Penn State Fencing Camp?

[yearsofwisdom]

is penn state fencing camp worth going to? im not sure if should stay and take lessons with my coach or go to the camp?

[mrbiggs]

The question you asked is oddly specific to your situation without providing any information about it.

However, I can tell you that I went to the camp twice. Both times it was a lot of fun and extremely educational. The coaching is top-notch, and the camp is well-run as a whole. I'd recommend it to someone looking for a fencing camp.

[Mauler]

is penn state fencing camp worth going to? im not sure if should stay and take lessons with my coach or go to the camp?

Why not both? You could easily make up for lost lessons before/after your camp week, especially during slow summer season, no?

Talk to your coach. No one knows your training needs better than you and your coach. Depending on your summer seasonal circumstance (i.e. club business hours, availability of quality bouts, coach's schedule, presence/lack thereof camp at home club, etc) spending time at a fencing-specific camp can be an invaluable experience.

You will definitely be treated with a top-notch educational opportunity at the Penn State Fencing Camp if you're attentive and open to learning. Multiple training sessions from early morning to late evening, fun activities in the afternoons, daily guest speakers on various topics of interests (sport psychology, armoring, rules, etc) plus referee seminar/testing (outside of regular camp hours) for those who're interested.

Everyday, the atmosphere is very competitive and active. You will be grouped with those of similar abilities for more focused training, then every night, you have a chance to move up or down. Diverse staff, each with unique specialties (tactical, physical, technical) are also invited to teach at the camp. So whatever your level, and whatever the gap in your regular training, chances are you will be well taken care of as long as you're motivated to work.

Core staff, of course, is actual PSU coaching staff. And their philosophy seems to blend well into the summer camp curriculumn. In particular, they strongly support and enhance your existing training with your own coach. In other words, rather than being pushed into doing things certain way, you will be given tools to build up on the resources you already have.

[brtech]

Three of my kids fence, and all three have been to the Penn State camp multiple times. I highly recommend it. It's an ideal combination of serious fencing with excellent coaching and a fun-away-from-home camp. Everything seems to work well: the dorms might be smallish for a full school year, but for a week at camp, no problem. The dining hall food is not bad at all, say the campers, and you always have the option of walking to the Creamery (Penn State's ice cream shop, not to be missed). The pool is available, and they seem to keep the campers busy, but not so busy they can't have a lot of fun.

The fencing is serious; it's not play time, it's skill building and lots of experience. The ability grouping works: beginners do well, serious intermediates do very well. It's not really for the A rated fencers, but they do have a pretty wide range of skills at camp and seem to keep everyone advancing.

Go for it