Kids Experience Hands-On History with Knight Camp

Perhaps my opinion is biased, but I believe that one of the best things that takes place at Academie Duello is our Summer and Spring Break kid's program Knight Camp.  Youth (ages 8 – 14) are transported back in time as they are taught the knightly arts in an engaging and safe environment by Academie Duello-trained instructors.  It has been my absolute pleasure to be one of those instructors that has the opportunity to be part of such a unique and special program.  I have worked with children for over half of my life. Through my involvement as a lead instructor in Academie Duello's Knight Camp, I would have to say it is one of the most rewarding and inspiring youth programs I have ever been a part of.

 Myself with some of our Knight Camp students as we prepare to march in the 2013 Canada Day Parade

Each of the five-day camps focuses on the skills of becoming of a knight – but kids learn more than just martial arts (like the longsword and sword and shield).  One of the most important things we teach is the practice of knightly virtues such as courage and integrity. Students at Knight Camp learn about history, leadership, heraldry, archery, medieval games and more in a hands-on and safe environment.  This will be my fifth year teaching at Knight Camp and I have seen many children grow into themselves and their confidence as they progress through the program.

Knight Camp student being awarded as the Champion of Courage during the final day ceremony

Students of Knight Camp advance their way through six ranks. Named for titles and stages of development in the training of knights and soldiers in Late Medieval and Renaissance Italy, the ranks reflect a student’s physical abilities, martial skills, knowledge of materials taught in class, and practice of knightly virtues.

Knight Camp students focus on learning the martial skill of sword and shield

New students begin in the first rank, Paggio. Every time a student completes a week of Knight Camp, they experience a rise in rank. After completing each of the six ranks, students graduate into the title of Cavaliere su Veglia (Knight on Vigil), and prepare for the five Knightly Trials before they can achieve the rank of Knight. The Knightly Trials are:

1. Trial of the Servant (volunteering and community service)
2. Trial of the Warrior (leadership and swordplay skill)
3. Trial of the Herald (public speaking)
4. Trial of the Courtier (medieval games and knowledge)
5. Trial of the Teacher (mentorship and teaching)

Cavaliere su Veglia can return to camp as a student to study their choice of academic subject, or, if they’re at least 12 years old, as a volunteer to help other students on the path to knighthood.

At the end of Summer 2014 we had one of our Cavaliere su Veglia, Colin McQuaig, successfully pass all of his Knightly Trials and earn his spurs as a Knight.  We also saw more students then ever before get elevated to the rank of Cavaliere su Veglia.  We are excited to have many of them returning as both students and volunteers as they work on progressing along their paths to knighthood.

Needless to say, I am very excited to announce that the dates for our Spring Break camps and Summer Camps have been scheduled!  With the month of March just around the corner registration is open for all of our 2015 camps.

Speaking on behalf of myself and the rest of the Knight Camp staff, we are so excited for what 2015 has in store.  We are looking forward to see so many familiar faces return to our salle and we're excited to meet new students eager to start their path to knighthood with us at Academie Duello.