Many of the most memorable experiences for a twirler can come at a twirling camp surrounded by twirling friends that love the sport as much as your child!
We have put together an All Star Staff to teach your child new tricks, moves and combinations. And, we'll help students perfect their current tricks, improve spins and illusions. Our camp has the perfect balance of learning in combination with fun activities! No matter where your twirler is in their twirling career - this camp is perfect for them!
Starting on our first day, our team will work with you and your child to develop a plan to ensure that your goals are achieved! Then, we give the opportunity for twirlers to keep their personal learning happening throughout our camp!
All Star Staff:
We are so excited to welcome this unbelievable staff to the Chicagoland area for the Windy City Twirling Camp! We are excited to welcome Grace Wood, Katie Harris, Caroline Carothers Reed, Bailey Walke, Veronica Johnson as your primary instructors and co-directors Veronica Johnson & Jacinda Miller.
Grace Wood - Grace Wood is an Iowa State University Feature Twirler. She competed as a soloist and corp member for 15 years, earning state, regional, and national titles, including Grand National Solo Champion and Miss Majorette of America. She was also named the 2020 Distinguished Young Woman of Iowa.
Grace has been coaching twirlers for 8 years and loves combining her own experiences as a competitive soloist, team twirler, and collegiate twirler to enhance athlete’s routines and abilities.
Grace will graduate with a degree in Nutritional Sciences this spring, with research experiences in a microbiology lab as well as a nutrition lab focused on diabetes and metabolic diseases in animal models. Grace will continue her education and research next fall in nutrition, focusing on community nutrition and obesity treatment while pursuing a master’s degree.
Veronica Johnson
Veronica Johnson's impressive resume speaks volumes about her dedication and expertise. With over 48 years of twirling under her belt, she brings a unique blend of skill, knowledge, and artistry to the table. Her journey in baton twirling took a significant turn when she twirled for Purdue University while pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. It's a testament to her ability to balance both technical and artistic pursuits, a quality that undoubtedly influences her teaching style.
Winning numerous events at the National and State levels, Veronica has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of baton twirling. Her achievements extend beyond the borders of the United States – she proudly represented the country as a judge in Liverpool, showcasing her international standing in the discipline. Certified by both the National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) and the International Baton Twirling Federation (IBTF), Veronica stands at the forefront of baton twirling education and adjudication.
While Veronica's expertise in baton twirling is evident, her love for dance and proper technique is equally profound. Currently serving as a ballet/dance and baton instructor at Dana's Dance Studio in Woodland Park, Colorado, Veronica brings a holistic approach to her classes. Her commitment to teaching students within their unique learning styles fosters an encouraging environment, ensuring that every participant feels supported on their journey to mastery.
Bailey Walke -
Bailey Walke is the Feature Twirler at Kansas State University. She has been twirling for 18 years and has competed at the national and international level. At the 2023 NBTA Collegiate Championships, she was honored as a finalist for her Top-10 placement in collegiate solo. She was also a 2023 member of Team USA and competed in 3-baton at the IBTF World Baton Twirling Championships. She holds several titles at the state and regional level for individual and collegiate events.
Bailey is a junior majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Physics and an Engineering Leadership and Innovation certificate. She is also on her second semester of the accelerated Mechanical Engineering Masters program. She is currently working on her thesis on polymer-derived ceramic matrix composites and their aerospace applications. Bailey plans to pursue a career in research and development on space systems.
During her time at Kansas State, Bailey has received numerous academic honors and awards. Bailey holds multiple leadership roles within the marching band, and has received several awards from the Pride of Wildcat Land. She is also involved in several student organizations around campus, and is the Research and Development Team Leader of the K-State Rocketry Team.
Katie Harris -
Katie Harris is the current Miss Boilerette Feature Twirler at Purdue University. She has an extensive background in twirling, having competed individually and with multiple teams for 13 years. Throughout her twirling career, she has earned numerous state, regional, national, and international titles. Notable recent achievements include earning a Silver Medal in the Show Corps Production Team at the 2022 WFNBTA World Championships and earning a Gold Medal in Level A X-Strut at the 2023 IBTF Nations Cup this past summer.
Katie is a Junior at Purdue University, majoring in the Interior Design Professional Program with a minor in Construction Documentation. Recently her Shipping Container re-design project was selected to be featured in the 2023 Purdue Art & Design Juried Undergraduate Exhibition, where she received the 3rd Prize award. She has a passion for commercial interior design, particularly in the realm of hospitality design for hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other hospitality-related businesses.
She is so excited to share her passion for twirling!
Instructional Schedule:
Friday -
6:00 - 6:15 - Welcome & Introductions
6:15 - 6:30 - Warm-Ups
6:30 - 7:00 - Feature Tricks
7:00 - 7:20 - Spins
7:20 - 7:30 - Break
7:30 - 7:50 - Illusions
7:50 - 8:00 - Camp Activity
8:00 - 8:05 - Closing Remarks & Depart
Saturday -
8:30 - 8:45 - Warm-Ups
8:45 - 9:10 - Vertical Section
9:10 - 9:35 - Horizontal or Flat Section
9:35 - 10:00 - Multiple Baton
10:00 - 10:15 - Break (Snack Provided)
10:15 - 10:30 - Camp Activity
10:30 - 10:50 - Camp Show - Routine
10:50 - 11:15 - Finger Twirls
11:15 - 11:45 - X-Strut & Bodywork
11:45 - 12:15 - Lunch (Provided)
12:15 - 12:40 - Rolls
12:40 - 1:00 - Partner Tricks for Duet & Teams
1:00 - 1:20 - X-Strut
1:20 - 1:45 - Feature Tricks
1:45 - 1:55 - Break
2:00 - 2:15 - Camp Show - Routine
2:15 - 2:30 - Stretch/Cool Down & Closing Remarks
Sunday -
8:30 - 8:45 - Warm-Up
8:45 - 9:05 - Open Practice*
9:05 - 9:30 - Multiple Baton
9:30 - 9:50 - Contact Material
9:50 - 10:00 - Break (Snack Provided)
10:00 - 10:20 - X-Strut & Bodywork
10:20 - 10:40 - Horizontal/Flat Section
10:40 - 11:00 - Vertical Section
11:00 - 11:20 - Rolls
11:20 - 11:30 - Camp Activity
11:30 - 11:50 - Camp Show - Routine
11:50 - 12:00 - Break
12:00 - 12:30 - Q & A for Camp Staff
12:30 - 1:00 - Friends & Famiily Show
Camper Levels & Price
All Star Campers is for baton twirling students attending any or all of the instructional sessions. All Star Campers will receive a swag bag which includes a camp tank top, shorts and other goodies. All Star Campers provided healthy snacks, water and lunch on Saturday. All Star Camper fee is $195. Families can choose to pay $100 deposit now and balance on April 1, 2024 or can pay in full when registering.
Coach Campers are coaches that would like to attend camp with their students. Coach Campers can attend free of charge if bringing 5 or more students. Coach Campers can attend any or all camps and sessions. Coach Camper fee is $125. Coach Campers will also be able to attend business sessions on: Promoting Your Classes, Student Retention and Parent Relations. Business Session schedule to be announced soon.
Parent Sessions help twirling parents to better understand the fabulous world of baton twirling. The following Parent Sessions will be offered:
Understanding The Scoresheet, Saturday, June 1, 1:30 - 2:00 pm
Collegiate Twirling - What You Need to Know, Saturday, June 1, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Registration Deadline: May 1, 2024.