My son went to Knight Camp three years ago and was instantly hooked. He still goes a couple of times a year and attends every Open Floor. I love the way his confidence has grown as he sees his strength, dexterity and skill continually improve through commitment and hard work.— Brian Hirsh (Parent)
Where Kids Become Knights
Five action-packed days of real swordplay, archery, and medieval adventure. Your child will build confidence, courage, and friendships that last.
Voted "Best Children's Camp" — Georgia Straight Featured on CBC & Global TV Running since 2010
Ages
8 – 14
Dates
Spring & Summer
Times
10am – 3:30pm
Location
Downtown Van
Price
$450 + tax
Six camper ranks, paced for first-timers and seasoned returners alike. Learn how ranks work →
Experience the Magic
Real training, real friendships, real adventure. See a week at camp from the inside.
- Real swordplay with safe training weapons
- Adventure, creativity, and character building
- Memories that last a lifetime
Why Families Love Knight Camp
More than just a camp — it's an experience that transforms kids through adventure, history, and real martial arts training.
Authentic Swordplay & Archery
Train with real historical techniques adapted for safety and fun. We use synthetic-steel practice swords and authentic bows.
Confidence & Courage
Daily challenges and our knightly virtue circle help kids build resilience, leadership, and teamwork — skills that extend far beyond camp.
Learn History By Living It
We don't just teach history — we bring it to life through games, stories, heraldry, crafts, and hands-on experiences that make learning unforgettable.
Creative Expression
From designing their own heraldic shield to learning medieval dance, every child becomes the hero of their own story.
More Than a Week of Camp
The Path of a Knight
For some campers, this is one summer. For others, it's the start of a journey that spans years — and ends in earning the rank that names our camp.
25
campers have completed the Knightly Trials and earned the rank of Knight in the Order of the Iron Helm.
50%+
of our campers come back for another summer at camp — many for years running.
Each summer, campers progress in rank — and a few will become Knights.
Six Ranks, One Per Summer
Campers advance one rank each week of camp, unlocking new skills and traditions as they go.
Rank 1
Paggio
Page
Heraldry & sword history
Rank 2
Armigero
Squire
Archery
Rank 3
Ragazzo all'Armi
Man-at-arms / Woman-at-arms
Armour
Rank 4
Spadaccino
Swordsman / Swordswoman
Polearms
Rank 5
Guardia
Guardsman / Guardswoman
Leadership & tactics
Rank 6
Capitano
Captain
Instruction & courtly grace
The Knightly Trials
After completing all six ranks, a Knight on Vigil (Cavaliere su Veglia) may pursue five Trials to earn the rank of Knight.
Trial of the Servant
Volunteering and community service
Trial of the Warrior
Leadership and swordplay skill
Trial of the Herald
Public speaking
Trial of the Courtier
Medieval games and knowledge
Trial of the Teacher
Mentorship and teaching
What Families Are Saying
Don't just take our word for it — hear from Knight Camp families
← Scroll to see more →
As Seen On TV
Featured on The Express
Go behind the scenes with this in-depth feature from The Express. See how our professional swordmasters guide kids through an unforgettable week of training, teamwork, and transformation.
- Expert instruction
- Friday tournament
- Family celebration
Action-Packed Days!
A Day in the Life of a Knight
Each day is packed with physical activity, creative projects, and character-building moments.
- 10:00 am Warm-up & Virtue of the Day discussion
- 10:30 am Swordplay training — footwork, guards, and strikes
- 12:00 pm Lunch + Medieval games
- 1:00 pm Rotating activities: Archery, Heraldry, Staff
- 2:30 pm Sparring (controlled practice swordfights)
- 3:15 pm Virtue Circle — celebrating growth
Upcoming Camps
Nine weeks this summer. Each runs Monday through Friday with the full program.
No upcoming camp sessions scheduled at this time.
Sign up for our mailing list below to be notified when new sessions are announced.
Live in Northern BC?
Our partner Golden Triangle Fencing runs a Knight Camp in Prince Rupert — August 17–21, 2026. See their camp →
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Everything You Need to Know
Address: 412 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L1
Our beautiful 7,500-square-foot facility is in downtown Vancouver, within 2 blocks of major bus routes, SeaBus, SkyTrain, and West Coast Express.
Parking: Metered parking on Richards Street and Homer. Several pay lots nearby.
Curbside Drop-off: You can pull up right in front of the school and send your camper in — no arrangement needed. On the first day, please make sure your camper's waivers and forms are completed (online in advance, or come in with them before camp begins).
Curbside Pick-up: Available by prior arrangement. Please contact the front desk at info@academieduello.com or (604) 568-9907 ahead of time if you'd like to use this option.
We provide: All specialty equipment — fencing masks, training swords, bows, staffs, and anything else specific to the day's activities.
Every day, please bring:
- Lunch, 1-2 snacks, and a refillable water bottle
- Comfortable athletic clothing (track pants/shorts, t-shirt)
- Indoor running shoes with non-marking soles
Required for sparring (Tuesday–Friday):
- Groin protection (jockstrap required for boys; jillstrap recommended for girls)
- Rigid elbow and knee protection, like rollerblading pads
- Protective padded gloves, like hockey, lacrosse, or armoured motocross gloves
A long-sleeve shirt is not required but gives added arm protection.
Recommended: Shin guards and shoulder pads.
Loaner gear: We keep a very limited amount of loaner gear. If having all of the required equipment would be a barrier to your child attending camp, contact the front desk at info@academieduello.com before the start of your camp week and we'll do our best to set some aside for your camper.
THE SIX RANKS
Students progress through six ranks, advancing one level each week of camp. Each rank unlocks new skills and training:
- Paggio (Page): Heraldry, history of the sword
- Armigero (Squire): Archery
- Ragazzo all'Armi (Man-at-arms / Woman-at-arms): Armour
- Spadaccino (Swordsman/Swordswoman): Polearms
- Guardia (Guardsman/Guardswoman): Leadership, tactics
- Capitano (Captain): Instruction, courtly grace
THE PATH TO KNIGHTHOOD
After completing the rank of Capitano, campers become a Cavaliere su Veglia (Knight on Vigil) and may pursue the five Knightly Trials to earn the rank of Knight in the Order of the Iron Helm:
- Trial of the Servant — Volunteering and community service
- Trial of the Warrior — Leadership and swordplay skill
- Trial of the Herald — Public speaking
- Trial of the Courtier — Medieval games and knowledge
- Trial of the Teacher — Mentorship and teaching
RETURNING CAMPERS
Cavalieri su Veglia can return to camp as students to study their choice of subject, or — if they're at least 12 years old — as volunteers to help guide younger campers on the path to knighthood.
Every day at Knight Camp, students learn about and practice two knightly virtues. At the end of each day, students and instructors form the Virtue Circle, taking turns recognizing virtuous behaviour they witnessed in others.
- OBEDIENCE — Loyalty and respect for those in positions of trust.
- NOBILITY — Showing notable behaviour by trying your hardest.
- MERCY — Choosing forgiveness over revenge.
- JUSTICE — Understanding right from wrong.
- INTEGRITY — Being honest and truthful in everything you do.
- VALOUR — Bravely doing what is right.
- CHARITY — Giving to those who have less.
- FAITH — Believing in yourself and trusting in those around you.
- COURAGE — Making wise decisions even when afraid.
- HUMILITY — Finding satisfaction in doing something well without boasting.
Knight Camp is led by trained youth martial arts instructors from Academie Duello, Vancouver's premier school for historical European swordplay.
Our staff are skilled in creating a safe, engaging environment for kids of all physical abilities and learning styles. They bring expertise in historical fencing, stage combat, and youth education — combined with a genuine passion for helping young people build confidence, discipline, and character.
Many of our instructors began their own journey at Knight Camp and have gone on to earn certification through Academie Duello's instructor program.
Friday is tournament day! The morning features a Grand Melee and team battles. In the afternoon, families are invited to watch the Grand Finale — a tournament showcasing everything the campers learned, running 2:00–4:30pm so you can plan to attend.
Every camper who completes their challenges is elevated to the next rank in a special ceremony. They go home with gifts and memories that last.
Save time on the first day by completing these forms in advance:
Important: When creating your registration account, please create it for the attendee (your child), not yourself.
Ready to Begin the Adventure?
Camps are filling fast. Give your child an unforgettable week of swordplay, archery, and knightly virtues.