Common Questions
Camp FAQ
What ages are eligible for summer camp?
Nova summer camps are for kids ages 8–14. Campers must be able to follow directions and complete all required health and waiver forms.
Does my child need fencing or archery experience?
No. Battle Camp and Archery Camp are designed for complete beginners. All equipment is provided and coaches teach from the fundamentals. The Competitive Fencing Camp is the exception — that's for fencers currently enrolled in a fencing program.
Can my child attend multiple weeks?
Yes — many campers come back week after week. Each week follows the same structure, but returning campers continue to build skills. The maximum is 5 weeks of camp per camper per summer.
What happens on a typical camp day?
Campers rotate between fencing instruction, archery instruction, and games throughout the day. The week wraps up with a Robin Hood Archery Tournament and a team fencing tournament using electric equipment. There's a lunch break and snack time built in.
What are the camp hours?
Battle Camp and Archery Camp run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Competitive Fencing Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Campers must be picked up promptly — camp staff are not paid to remain after camp ends. Late pickup is $1 per minute per camper. If you're running late, please call the camp location and let staff know your arrival time.
What is Ga-Ga Ball?
Ga-Ga Ball is a fast-paced game played in a low-walled pit — think dodgeball meets handball. It's a camper favorite and a great way to burn energy between fencing and archery sessions.
Where is Nova summer camp located?
Nova Fencing & Archery Club is located at 3505 Carlin Springs Rd, Falls Church, VA 22041 — near the border of Arlington and West Alexandria. We're easily accessible from Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, McLean, and the greater Washington DC area. All camp activities take place indoors in our 20,000 sq ft facility.
Is this an indoor or outdoor camp?
Nova summer camps are entirely indoors in our climate-controlled 20,000 sq ft facility. Camp runs rain or shine — no weather cancellations. This is a big advantage during July and August heat. The facility includes 24 fencing strips, a 20-lane indoor archery range, and a Ga-Ga Ball pit.
What makes Nova different from other summer camps?
Nova is the only camp in the region where kids learn two Olympic sports — fencing and archery — from experienced, certified coaches. It's fully indoor and climate-controlled, so there are no weather cancellations. Campers build real athletic skills, not just arts and crafts. The week ends with a Robin Hood Archery Tournament and a team fencing tournament using electric equipment. Our staff is CPR and MAT trained, and Nova is an American Camp Association member camp.
Can my child try fencing for the first time at summer camp?
Yes — most campers have never fenced or done archery before. Battle Camp is specifically designed for beginners. Our coaches teach the fundamentals from scratch: footwork, bladework, and basic fencing tactics for fencing, and safety, form, aim, and stance for archery. All equipment is provided. Many campers go on to enroll in our regular fencing or archery classes after camp.
What is Battle Camp?
Battle Camp is Nova's flagship summer camp where kids ages 8–14 split their time between fencing, archery, and traditional camp games like Ga-Ga Ball. It runs full day from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. No experience needed and all equipment is provided. The week wraps up with a Robin Hood Archery Tournament and a team fencing tournament using electric equipment.
What if my child has allergies or medical needs?
All families complete online camp health forms before the first day, where you can detail any allergies, medications, or medical conditions. Our camp staff is CPR and MAT (Medication Administration Training) trained. Please make sure all medical information is up to date on your forms so our team can keep your child safe.
Can siblings attend the same camp week?
Yes, as long as both siblings are between ages 8 and 14. Each camper must be registered separately and have their own completed health and waiver forms. Siblings can attend the same week or different weeks.
Do you offer half-day camp options?
No — all Nova summer camps are full-day programs running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The full-day format allows campers to rotate through fencing, archery, and games with enough time to build real skills in each activity.
