FENCING CAMP FOR SENIORS

[jspierre]

Anyone know of a good camp for an age range from 25-45? Ideally, I'd be interested in a camp that had epee for seniors/vets.

Seems most camps are for teens.

[Emfuser]

I've found the same phenomenon. I'm 22 and going to the first session of the Ohio State camp next week. I've got a sneaking suspiscion that I'm going to be the oldest guy participating (there was a line for GRADE on the application... I was tempted to put 17 down and let them figure it out).

If anyone else knows of clubs that aren't for the under 20 crowd, I would also be interested.

Mike

[mango fever]

well, here's a thought. In an area where there a lot of fencers, and more veterans over 40 why not invite a highly skilled fencer to your area for a clinic, maybe about a week long. That way instead of 50 fencers each running off and spending money on lots of different trainings, they can pool their resources together and all make some steady gains. Younger fencers are usually encouraged to participate in camps because they have more of a fencing "future", however, veterans still enjoy learning too. I would attend a clinic with a good instructor, maybe have 20 fencers sign up for it, and share the expenses.

I'm the oldest one at the camp I am attending this week. If the coaches ask me one more time how I'm doing, I think I'll scream! I have assured them that I will not have a heart attack. There is one other woman who is closer to my age, so we worked together for awhile yesterday. That was cool, but we don't get to bout b/c she's epee and I am foil.
I look at it this way, as a novice at my age, I need the knowledge I can gain from any camp and we have 4 great coaches to work with here. Though it would be great to have some more people my own age to hang out with. I sure can't go relax with a beer when I'm done with these guys, if you know what I mean.
C'est le vive.

[Peach]

I'm having the same experience, though it's not a camp - The club where I've been visiting once a week, all the fencers appear to be 15 and everyone is treating me as if there were something wrong with me. I'm fine--I'm just old and decrepit, and boy do I feel it when they do that!

[Boo Boo]

I am used to being the "responsible adult" at fencing clubs, competitions, training camps etc.

Being a 27 year old woman, they (coaches and parents) think that I am grown-up, sensible and responsible.

Still, I can honestly say, that most of the kids which I have met through fencing are sweet and comparitively mature for their age and they are generally good at interacting with adults.

Boo Boo

[Zelda]

The fact I am 23 and am left in charge when my coach does radio interviews disturbs me no end. Especially when I aint the oldest one left!!!!! jspierre if you want to go to the UK there is a good all ages camp in Durham in August. I went last year and wasnt the oldest by a long shot!

[Link14]

Sorry for the off topic...

Zelda - As someone responsible for making sure there is a responsible adult at every practice, I can empathize with you, but think I know where your coach is coming from. I'd rather have an 18 year old in charge that knows how to set up the equipment, gets the drills and the footwork done and watchs to make sure everyone's fencing safely, than a 30 year old that sits on their butt and isn't paying attention.

However, if you're the only one your coach depends on.....maybe he should be training several substitutes...

[Zelda]

Link, already taken care of.... has to as I'm leaving in September!!!!!!