This year I have been asked to dive into the treasures that the Academie Duello store has and to pick some some of the awesome and unique things that we have available for the young sword fighter (or swordfighter to-be) and history enthusiast on your holiday list. As a youth instructor, I like to think I have an idea of what could make some great Yuletide presents- and by golly do my youth students love to tell me with great enthusiasm and excitement what is on their wish lists! I've also had a few parents pull me aside to ask "Master Roseblade" what might make a great present for their young Western Martial Artist. I posted two weeks ago with some great gift ideas that are unique as well as educational and can connect children to their passion for swordplay and history. This week I have picked out a few other gems that can fit into almost any budget and without further adieu I present them to you!
Toys for Girls & Boys
Knights on horseback, swashbuckling musketeers, King Henry, Queen Elizabeth, and castles! The Academie Duello store has a wide variety of toys to spark your child's creative imagination while connecting them with history. Watch as your child makes up elaborate stories using these figures to tell their own version of history. Watch them joust with knights, slay dragons with the three musketeers all while protecting the King and Queen in their castle.
We also have a selection of foam shields and swords, adorned with many different colours and styles for young ladies and young gentlemen alike. Just pin a towel to their shoulders and watch them play the hero in their own story. Or, they can create stories out of the pages of our kids books. From paper cut-out knights and ladies that they can dress and adorne in a variety of clothes and accessories, to interactive and educational sticker books and colouring books, we have a little something for every kid of every age.
These gifts are great for kids six years of age and up- including those of us who are just big kids trapped in these funny adult bodies (myself being one of them).
Take Your Child Back in Time With A Week of Knight Camp
Perhaps my opinion is biased as a long-time Knight Camp instructor, but I have to say that there is nothing that can compare to the experience of this incredibly fun and engaging day camp that we run throughout the Summer and March Break each year. I wish that there had been Knight Camp when I was a kid, but since there wasn't I at least get to experince the joy and rewards of teaching such an incredible program.
Each day of the five day camp is focused around an aspect of knightly training, from martial skills such as the use of the longsword and sword and shield, to the practice of knightly virtues such as courage, justice, charity and integrity. Students at Knight Camp learn history, leadership skills, and the foundational knowledge that all knights possessed from heraldry to archery to medieval games within a safe and engaging environment. Students get to learn hands on history and get to create and make their own accessories from designing and painting wooden shields, to making their own leather armour, and much more!
No previous classes or training is necessary. Students need only register for the week in which they want to participate and be between the ages of 8-14 years of age. Knight Camp gift certificates are available online as well as in person by coming to visit our store at our downtown location. I am already excited and counting down the days to when then next Knight Camp starts where I get to see so many familiar faces and meet brand new ones ready to embark on their knightly training.
Devon Boorman is the Co-Founder and Director of Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, which has been active in Vancouver, Canada since 2004. Devon’s expertise centres on the Italian swordplay tradition including the arts of the Renaissance Italian rapier, sidesword, and longsword, as well as knife and unarmed techniques. Read more from Devon Boorman.