One of the best ways for kids to get involved in something new is to try it over the summer.
During the school year, there’s so much going on that kids can get overwhelmed, making it difficult to put themselves out there and give a new activity a shot. The school year is incredibly stimulating, even for young kids who are full of energy.
Beginner fencing camps offer kids a way to dip their toe into the sport of fencing in a place that’s friendly and supportive, not to mention it allows them to immerse themselves in the sport for a week. This kind of structured, focused attention can go a long way for acclimating a child to an unfamiliar sport as well as supercharging their excitement. Camps are exciting and fun, and kids build the kind of memories that last for a lifetime. In a beginner camp, everyone is on the same page and at the same level, so they get to go through this journey of starting the sport together.
These camps are particularly great for kids ages seven to thirteen, because kids this age tend to be ready to try new things. We find that siblings and friends of fencers are often drawn to the sport, and we see lots of kids referred to beginner camps. If you know a child who you think would enjoy fencing, definitely recommend them for a beginner fencing camp.
Kids tend to excel in beginner fencing camp, and it’s a wonderful outlet for school aged children. Some of our highest performing fencers started right in our beginner fencing camps!
Finding the right beginner fencing camp
The first step is to find a beginner fencing summer camp in your area. You can start by searching online or asking for recommendations from friends or family members. It’s important to choose a camp that is reputable and has experienced coaches, but also one that has a structure and feel that you can feel comfortable with.
The best choice is to go with a beginner fencing camp that’s housed in a fencing club. This is because they’ll have equipment and expertise that is specific to fencing, moreso than a sports complex with lots of different activities. If you’re in a metropolitan area, you’ll likely be able to find a club that offers beginner fencing camps.
If you live in a place that doesn’t have a standalone fencing club, definitely explore beginner fencing camps that are embedded into other sports clubs, school gyms or community centers. Sometimes fitness or gymnastics clubs will have someone who can come in during the summer specifically to teach fencing camp. Should you decide to go with a non-fencing environment, you’ll want to thoroughly vet the person who is running the camp. Some questions to ask:
- What is your experience in teaching fencing to kids?
- How long have you been teaching fencing?
- What is your competitive background in fencing?
- Are you affiliated with USA Fencing?
- What are the safety provisions during camp?
- How does the camp interface with the facility/program it’s housed in?
Being affiliated with USA Fencing is a major green flag for a club or program. You want to make sure that whoever is running the camp has experience working with kids and that they have a substantial background in fencing, either as a competitor or as a coach.
There are lots of small programs embedded in fitness facilities that run summer camps, thanks to the diaspora of fencers who end up all over the country after they fenced as youths or in college. Many of them run summer programs. Always do your due diligence when choosing a camp.
If the beginner fencing camp you’re working with is in a standalone USA Fencing member club, then you can be confident that it’s a quality camp.
Common questions about beginner fencing camp
Fencing is a fun and exciting sport that combines athleticism, strategy, and skill. Kids are excited by the prospect of picking up a sword and being able to actually use it! The key to fencing is that it’s a safe place to live out a scene from the movies.
Beginner fencing summer camp can be a great place to start.
Parents and kids, of course, have questions about fencing summer camp and what to expect. Here are some common questions and answers.
- Does my child need any equipment?
Probably not. Check with the specific camp you’re interested in, but beginner fencing camps are generally going to provide equipment for you. This includes a fencing mask, jacket, glove, and sword. Kids need to wear long athletic pants, and tennis shoes are fine. We ask that kids bring an extra t-shirt to change into and light sports jacket as well. A water bottle is a must for any fitness camp, fencing included. This isn’t the moment to go out and purchase a ton of gear for a variety of reasons. Loaner equipment is common in fencing, and it’s usually sanitized between uses and cleaned regularly. At our fencing camp, we offer loaner equipment that’s labeled for each child and not shared during the week that they’re in camp. You can always check with the program to see what their particular protocols are.
- How long is fencing camp?
Typical Beginner Fencing Camp, including ours, is 9-12, Monday through Friday. This is focused time that’s just for fencing, and we don’t fold in other activities. You might find camps that go for a full day, but most likely these will involve varied activities and not just fencing.
- What will the kids do?
Beginner fencing summer camps typically teach the basic techniques of fencing, including footwork, blade work, and strategy. The camp may also include conditioning exercises and drills to improve speed and agility. In addition, some camps may offer seminars on fencing history, rules, and safety. Most beginner fencing camps include lots of highly interactive activities, skill building games, and social time around the piste. Your camp should be both engagingly fun and skill building.
- Does my child need to prepare before going?
Fencing requires a lot of physical endurance and agility, but beginner fencing camps are designed to meet your child where they’re at. If your child is excited and wants to do something to prepare, they can start getting in shape by doing cardio exercises and stretching, like yoga. Don’t overthink preparation, though. The coach at the camp will be able to offer your child whatever is needed.
- Is fencing safe?
Fencing has one of the lowest rates of injury in youth sports. Fencing is incredibly safe if proper safety protocols are followed, and any good beginner fencing camp is going to ensure that safety measures are used at all times. Make sure that the camp provides safety equipment and teaches safety procedures. It’s a good idea for parents to reinforce safety as well, just as an added layer of support.
- Does my child need any special registration?
Our clubs are affiliated with USA Fencing, so all campers have to enroll as members before attending camp. The cost is $15 for a year of non-competitive fencing membership, and it’s part of our protocols and a USA Fencing club. Whatever program you are in might require membership like this, or you could be required to be a member of some other affiliate organization.
- What do I need to know about coaching?
A good beginner fencing camp will have trained coaches who can provide individualized instruction and feedback. Coaches should be able to evaluate your child’s strengths and weaknesses and help them get a foundation in technique. Fencing coaches should be fun and engaged, but for beginner camps they don’t necessarily need to have a high level of experience. College-aged fencers, and even high schoolers, who have been in the sport for a long time are a great fit for beginner fencing camp leaders, though they should be supervised by more experienced staff.
Always ask lots of questions when you’re getting started. This is an important way for you to learn what fencing is all about and to engage in a way that makes everyone comfortable and excited.
The benefits of fencing day camp
For parents, figuring out what to do with kids during the summer months can be daunting. There are lots of options, but there can be so many that it’s hard to know which thing to choose. There’s always the pressure as a parent to guide kids in the best direction. Balancing family needs while parents work is also a challenge. Kids can use the downtime at home or with a caregiver, but they also really benefit from the stimulation and world expansion that day camps can offer.
Summer fencing day camps offer children a wide range of benefits that can positively impact their physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Physical activity is a top benefit from fencing camp. Joining in a youth sport like this can help children develop healthy habits and improve their overall health and fitness. In fencing, we’re up and moving constantly. Though bouts only take a few minutes, much of camp is spent doing drills and practicing bouting that will quickly exhaust kids. Fencing uses the whole body, so kids literally get a workout from head to toe.
Beginner fencing camps give kids the chance to interact and socialize with other children their age. This can help them develop important social skills, such as communication, cooperation, and teamwork. Though fencing is an individual sport, it’s also highly collaborative in the camp and class setting. Kids will spend time in camp working together to master new skills and playing competitive games on teams.
In the case of beginner fencing camp specifically, kids dive into personal development during their time in camp. They’re trying something new and exploring an interest that’s both interesting and really exciting. This can help children develop self-confidence, independence, and a sense of personal growth and accomplishment. Fencing stretches kids, giving them the chance to take on a combat sport that is both unusual and incredibly familiar. There is nothing like putting a sword in a kid’s hand to show them that you trust them.
Fencing is a great way to challenge children’s thinking and problem-solving skills. This can help children develop critical thinking, creativity, and cognitive flexibility. We consistently talk about fencing being “physical chess”, so it’s awesome to have kids flex their brain during summer camp. The mental benefits extend to emotional regulation as well. Kids have to learn to manage their emotions in a safe and supportive environment while holding a weapon. This can help children move towards skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and coping strategies.
Particularly in this world where kids are so absorbed with screen time, fencing is a powerful antidote mentally, physically, and emotionally. Putting them in a summer fencing camp setting gives them the chance to explore a whole new world of sports and self confidence.
How to prepare for your child’s beginner fencing camp
Preparing your child for beginner fencing camp can help them feel more comfortable and confident as they learn this exciting and challenging sport.
Here are some tips to help you prepare your child for beginner fencing camp:
- Talk to your child: Discuss fencing camp and explain what they can expect. Answer any questions they may have and address any concerns they may express. Most of the time, kids are extremely excited, but they can always get cold feet right before the camp is se to start.
- Review the schedule: Review the camp schedule with your child and discuss the activities they will be participating in. Let them know what to expect each day, including how long it will take and who will drop them off and pick them up.
- Meet the staff: If possible, arrange for your child to meet the summer fencing camp staff before the first day, especially if they’re younger kids. For older kids, watching a class and talking to current fencers can make them a lot more comfortable.
- Prepare the essentials: Make sure your child has everything they need for camp, such including any required clothing, a water bottle, and whatever snacks or other things they might be required to have.
- Review safety rules: Fencing is a safe sport when it’s practiced with the safety protocols in place. Make sure you go over any safety rules with your child ahead of their first day and ask them about safety throughout the week. Part of the fun of fencing is that it feels so exciting to poke at your friends with a sword, but it’s only so fun because everyone is participating in a respectful and safe way.
- Encourage openness: Remember that this is just a beginner camp – no one is committing to a run for the Olympics! Encourage your child to have a positive attitude and to be open to the new experience of fencing. Remind them that camp is a fun and exciting opportunity to make new friends and try new things, and that they can continue fencing afterwards or they can just go for one week and be done.
Remember to be supportive and encouraging, and to address any concerns your child may have along the way. Fencing is extremely fun, but for some kids, especially younger kids, it can be intimidating.
Training during beginner fencing camp
Every fencing program is different, but all beginner fencing camps tend to include the same kinds of basics. After all, beginner fencing camp is all about giving new youth fencers a fundamental start in the sport.
Here’s what you can expect your child to learn in beginner fencing camp:
- Footwork: Footwork is a crucial aspect of fencing, so beginner fencing camps tend to start off strong with footwork technique early on. Your child’s coach will likely start them off with basic footwork drills and exercises to help them improve their speed, agility, and balance. Improving footwork is a constant focus for fencers all the way to the elite level. In a beginner fencing class, kids will learn the basics and get a feel for what footwork means.
- Blade work: Once fencers have a solid foundation in footwork, they’ll start working on blade work. This includes learning different fencing moves and techniques, such as parries, lunges, and attacks. In a beginner fencing camp, kids will definitely get out the blades, but this is not necessarily the focus.
- Strategy: Fencing is also a strategic sport, so fencers will learn about different strategies and tactics for winning matches. This includes reading your opponent’s movements, anticipating their next move, and making quick decisions on the spot. Bouting is where strategy really comes into play, and beginner fencing camps will generally get kids bouting by the end of their first week. It’s the most fun part!
- Games: Beginner fencing camp is definitely fun focused! While there is a lot going on in terms of training, there will also be games and lots of fun. After all, these are kids! Coaches in our beginner fencing summer camps have created lots of activities that help kids develop their skills while also giving them the foundational tools they need to cross over into the regular ongoing class.
Beginner fencing camps are jam packed with tons of fencing fun, but they are also practically focused to give kids a real feeling for what the sport is all about.
Next steps after beginner fencing camp
Every program is different, but all beginner fencing camps prepare kids to go into fencing classes. Depending on what the club or program offers specifically, fencers might graduate at the end of the week with a certificate that allows them entry into the earliest level of class or higher.
If your child falls in love with fencing during their beginner fencing camp (and we hope that they do!), then they should start fencing lessons as soon as you can get them in. As mentioned before, a lot of our highest-performing fencers started off with the beginner fencing camp!
Should your child not be interested in fencing, that’s ok! Beginner fencing camp in isolation can be a great thing for kids to just try out. Pressuring kids into continuing a sport is not good, so let them have some space if fencing is not their jam.
Everyone asks about when the competition starts, and our answer is always that it should start as early as you’re comfortable. Club competitions and open fencing are low stakes opportunities to bout with people outside of the class or camp, and these are both wonderful options for kids to start trying out competition. Once your child feels comfortable with the basics of fencing, you may want to encourage them to start competing in local tournaments. This can be a fun and exciting way to challenge your young fencer and dramatically improve their skills.
Overall, beginner fencing camp is an important first step, but it is just a first step. Start kids off on the right foot with camp, then talk to the coach about what the next steps should be if your child wants to continue fencing.
Why we love beginner fencing camps
Summer is the perfect time for making new discoveries and creating memories that will last for a lifetime!
This is why we’re so passionate about offering beginner fencing camps that help kids engage with this remarkable sport that we love so much. Our camps are run by professional coaches with experience that helps kids expand their imagination and enjoy physical activity in a safe and supportive environment. Kids in camp develop strong relationships that carry on with them far outside of camp!
Fencing is a powerful way to instill important values like good sportsmanship, self-discipline, physical fitness, hard work, and courage. Summer fencing camp is just a little window into what fencing is all year long. It’s the perfect way to introduce kids to the sport of fencing in a low stakes, high fun way.
Remember that fencing is a fun sport! Kids should enjoy the experience, meet new people, and have fun while learning a new skill. A beginner fencing summer camp can be a great way to learn the basics of fencing and improve skills in a child who hasn’t tried the sport before. Remember to prepare beforehand, wear the right clothes, follow safety protocols, and have fun!
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