HARVARD COACHES AND OLYMPIANS
Sleep Away Camp 2024

camps@timmorehousefencing.com

ABOUT

Harvard University Head Coach Daria Schneider and Olympic Silver Medalist Tim Morehouse invite you to attend their 3rd Annual Sleep Away Camp featuring the Harvard University Coaching Staff, Olympians from around the world and Elite Coaches from Tim Morehouse Fencing Club, Marx Fencing Club and more!

The camp takes place on the beautiful 250 acre campus of St. Mark’s Boarding School in Southborough, Massachusetts and will feature even more Olympians, Elite Coaches and both nationally and internationally ranked fencers!

UPDATES FOR 2024:

• Air Conditioning in the Dorms: This year our campers will stay in the newly built Patterson/Scully building which is air conditioned.

• Main Fencing Hall: The main fencing hall will be air-conditioned in addition to having an extra sport court flooring underlaying which the metal strips will sit upon for extra cushioning.

During the camp, students will be surrounded not just by some of the best athletes in fencing, but also by some of the best role models, inspirational and aspirational figures in the sport. They will be immersed in a culture of teamwork and elite training as they learn about what it is like to train like an Ivy League college-fencer as they learn from Olympians and Elite coaches across all 3 weapons.

Register early to ensure your campers spot since last year’s camp sold out!

STAFF FOR 2024

** Subject to Change although this is usually minimal **

SABER

• Daria Schneider (Harvard University Head Coach)

• Eli Dershwitz (Olympian and US National Champion)

• Ziad Elsissy (Olympian)

• Tim Morehouse (Olympic Silver Medalist)

• Arianna Klinkov (Cornell University Head Coach)

• Mamadou Keita (Olympian)

• Iba Keita (TMFC Elite Coach)

• Rafael “Fito” Western (Puerto Rican National Team Member)

• And There are More Elite Athletes and Coaches as well!

EPEE

• Adam Maczik (Harvard University Epee Coach)

• Jason Pryor (Olympian)

• Michael Marx (5x Olympian)

• Ahmed Abdallah (TMFC Elite Coach)

FOIL

• Jed Dupree (Harvard Coach and Olympian)

• Essam Hassanin (Olympian and TMFC Elite Coach)

• Dan Bass (TMFC Elite Coach)

• Eddie Grigoriev (TMFC Elite Coach)

• And There are More Elite Athletes and Coaches Attending as well!
  
  

** Please note, these names are subject to change although we do not expect any changes **

CAMP DETAILS

Please email camps@timmorehousefencing.com with any questions.

Who Can Attend?

The camp is open to any and all entrants (limited only by number and age) in all 3-weapons.

Minimum Age Requirement to Attend: Campers must be at least "Fencing Age" 8 for the 2024-2025 season.
(This the Campers age on January, 1 2025)

Minimum Age Requirement on Dorms: Campers must be at least "Fencing Age" 11 for the 2024-2025 season to stay in the dorms (This the Campers age on January, 1 2025)

What is included in the camp?

Residential campers are provided 3 meals per day, housing in supervised dorms and a complete training day with 2-3 fencing practices and other cross training and performance oriented sessions. Other activities during the week include but are not limited to college recruiting informational session from Harvard Head Coach Daria Schneider, sports performance sessions and inspirational talks from Olympians.

What Does The Camp Cost?

RESIDENTIAL CAMPER RATES

$2100 (February 1) (Early Deadline #1)
$2300 (March 1) (Early Deadline #2)
$2500 (May 1) (Regular Deadline)

$3000 (June 15) (Late)

COMMUTER CAMPER RATES

$1900 (February 1) (Early Deadline #1)
$2000 (March 1) (Early Deadline #2)
$2100 (May 1) (Regular Deadline)

$2500 (June 15) (Late)

How Do the training groups work?

In addition to groupings for competitive and Elite Cadet, Junior and Senior Fencers, we will also have programs tailored for elite, competitive and intermediate youth fencers, which generally will be ages 8-9, 10-11 as well as Young Teen (12-13).

Please note, the Day One 5-touch tournament will also be a major factor in the groupings of students into the the first few days with opportunities for students to move up throughout the week as we hold mini-group tournaments.

Throughout the camp week there will be plenty of opportunities for all students to fence each other and the 3rd practice on several evening is open bouting where students can fence against anyone.

Who Will My Child room with at Camp?

Most students will stay in doubles and we do our best to take roommate preferences into account but it is not possible for us to guarantee a roommate in all cases. Please include as many roommate preferences as possible. In situations where we cannot accommodate a roommate preference, we will generally put students in similar areas within the dorm.

What do campers need to bring?

Fencing Equipment: (READ CAREFULLY)

** All campers need to bring a full set of working fencing equipment including all necessary electric equipment and cords **

Including:

• fencing pants (knickers)

• white fencing jacket

• electric jacket

• Fencing mask

• underarm protector

• chest protect * if applicable

• Multiple working body cords and head clips

• 3 working weapons in case things break over the course of a session.

• Fencing Shoes (Only to be worn in the fencing room)

RECOMMENDED:

• 2 sets of fencing whites since campers whites tend to get wet from sweat and being able to alternate uniforms might add to their comfort level from practice to practice.

PACKING LIST

Clothing and Toiletries:
All campers should bring enough long pants, shorts, socks, underwear, t-shirts, pajamas and several sweatshirts for when the temperature drops in the evening. We recommend bringing a lot of extra t-shirts, socks and underwear since campers may go through multiple pairs in a day.

We also recommend at least 2-3 pairs of sneakers/fencing shoes. Students will need to change from outside shoes to fencing shoes within the gym.

Students will need to bring full toiletry sets including toothbrush, tooth paste, shampoo, shower soap and any other products needed for a week away from home.

Linens: You can bring your own linens or pay the school $75/week for linens. You will specify this on your registration form.

Any Medications Your Child Needs to Take:
These must be accompanied by paperwork from the child’s physician and Authorization to Administer medication form which you will complete with the orientation packet.

Cell Phones:
We will allow students to bring cell phones to camp but they will not be allowed to use them during meals and practices. Students who violate this policy will receive a warning and then have their phones confiscated for the duration of the camp.

As a reminder, please be sure that all of your child’s belongings are clearly labeled. Please do not allow your child to bring any valuables to camp. The camp and TMFC is not responsible for any lost or stolen belongings.

What is a typical camp day? (RESIDENTIAL CAMPERS)

DAIIL SCHEDULE (SAMPLE)
7:15am-7:45am WAKE UP
8:00am-8:45am BREAKFAST
9:00am-11:30am PRACTICE #1
12:00pm-1:00pm LUNCH
1:30pm-3:30pm PRACTICE #2
3:30pm-5:30pm. FLEX TIME (Various activities Offered)
5:30pm-6:30pm. DINNER
7:00pm-9:00pm. PRACTICE #3
9:15pm-10:15pm EVENING SOCIAL/ACTIViTY/FLEX TIME
10:15pm-10:45pm All Campers Back in Dorms/Prepare for Bed
11:00pm LIGHTS OUT/BED TIME

On some days, there will be alternative activities during an afternoon or evening practice time.

Commuter Students:

Commuter students should arrive after breakfast (between 8;45am-9:00am).

Parents have the options to pick up commuter students either before dinner (5pm-5:30pm) or after 3rd practice at 9pm.

Other than a later drop-off and pick-up time, commuter students follow the same schedule as residential students.

CAMP DROP OFF/PICK UP INFORMATION

Camp arrival and departure times have not been finalized but typically camp arrivals will be between 12pm-3pm on the first day of a session and departures will typically be between 12pm-3pm on the last day of a session.

The first day of camp does not include lunch so students should arrive on campus having already had lunch.

DAY 1 SCHEDULE (Not Final)

12pm-3pm Arrivals and Students Settling Into Dorms
3pm-5pm Welcome and Orientation Session (Auditorium)
5:30pm-6:30pm Dinner
7pm-9pm Giant 5-Touch Tournament to Help Determine Groups for the First Few Days of Camp. (please note, campers will have opportunities to move up during the week during additional in-camp tournament opportunities)

FINAL DAY OF CAMP: (Not Final)

8:00am-8;45am Breakfast
9:30am-12:00pm Gold Medal Matches and Medal Ceremony (Parents Most Likely Invited to Attend)
12:00pm-2:00pm Start of Departures

What If i can’t attend every day of a session?

No Pro-Rating: Because of the schools policies, we are charged based on headcount and they will not pro-rate what we are charged for each camper so even if you cannot attend an entire session, you will need to pay for the whole thing.

You are allowed to arrive later or leave earlier, but please let us know in your registration form so we can plan accordingly.

What is the refund policy if i cannot attend?

There is a $400 Camp Deposit Fee that will be deducted from what you’ve paid if you request a refund before June 1.

After June 1, there are no refunds since we will have made full payment to the school for all registered campers.

There are no exchanges or credits that we can provide for the sleep away camp.

Is there A kosher food option?

For students who keep Kosher, the school has informed us that there will be Kosher options available however for full transparency, the kitchen is not a “Kosher Kitchen” so if you are trying to keep a strict kosher dinning than this might not be possible at the camp.

SPECIAL Food REQUIREMENTS OR ALLERGIES

There are plenty of Gluten Free, Vegan and Vegetarian and Dairy Free options for all campers. 

The campus caterer does not serve peanuts or other nuts (unless found in ice cream made off campus) but they do have peanut butter available in individual packages.

Are there hotels nearby You recommend?

For commuter students or folks looking to stay over the night before arrivals, there are a lot of hotel options.

Framingham, Massachusetts is about a 15-minute drive from St. Marks and has a variety of hotels.
(Click Here for a List)

The Westin Hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts is also a nicer hotel for folks looking for a slightly higher level of accommodation.
(Click Here). This is about a 30 minute drive to St. Marks School.

You are also only about a 35-40 minute drive from downtown Boston where there are numerous hotels.

Can my child bring snacks?

Campers will be provided 3 meals per day plus there is an on-campus snack store however if you wish to send your child or bring additional snacks you are welcome to do so. We recommend protein bars, fruit and other non-refrigeration items. Gatorade and bottles of water are also allowed but not necessary unless you wish to have extra drinks.

What are additional things my child might need?

The dorms are not air conditioned so students should bring additional fans for the room. However, because this years camp is more rural and these dorms are more modern that last years housing options, we expect the situation to be significantly more comfortable for our campers.

WHY THIS CAMP?

This camp is the perfect way to level up your fencing game under the tutelage of incredible coaches and Olympians, nationally and internationally ranked athletes and a staff that aims to provides students with incredible training while creating a lifetime of memories and special experiences along the way.

There are both residential and commuter options for campers with camp groupings for youth, teen and elite in Foil, Saber and Epee. Campers must be a minimum of fencing-age Youth-10 (2013 birth year or later for the 2022-2023 season) to stay on-campus but students in birth-years 2014-2015 will find a great experience in our daily commuter program and there are many affordable and pleasant hotels nearby.

The campus of St. Mark’s boarding School offers and idyllic sleep-away camp experience with multiple gyms, modern residence halls, gym facilities, pool, numerous fields and on-site campus store and nurse.

As always, the camp will provide its students with a world-class training experience including metal strips, cross-training, sports psychology, team building, college information sessions as well as leadership development sessions happening during the camp.

The camp is American Camp Association (ACA) accredited and Camp Directors Olympic Silver Medalist Tim Morehouse and Harvard Head Coach Daria Schneider are both ACA certified camp directors with years of experience running camps and training experiences for athletes from Olympic level to youth.

Find and Utilize Your “Super Power”
Our Philosophy

Helping our Campers Find Their “Super Power” means identifying and building on each campers unique strengths as a fencer and person. Building upon strengths is as important as identifying areas in need of improvement when it comes to achieving the goals our students set for themselves.

Many of our coaches and Olympians found success by realizing their own unique fencing strengths and building their fencing games around what they do best. As a result, we have a training philosophy that focuses not just on trying to “find and fix mistakes”, but it is one that tries to find strengths and build on them.

We want to help each camper identify and utilize his or her personal and fencing strengths to help build a campers sense of personal worth and confidence. We have to help students realize what they do well!

In addition, we want campers to discover, learn, and cultivate new skills, develop healthy lifestyles, create meaningful relationships, and become more caring, honest, respectful and responsible people. This simple direct philosophy has proven itself through our tremendous growth and very high return rate of our participants. The most impressive evidence of our success is in the growth of our campers.

Being surrounded by Olympians, incredible leaders and high successful people and coaches is all part of our bigger picture to provide aspiration and inspiration to athletes of all levels and to help our campers understand what takes to be successful in fencing and beyond.

Pictures of the St. Mark’s Campus

This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.