I thought it would difficult to exceed the enthusiasm of our Troop’s Venture Patrol Go-Kart outing, but I think our first attempt at the art and sport of fencing last week came really close.
All of the Scouts had a blast at giving swordsmanship a good try. As a parent, how can you possibly beat the small expense of $20 to see your kids battle it out with thin, light swords (fully protected, of course, by the odd uniforms that are worn in the sport)?
The intended Venture Patrol function was extended to all Scouts in our Troop. Fifteen eager fencers attendended the outing last Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Fencing Sports Academy in Fairfax, VA: Andre Gattuso, Ethan Cooper, Brandon and Jordan Coopersmith, Max Miller, Philip Mackey, Owen Rollins, Henry Alexander, Will Logsdon, Ian Forrer, Matthew Harrington, Nino Bravo, Robert Cantas, Ryan Cook, and Ummara Marshall.
Even one of our Assistant Scoutmasters, Mr. Forrer, suited up and brandished a foil to provide a partner for the odd-numbered group.
The outing included a brief history of fencing, a lesson in the elegant rules for engagement of this now-Olympic sport, and opportunities to compete with several different Scouts in real competitions with all of fencing's gear and attire (jacket, mask, etc.).
The Scouts learned how to stand properly, how to advance, retreat, attack, and earn a point (score). Our three instructors were excellent and had been recognized for their skills in fencing with numerous awards.
Modern fencing uses three weapons, and is divided respectively into three competitive scenes: foil, sabre (spelled "saber" in the United States) and épée. Most (but not all) competitive fencers choose to specialize in one of these only.
Fencing provides the physical benefits of hand/eye coordination, agility, balance, flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance. It also provides the mental benefits of strategy, concentration, confidence, and discipline.
All of the Scouts (and Assistant Scoutmaster Forrer) worked up a good sweat, and many of them expressed an eager interest in adding fencing to the list of the Troop's activities that we do each month.
A group of three Scouts can form a fencing team. If your son(s) and their pals are interested in engaging in this splendid sport, The Fencing Sports Academy offers week-long summer classes for $360.
Save the date: The next Venture Patrol outing is Sunday, August 9th. We are set for a kayaking trip in Annapolis, one of America’s oldest seaports that includes the harbor and the United States Naval Academy as backdrops. It should be an equally fun experience for our Troop.
YIS
--Richard Mackey
Assistant Scoutmaster and Venture Patrol Leader (along with Felix Short)