Finding a safe and active place for kids during Fairfax school breaks is a top goal for local parents. Fencing Sports Academy provides a structured setting where children learn Olympic sports from experienced coaches. These sessions turn school holidays into a time for kids to build focus and respect.
Reserve your child’s spot at Fencing Sports Academy camps today →
Fencing sports academy camps give your child a chance to train at an Olympic fencing club in Fairfax, Virginia during their break from school. These yearly programs work for kids ages seven to thirteen and teach all three weapons like foil, epee, and sabre with a low student ratio. Whether your child is new to the sport or an expert fencer, they will learn tactical skills and physical balance from coaches with years of experience. These camps use video tools to help students see their moves and improve their skills under the eye of an experienced coaching staff. Each session ends with an exciting tournament where parents can watch their children show what they have learned during their time on the strip.
By Fencing Sports Academy Staff
Parents often want to know what happens during a typical week at the academy. This guide covers the details of the Spring, Summer, and Winter Break Fencing Programs at FSA so you can plan a great break for your child.
What Programs Does Fencing Sports Academy Offer During School Breaks?
Fencing Sports Academy runs three seasonal camp programs each year: Spring Break, Summer, and Elite Winter Break Camps. Each session serves children ages 7 to 13 and caps at 16 fencers to ensure close coaching. Full-day (9 AM-3 PM) and half-day options are available with early drop-off and late pick-up for working parents.
Fencing Sports Academy offers a full year of training for children ages 7 to 13 in Fairfax. Our fencing sports academy camps run during major school breaks to keep students active. We host programs in the spring, summer, and winter to help young fencers build skills. Each session accepts a maximum of 16 fencers so that every student gets the help they need.
Three seasons of fencing fun
Our camps match the Fairfax County school calendar to provide reliable care and training. The fencing summer camp guide highlights our most popular sessions. These run throughout the warm summer months. We also offer a winter fencing camp during the December break. These programs offer a high-energy space for kids to try the sport or improve their skills.
Flexible schedules for busy families
We know that local parents need options that work with their work days. Full-day sessions run from 9 AM to 3 PM, but we also offer half-day slots. You can choose a morning block or an afternoon block. To help even more, we provide early drop-off at 8 AM and late pick-up at 4 PM. This makes our fencing sports academy programs a great fit for families in Northern Virginia.
Training for all skill levels
Whether your child is new or a seasoned athlete, our coaches provide expert help. Beginners can join fencing camps for beginners to learn the basics. Advanced students work on complex tactics and prepare for competitive fencing for kids. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that youth sports help children build focus and academic performance. Every camp session ends with a tournament where parents can see their child’s progress.
What Makes Fencing Sports Academy Camps Different?
Fencing Sports Academy camps stand out through a strict 8:1 student-to-coach ratio with a maximum of 16 fencers per session. Students train under coaches with Olympic and national-level credentials, including an Olympic referee and a coach who trained a Paris 2024 bronze medalist. Video replay technology helps students analyze their form in real time.
Individual Attention and Close Supervision
At Fencing Sports Academy, we keep our groups small to give each student the care they need. We maintain a strict 8:1 student-to-coach ratio. Each session has a cap of just 16 fencers. This small size lets our coaches watch every move and give real-time feedback. It ensures that no child gets lost in the crowd during fencing camps for beginners or advanced tracks.
Personal coaching helps kids learn fast and stay safe. Our coaches focus on proper form and footwork for each fencer. This close eye is key when students start to use the foil, epee, or sabre. Small groups also build a supportive space where fencers can ask questions and grow at their own pace. This approach is why many families choose our fencing sports academy programs for their children.
World-Class Coaching Expertise
Our students learn of the most accomplished coaches in the sport. The FSA coaching staff includes experts with deep Olympic and national-level experience. Russ Wilson is a legendary Olympic referee, one of the last people to officiate both Foil and Sabre at the Olympic Games. Moataz Abdelkarem coached a fencer who earned a Bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Connie Schreiber serves as Executive Director. Alexis Machado Cordoves is the Manager of Programs. They bring a wide range of experience to every session.
Our coaches also guide students for long-term growth. Many of our alumni have gone on to college fencing careers at strong programs. Hadley Husisian became a back-to-back Junior World Champion and fences at Princeton. This track record of success starts in our camp programs. Students who start with us early often become our most competitive athletes later on.
Video Replay Technology for Faster Learning
One tool that sets our camps apart is the use of video replay technology. Coaches record students during practice bouts and review the footage with them. This helps young fencers see what they are doing right and what needs work. Instead of just hearing an explanation, they can watch their own footwork and blade movements. This visual feedback makes learning faster and more effective. Students gain a clearer understanding of their technique than they would through verbal coaching alone.
How Do Fencing Camps Build Skills Beyond the Strip?
Fencing camps teach children physical coordination, tactical thinking, discipline, and sportsmanship. These skills transfer directly to academic performance, social confidence, and personal responsibility. The structured environment helps kids build habits that serve them well beyond the sport.
Parents often choose our camps because they want more than just childcare during school breaks. They want their kids to grow. Fencing teaches skills that go beyond the sport. Every lesson builds something new in each young athlete.
Core Values Taught at Camp
Each day at camp includes lessons that build character. Our coaches teach students important skills that help them in all parts of life:
- Discipline and focus: Students learn to follow instructions and stay focused during drills. This skill carries over to better attention in school and at home.
- Sportsmanship and respect: Fencers learn to salute their opponent before and after each bout. They learn that winning with grace and losing with dignity are equally important.
- Tactical thinking: Every bout requires quick decisions under pressure. Students learn to read their opponent and adapt their strategy in real time.
- Physical coordination: Footwork drills, blade work, and body control improve balance and agility. These physical benefits help in any sport or activity.
- Confidence and resilience: Learning a new skill and competing against others builds self-esteem. Students learn that effort leads to improvement.
- Social skills and teamwork: Partner drills and group activities teach students how to communicate and collaborate with peers in a positive environment.
These values are reinforced every day during camp through structured activities and coach-led discussions. The result is a program that builds both athletic ability and personal character.
A Program for Every Fencer: From Beginner to Competitive Athlete
Fencing Sports Academy offers programs for every skill level, from complete beginners trying the sport for the first time to experienced competitors preparing for regional events. The Bam program provides an introductory learn-to-fence track for ages 7+. The competitive track prepares athletes for regional and national competitions.
Three Olympic Weapons to Explore
Fencing Sports Academy teaches all three Olympic weapons. Each weapon has a unique style and set of rules. Exploring all three helps students find the one that fits their personality best.
| Weapon | Target Area | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foil | Torso only | Precision and technique | New fencers learning form |
| Epee | Entire body | Patience and timing | Fencers who like strategy |
| Sabre | Above the waist | Speed and aggression | Active fencers who love quick bouts |
Sabre is the fastest type, using slicing and cutting moves to hit any target above the waist. It is a very active type that needs quick feet and even quicker thinking. Students in our sabre track learn how to move with speed and power. We teach them how to read their opponent and react in a split second.
Beginner Tracks for New Athletes
For those new to the sport, our fencing camps for beginners offer a great entry point. These sessions teach the core skills of footwork and blade control without pressure. We want every child to enjoy their first time on the strip. Our goal is to build confidence through steady progress and good feedback from our team.
Younger students can also join our introductory learn-to-fence program known as Bam. This program is for children ages 7 and up who want to try the sport for the first time. It provides a fun and low-stress way to learn the basics before moving to more advanced classes. We keep the lessons fun with games and drills that build focus and skill.
Growth in the Sabre Program
The sabre program at Fencing Sports Academy is a key growth area for our club. While it is a strong track, we are now looking for new recruits to join this exciting group. Sabre fencing is known for its speed and quick decision-making. It is a great fit for kids who love fast action and tactical thinking on their feet.
Fencers who want to take their skills to the next level can move into competitive fencing for kids. This track prepares athletes for regional and national events through focused training and drills. We provide the tools and coaching needed to help students reach their best. Whether your child wants to fence for fun or for competition, we have a path for them at our club.
What Happens During the Final Day Tournament?
Each camp session ends with a final-day tournament where students demonstrate the skills they learned during the week. Parents and family members are invited to watch from the viewing area. Coaches provide close guidance throughout the event to ensure every child feels prepared and supported.
Putting new skills to the test
Each session at Fencing Sports Academy ends with a fun final-day tournament. This event gives young fencers a chance to show off the skills they gained during the week. Students spend their camp days learning how to move their feet and use their blades. The tournament is the perfect time for them to try these new moves in a real match. This local event is a major highlight of our fencing sports academy camps in Fairfax, VA.
The tournament is about more than just scores. It helps kids learn how to deal with the pressure of a match in a safe place. Fencers learn to stay calm and think fast when they are on the strip. This builds resilience and helps them keep their focus. A study published by the National Institutes of Health shows that youth sports help kids build strong character. Our coaches stay close to guide each student and ensure the event remains educational. We make sure every child feels ready before their first bout starts.
A proud moment for parents
We invite all family members to come to the club and watch the final bouts. It is a special time for parents to see their children compete on the strip. Seeing a child score a touch or execute a new parry is a meaningful moment for any parent. This event is one of the features that sets our program apart from other break camps in Northern Virginia. Parents get to see just how much their child has learned in a short time. Our club at 10310 A Main Street provides plenty of space for guests to watch the action.
Watching from the side of the strip, parents can cheer for every fencer. This support helps children feel good about their hard work. They get to hear the cheers and feel the joy of accomplishment. This makes the last day a memory that lasts for a long time. Families who are ready to join can visit our FSA camp registration page to find new dates. We aim to make sure every fencer feels proud by the end of the day.
Growing through friendly competition
The final day event is a smooth start for competitive fencing for kids who want to try real meets. It lets children learn how to handle wins and losses in a friendly setting. Our coaches teach them that every bout is a chance to learn something new. This builds the right mindset for students who may want to fence at higher levels later. The tournament also builds strong bonds between campers who cheer for each other throughout the event.
What Should Parents Know Before Signing Up?
Camps fill up quickly due to the 16-fencer limit per session. Early registration is recommended. Fencing Sports Academy provides all necessary equipment. Students should wear athletic clothing and bring a water bottle and lunch for full-day sessions. The club is located at 10310 A Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Equipment and what to bring
Fencing Sports Academy provides all necessary safety gear for every student. This includes masks, jackets, gloves, and weapons. Parents do not need to buy any equipment for their child to participate. Each student should wear athletic clothing and closed-toe athletic shoes. For full-day sessions, students should bring a lunch, snacks, and a water bottle. All equipment is sanitized between uses and maintained to safety standards.
Age groups and skill levels
Our camps are designed for children ages 7 to 13. We group students by age and experience level to ensure that everyone gets the right instruction. Beginners learn alongside other beginners in a supportive environment. Advanced students train with peers who challenge them to improve. This grouping system helps every child progress at a comfortable pace while still being challenged.
Registration tips and deadlines
Spots fill quickly because each session is capped at 16 fencers. We recommend registering at least two weeks before your desired session. Our camp registration page has the full schedule and pricing. Early registration gives you the best chance to secure your preferred dates. We also offer sibling discounts for families enrolling more than one child. Parents can call (888) 300-5095 with any questions about the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages are the fencing camps for?
Fencing Sports Academy camps are designed for children ages 7 to 13. Students are grouped by age and experience level to ensure appropriate instruction for each participant.
Do I need to buy equipment for my child?
No. Fencing Sports Academy provides all necessary safety equipment including masks, jackets, gloves, and weapons. Students just need athletic clothing and closed-toe athletic shoes.
What are the camp hours and schedule options?
Full-day sessions run from 9 AM to 3 PM. Half-day morning and afternoon options are also available. Early drop-off begins at 8 AM and late pick-up extends to 4 PM for working parents.
What is the student-to-coach ratio at camp?
Fencing Sports Academy maintains a strict 8:1 student-to-coach ratio with a maximum of 16 fencers per session. This ensures each student receives close supervision and personalized coaching throughout the camp.
How do fencing camps help with my child’s development?
Fencing camps build discipline, focus, tactical thinking, physical coordination, and confidence. These skills transfer to better academic performance, improved social skills, and personal responsibility.
Ready To Reserve Your Child’s Spot?
School breaks are the perfect time to introduce your child to the sport of fencing. Fencing Sports Academy provides a safe, structured, and engaging environment where kids learn from experienced coaches and build skills that last a lifetime. With small class sizes, flexible scheduling, and a track record of developing competitive athletes, our camp programs offer exceptional value for Fairfax families.
Spots fill quickly due to the 16-fencer limit per session. Visit our camp registration page or call (888) 300-5095 to request a free consultation and secure your child’s spot today.