En Garde! A 1st St Albans Cub Scout Adventure in Fencing
- Jez Farmer
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Fencing, the art of sword fighting. It’s cool for adults. It’s absolutely mind-blowing for kids. By the age of 10, a child in the UK will have taken part in at least 10,000 swordfights (give or take!) using sticks, plastic bottles, cricket stumps, croquet mallets, tennis racquets, pencils, bicycle pumps, balloons on sticks, plastic swords from the dressing up box or indeed anything that can be turned to this purpose. So excitement levels were off the scale when St Albans very own Paul Davis Fencing Academy came to the Scout hut for an evening of fencing with the 1st St Albans Cubs.
The 1st St Albans Cub pack took part in an exciting group fencing class! Our Cubs had the opportunity to learn about the art of fencing, test their skills, engage in a few friendly duels and even have a mini tournament.
Learning the Basics
The session kicked off with an introduction to the basics of fencing and a safety briefing. Before donning their gear, the Cubs learned essential footwork, including how to advance, retreat, and lunge. Jason our instructor emphasized balance, coordination, and proper stance, ensuring that each child had a solid foundation before picking up a sabre.
Gearing Up for Battle
And then things got real… that moment when the cubs got to put on one of those helmets and pick up an actual sabre (yeah it’s a sword) definitely ratchetted up the excitement levels. Safety was a top priority, and Jason made sure each Cub understood how to handle their equipment responsibly. Once they had mastered footwork, they moved on to basic attacks and defensive techniques. There was plenty of enthusiasm on display as our Cubs practiced parries, ripostes, and thrusts under Jason's careful guidance.
Friendly Competition
With their new found skills, the Cubs were paired up for some friendly bouts and they put their training to the test.
Some Cubs displayed a natural knack for strategy, while others focused on speed and agility. Regardless of their skill level, everyone had a good go, there was was a sense of accomplishment all round, and an abundance of big smiles, especially after several rounds of Winner Stays On Dueling!
Lessons Beyond the Sword
While the Cubs had a fantastic time learning to fence, there were some valuable life lessons on offer too. Fencing teaches discipline, respect, and perseverance—qualities that align perfectly with the Scout Oath and Law. The experience also encouraged teamwork, good sportsmanship and co-ordination.
Wrapping Up
By the end of the session, we had a very happy pack of Cubs (with some new skills!) some very appreciative leaders, and, amazingly, Jason our instructor was still smiling. It doesn’t get much better than that. I’m very sure we’ll be asking for these guys to come and visit again
A huge thank you to Jason our fencing instructor for his patience and expertise, and to PDFA Fencing for making this event possible and to Hobby Republik for organising it all. If you’re looking for a unique and engaging activity for your Scout pack, consider fencing—it’s a top night!
The Facts
Paul Davis Fencing Academy runs fencing classes, workshops retreats and group sessions for Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides across Hertfordshire and beyond
Taster courses are available for people who want to give it a try. A 6 week beginner course costs £130 and includes a free sword!
The 1st St Albans Cubs and Scouts meet at the Wadley Hut, on Watford Road in Chiswell Green
Hobby Republik organises group activity sessions for all uniformed groups, as well as team building and corporate events. To find out what's available get in touch.
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