Athena Project Camp

Registration is available now HERE

THE ATHENA PROJECT

WFencing and Northwest Fencing Center (NWFC) are thrilled to announce a collaborative partnership with the creation of a one-of-a-kind women's and girl’s only fencing camp coming to Portland, Oregon August 11-17th.

MISSION

The Athena Project’s mission is to develop and support young women athletes and leaders in fencing. Our dream is to achieve diversity, unity and equity among all fencing professionals no matter race, age, or geographic location in the United States. We will be creating a new path, modeling for the evolution of teamwork, collaboration, self-management, advocacy, and competition. Positive mental health, boosted self-confidence, and empowering strategies for feeling fantastic about yourself. It's all part of the package!

WHO

In order to participate as a camper, you will need to be a competitive fencer, competing Regionally or above, aged 12 + and have the drive to excel in fencing. Click HERE to register as a camper for $825.

Coach Mentors and Legacy Athletes leadership core:  

Iman Blow, Leeann Choy, Tasia Ford, Sandra Marchant, Anne-Mai Melles, Jennifer Oldham, Jennie Salmon, & Ola Shelton

DEVELOPMENT

A large part of this camp also includes supporting women’s presence long term in the coaching area with USA Fencing. It is very crucial for us to help facilitate a pathway for women athletes to become coaches AND to support athletes in long-term development. We invite those interested in participating to be Coach Mentees. You can read more HERE and apply to be part of this movement. Participation includes a stipend.

Additional coaches, presenters, and volunteers to be announced at a later date.

We are expecting capacity for this camp to be over 100 athletes and future leaders in all three Olympic-style weapons; foil, epee, and saber.

THE HISTORY

In the Summer of 2023 the staff and board of Northwest Fencing Center (NWFC) were concerned girls are twice as likely to drop out of the sport than boys. NWFC decided it could play a part in growing girls’ commitment to fencing and fostering their development of important life skills.The first Athena Project event was December 16-17, 2023: a weekend camp exclusively for women fencers 12 and up, run by women coaches in a women-only space. Coaches Delphine De Vore and Kat Holmes, led by Sandra Merchant of Rogue Fencing and WFencing, were brought on board. Registration was robust and immediate with over 50 fencers signed up a month before the event! A chance meeting with Coach Jen Oldham of WFencing, on an internship funded by Olympic Solidarity, the Olympic Training Center and the University of Delaware in September of 2023, led to the extension of this vision for a much larger three weapon camp scheduled for August 11-17, 2024. This first of its kind cooperative camp and conference event will encompass 3 weapons, 90 participating athletes, 4 coaches per weapon, athlete presenters, legacy coaches, and long-term athlete development and coach development.

WE ARE HIRING

Hiring facilitators include Jennie Salmon, Jen Oldham, and Sandra Marchant (inquire here for hiring). Budgeting, registration, and facility are provided by NWFC (contact Michael McTigue, Executive Director). Adeline Chung-Feder of WFencing is also a major contributing organizer. Please reach out if you have any questions.

GET INVOLVED

We are currently seeking sponsorships! Please donate directly to WFencing or Northwest Fencing Center to support these efforts. Both Michael McTigue and Jen Oldham are primary individual contacts for sponsorships through these 501(c)3 tax deductible organizations and can speak to the specific sponsorship benefits. The Athena Project serves as a vehicle for like-minded nonprofits and individuals dedicated to the uplifting of women in fencing to fundraise jointly and individually.

FACILITY

NWFC has 21 grounded electric strips featuring a cushioned flooring system. Large spectator area, free parking, with dedicated bag storage, an armory, first-aid, and everything a fencer needs!

LUNCH

Lunch is included. Make sure to list allergies and special needs during registration.

REGISTRATION

Each athlete needs to be registered individually by their weapon. If you have two fencers wanting to sign up, the form must be completed twice(once for each fencer).

PRICE $825

CANCELLATION POLICY

100% Refund: cancel 4 weeks before camp, by July 14th 

50% Refund: cancel 2 weeks before camp, by July 28th

25% Refund: cancel 1 week before camp, by August 4th

No Refunds for any cancellations after August 5th

There are no partial refunds for missed camp days or partial registrations.

PARTNER HOTELS

DoubleTree by Hilton: Hotel rates start at $99 per night + tax.

Hampton Inn & Suites Tigard: guests will receive 15% off of the basic accommodation rate per night.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

NWFC is located just outside Portland, OR, in Tigard. The gateway to the Tualatin Valley, nearby you will find stellar wineries and tax-free shopping at Washington Square Mall. The airport is approximately 30-45 minutes away.

For more local things to do visit: https://tualatinvalley.org/

REGISTER HERE- https://www.nwfencing.org/athena-summer-camp/