Our organization

Among other things, we teach fencing through group classes and day camps at our studio, organize fencing tournaments, put on fencing demonstrations for schools and other organizations, and provide support to other Salem-area fencing groups. 

Our scholarship and equipment grant programs allow us to help anyone learn to fence, regardless of their financial situation. We can always use donations to fund these programs. To apply for a scholarship or grant, just ask a staff member.

We are especially proud of our ever-growing program of high school fencing clubs, which provides professional instruction to high school students at reduced cost and supports a local league of high school team fencing competition. Currently, we have fencing programs established at West Salem High School, North Salem High School, and Blanchet Catholic School, as well as a group of homeschooled high school students. Learn more about how to get a fencing club started at your Salem-area high school.

We also really enjoy providing free fencing demonstrations as a community service. Here are some of our activities:

• In August of 2004, we provided three 30-minute fencing demonstrations a day during the 12-day Oregon State Fair. We directly reached over 1,700 audience members, along with thousands more passers-by. This effort involved more than 50 volunteers. 
• In November of 2004, we did a fencing demonstration for the elementary school-age after-school program of the Southeast Neighborhood Community Center in southeast Salem.
• In March of 2005, we did a fencing demonstration for 90 middle-school students at Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School in northeast Salem.
• In June of 2005, we provided hundreds of free mini-lessons and several fencing demonstrations at the annual Salem World Beat Festival.
• In October of 2005, we provided numerous demonstrations and mini-lessons for the Santiam Council of Girl Scouts "Cool Activities for Teens" workshop.
• In November of 2005, we provided an intimate fencing exhibition for the residents of the Springs at Sunnyview retirement center, as well as a field trip to the fencing studio for more than 40 homeschooled elementary students and a demonstration for West Salem Language Academy.
• In December of 2005, we put on a fencing demonstration for the high school at the Oregon School for the Deaf, as well as a mini-class for a PE class there.
• In June of 2006, we provided hundreds of free mini-lessons, a lecture, and several fencing demonstrations at the annual Salem World Beat Festival.
• In July 2006, we did a fencing demonstration for the Oregon School for the Blind during one of their sports camps.

In October of 2004, we were the proud recipient of a $500 Employee Volunteer Grant from Portland General Electric. These funds were used to purchase equipment to begin offering classes in epee in January 2005. Thanks, PGE, and thanks to PGE employee Tom Wilson!

Also in March 2005, we provided more than $500 in financial assistance to allow economically-disadvantaged fencers to attend Maestro Charles Selberg's seminar American Fencing: Past, Present,  and Future. Without the generous support of donors to the scholarship fund, five people would not have been able to attend this world-class seminar.

In April 2005, we initiated our fencing equipment grant program. This program allows economically-disadvantaged fencers to apply for grants to purchase good-quality fencing equipment. Our first grantee was provided with a new fencing mask ($85 value).

In the spring of 2006, we we pleased to receive a $250 Employee Volunteer Grant from Portland General Electric. Thanks, PGE, and thanks to PGE employee Tom Wilson!

Our volunteer board of directors consists of:

• Michael Heggen, president
• Kimberly Heggen, secretary
  
• McKenzie Upkes, treasurer
• Debbie Bond
• Beth Miller
• Alex Kohan

Articles of Incorporation (PDF)
Bylaws (PDF)
Rules of Order (PDF)