In the concrete jungle of New York, where skyscrapers scrape the cerulean sky, taxis buzz like honeybees and hot dogs sizzle on every corner, there exists an extraordinary group of kids. They are not your average dodgeball players or hopscotch hoppers. No, these kids are the swashbuckling, fearless fencers of NY! They assemble in gyms and rec centers across the state, clad in shiny suits of white armor, masks gleaming, swords twirling. These aren't ordinary swords, but blunted foils and épées, their tips shimmering with the thrill of the duel. The leader of this band of merriment is none other than Sir Prickle Pants, a porcupine with a peculiar passion for fencing. Don’t let his prickles fool you, he's as cuddly as a teddy bear. Some say it was the itchiness of the fencing suit that led him to pick up the sport, but we know he just loves the thrill of the contest. With his belly full of pizza and his heart full of laughter, Sir Prickle Pants leads his team with the poise of a knight and the humor of a circus clown. With a hearty "En Garde!", a match begins, the air crackles with anticipation. The fencers prance and parry, their movements as graceful as ballet dancers, their strikes as swift as a swooping falcon. The crowd cheers, hot dogs are momentarily forgotten and even the taxis seem to slow, as if the city itself is holding its breath, caught up in the thrill of the duel. In New York, fencing isn't just a sport; it's a spectacle, a dance, a celebration of bravery and silliness. And every kid who steps onto the piste, led by the indomitable Sir Prickle Pants, becomes a part of this grand tradition.
Read moremore fencing programs near Cooperstown, NY

The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.

We believe that Kindness, Confidence and Respect are essential ingredients for successful learning and social engagement. Our campers and staff are encouraged to promote these values on a daily basis through team building activities, catching campers "doing something good" and discussions about what it means to be kind, confident and respectful. Woodmont Camp provides an environment in which campers can learn to become better people and can gain the skills necessary for success in life. Our program offers a safe and supportive environment in which campers can develop the confidence to take on challenges and respect themselves and others.