Fencing Camp THIS WEEK + New Season

Advanced Epee Camp II

Don't forget, Advanced Epee Camp II (our last camp of the summer) begins on Monday!!! This camp is open to ALL members 13 and up, including those who will age up on August 1 (fencers born in 2009). It's not too late to sign up! There will be plenty of good fencing, a lot to learn, and a first opportunity for younger fencers to join the older age group. Don't forget to sign up right here , where you can also find the schedule and more info about the camp. Experienced fencers: if you are in town YOU SHOULD BE AT THIS CAMP! This is your chance to tune up for a competitive season and get to know the fencers you'll be fencing with over the next few years!

Some other schedule info: camp starts every day at 9am and ends at 4pm. The doors will open around 8:30am if you need to drop off a little early. There will be an hour lunch break each day--fencers can either pack a lunch, or bring money for a Subway/Chipotle run. On Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, fencers are welcome to stay past 4pm, either for a late pick-up or to stay for evening practice. On Tuesday and Friday, however, plan to be picked up at 4pm! See everyone there!

2022/23 Fencing Season

On August 1 (Monday), the current fencing season will end and the 2022/23 season will begin. This means a few things for our members. First, all fencers will officially age up one year. This affects your competitive eligibility; for example, some fencers will age out of Y12 or Y14, or age INTO new categories, such as Opens or Division II/Division III. It ALSO affects age groups at the club, which means that fencers born in 2009 age out of Youth classes on Monday. If you are a fencer born in 2009 (i.e. a fencer who turns 13 in 2022), your new practice times are 6pm-7:15 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or 11:15-12:30 on Saturdays. FENCERS MAY STAY LATER THAN THESE TIMES but should plan to be here for at least the time indicated above.

Additionally, the new season means that all members must

renew their USA Fencing membership . This is an important part of Hooked on Fencing's status as an insured member club of USA Fencing. All fencers need, at minimum, a non-competitive membership (which is $10 annually). If you wish to compete this season, you will need either the "Access" or "Competitive" membership. However, you can upgrade to these memberships later in the season if you decide to compete at a later point. Over the next two weeks, we will be checking USA Fencing membership at the club and helping to make sure everyone is up to date!

Informational Meeting

On Saturday, 8/13, we will be holding an informational meeting at 1:30pm, open to all members (and parents!) of the club. The primary goal of this meeting is to provide our members with info about competitive opportunities, and a plan to make fencing a full-fledged sport for our athletes. Practice at the club is fun, and a solid way to improve, but it's only the tip of the fencing iceberg! We will discuss competitions, the best ways to grow as a fencer, and fencing opportunities into college and beyond! If you have any fencing questions, feel free to bring those as well! I'd like see parents (especially of newer fencers) come and learn about the new season! And, you can stay after the meeting and enjoy some good food, because...

Summer Cookout

Directly after the info meeting on 8/13 (around 2pm), we will be holding our annual summer cookout! This is a time to hang out with all members of the club, eat some good food, celebrate graduating seniors, and (hopefully) enjoy the weather! We will grill outside and supply water and soft drinks, but members should bring a dish, snack, or dessert to share. See you all there!

Duelist Open

The first tournament of the new season is the Duelist Open on Saturday, August 27 in Belleville, Michigan! This tournament is open to all fencers with a competitive membership who are 13 and up as of the new season. If you have never attended a tournament and are interested in competing for the first time, let us know and we will help you get started!

-Nick