tired, and it being late, is not a good combo. But I would drive where ever my daughter was happy. But that's just me. Good Luck!
I've been lucky because we live in an area that have quite a few good gyms, so I can say "I would never drive that far". But if there weren't the gyms weren't there, would my answer by the same? I honestly don't know.
I know there are many many many people who do make that drive. Aren't there cheerleaders that live up here in northern California that still make the trip down to attend CA? I don't think you are crazy for considering it. I would look at my family dynamics. Are there other children in your household? Do you think the 15yo will be able to handle schoolwork while there's 8 hours of drive time a week?
I think its crazy to even think about. I did this my senior year but my drive was only about an 1hour and 15mins and it was a killer. I woud have to leave right when i got out of school and not get home untill around midnight then have to wake up and 5 and do it all over again. It really left no tome for school or friends. I thought it would be worth it but in the end it wasnt at all. And her being sr aged she would most likley have late practices already as it is pluss the 2 hour drive home thats makes for one very very late night. Plus if shes going for a higher level team that means extra practices so the normal 2 plus the extra 2 or 3 to make sure their ready for comps. I would just find a gym a little closer to home
I've been lucky because we live in an area that have quite a few good gyms, so I can say "I would never drive that far". But if there weren't the gyms weren't there, would my answer by the same? I honestly don't know.
I know there are many many many people who do make that drive. Aren't there cheerleaders that live up here in northern California that still make the trip down to attend CA? I don't think you are crazy for considering it. I would look at my family dynamics. Are there other children in your household? Do you think the 15yo will be able to handle schoolwork while there's 8 hours of drive time a week?
yes there are about 7 or 8 kids on large coed that make the drive/fly down every weekend for practice. there are also many kids on all the other levels that do drive about 2 hours each way, it requires you to use your time very wisely and to set priorities, i know they do alot of their homework in the car. i also know that those kids are very happy with their decision i would say give it a try or go to the gym and let her see how practices are run to make sure she and you are ready for the compitment it invloves
im on international so im an adult so its not quite the same but I work full time, coach at Titan Elite, and drive an hour and a half twice a week to be on CA... and i would still do it if i lived 8 hours away... i cant even begin to express how WORTH IT it really is
I would never drive that far. Think about how late you will be getting home in the evenings. It could affect grades. The kids that come from Northern California usually only come on weekends, or stay down here before a competition. The gym is great, but you may not know if it is the right gym for you. There should be a gym by you that you would like.
I want to thank everyone for their response. Its alot to think about, and will not tell my daughter that I am even thinking about it, as I would never hear the end of her bugging me everyday!!!
Speaking from experience, I really think it depends on your child's work ethic and time management skills. If she can get her homework done in the car or at the gym and still perform well academically after the long, demanding practices and drive, more power to you guys. Bottom line: I think that is a ridiculously long drive.
Two hours is pretty far...I have heard of kids flying into Miami from other parts of Florida to go to "Top Gun" practice- that was second hand though.
Two hours back and forth just to practice would be tiring and get old to me very quick...our own club also does other things together as a team for fun activities (team bonding). They may also have that there at CA.
I guess one would have to stand back and look at the whole picture...would it really be worth it? Quite an expense too for fuel and wear/tear on the car.
im on international so im an adult so its not quite the same but I work full time, coach at Titan Elite, and drive an hour and a half twice a week to be on CA... and i would still do it if i lived 8 hours away... i cant even begin to express how WORTH IT it really is
oh the 8 hour drive.... I'm on CA's open team too, and I either drive 7 or 8 hours each way, or fly to practice every weekend. I'm also an adult, so its a little different.
Last year I drove 3 of the large coed boys down for practice every weekend. 2 of them were in high school, and 1 was in 8th grade. It was a little harder for them. I was able to work my work schedule so I could sleep in on Monday mornings, and they HAD to get up to go to school. The oldest one missed his Jr. Prom because they had World's practice that weekend. They had to give up A LOT to be on that team, but given that they're commuting again for the same team, its safe to say it was worth it to them.
I think its one of those things where it works for some kids, and doesn't work for others. Check out the gym before making any decisions. One question to ask your kid is if she'd be happy on ANY CA team, or if she has a specific level or team in mind? Going to a large gym from a smaller gym can be quite an eye opener for some kids. With a larger gym, they simply have more kids and more talent to choose from at tryouts. Just because an athlete "has" a layout or full doesn't guarantee a spot on a level 5 team. I don't know if thats what she's looking for, and I know there are kids on L5 teams without fulls, and that tumbling's not the ONLY thing they look at, but its something to keep in mind and speak to your daughter about. Remind her she's joining a PROGRAM, not a specific team.
That being said, CA is an awesome PROGRAM, and all their teams and coaches are great. I love everyone there!
Each kid and each family is different though.. So whatever you decide, good luck!
I drive my daughters 1 hr and 45 min to California All Stars. We have been driving for a few years. They just turned 19 and in there 1st year of college, so definetly old enough to drive themselves, but they are tired after practice and school and sometimes need to do homework in the car.
Best of all we spend a good 6 hours a week of time just talking about whatever. We are really close and love being together. If you don't mind driving, I highly recommend it. I would never be able to spend that kind of time just talking with my girls about there lives, worries, fears and joys if we were at home. It just wouldn't happen.
They sent a text to me the other day. It was on their Starbucks cup.
"Success in life is when your children want to spend time with you even after they grow up".....
I'm a success at the most important job I've every had.... I don't mind the drive.....
Here's a few things to take into consideration... Are there other members of the family? If so, are they going to be supportive of the long drives and cheer practice becoming your life? Is your daughter willing to give up a lot of her time with friends and school activities? Can your daughter do her homework in the car without getting motion sickness? Do you have a hobby or something to do during practice? Are you going to tire of making the long drive, but feel stuck after making the commitment and spending the big bucks? Are you sure it's only a two hour drive at the time you need to be there? You might want to drive your route during high traffic time. This is a big decision and you sure have lots to think about!!
My daughter is only 9 and I was not happy with my pervious gym. I drive to a gym that is about 1 hour and 45 mins away. I make the drive twice a week. If it is a top gym in the state, then go for it! I plan to make this drive until my daughter is 18. It is totally worth the drive!
I was in a similar position.. No local teams provided what I was looking for in a cheer gym, and I ended up driving two hours to practice and two hours home about 4 or 5 days/week when I was a junior and senior in high school. Now, I think it's crazy, but I would do it again in a second. By making the difficult dicision and choosing a team I knew I wanted to be on, I got many more opportunities and found a gym that really fit my needs. I strongly believe that gym made me a better person and better cheerleader, and the length of time it took to get there will never change that. If you feel that this is the gym for your daughter and you, it will be worth it.
I commute to CA up to 1-1/2 hours each way, minimum 3 days per week, with extra practices scheduled for big comps. It's been difficult at times, but worth it! I don't think I'd recommend a 2 hour commute unless the child were a strong level 5 athlete and/or, like your daughter is, approaching final years of cheer and looking for a huge cheer experience. It's definitely doable, but keep in mind how much personal time you'll give up for commute - plus practice time - plus comp schedules - plus extra practices - plus family life (i.e. additional children, spouse, family functions and non-cheer based friends). Don't forget about inclimate weather too. If it's a 2 hour drive in normal weather, it could easily turn into a 2-1/2 to 3 hour commute during winter storms. (It snowed on the 15fy near Murrietta this winter!) But! As terrible as it sounds, if its the right gym, after all of that, you will STILL find it hard to complain. What you will feel, I promise ,is the fatigue that goes along with such a long day/week. It's one of those situations where no matter how well people try to prepare you for the downside, the upside has such a strong pull that you'll find yourself compelled to try it anyway. That's AS cheer parents for ya. LOL
I sincerely wish you all the best with your decision!
oh the 8 hour drive.... I'm on CA's open team too, and I either drive 7 or 8 hours each way, or fly to practice every weekend. I'm also an adult, so its a little different.
