A Fun Way for Kids to Gain Confidence

Surviving adolescence with a strong self image can be a challenge. Kids are constantly bombarded with messages from the media, Facebook and YouTube telling them they are not pretty enough, popular enough, or smart enough. The overall message being that only the perfect deserve success, and if you are not perfect, you are out of luck.

It takes a strong individual to stand up to this assault, and it is up to parents and educators to present children with opportunities to develop that strength.  Giving them the chance to learn a new sport (particularly one their peers are not already participating in) is one way to help them increase their confidence.

Stanna Stoner, a coach at the Renaissance Fencing Club in Troy sees this development daily.  " I see shy, withdrawn students become more outgoing and engaging. It is a wonderful transformation.

"Fencing Mom" Melanie Grund agrees. "From the first lesson my daughter was taken by the sport of fencing. It uses all of her faculties, from strategizing on the strip to her physical agility  and, most importantly her confidence. She is a changed young woman. "

If you feel that your child might benefit from learning the sport of fencing there are plenty of opportunities at the Renaissance Fencing Club.  "We offer a wide range of programs for all age groups" says Stoner, 'We have group classes starting up regularly as well as private and semi-private lessons "

Their next series of classes starts the week of March 31st.  Classes meet once a week and are $160 for six sessions with a $25 registration fee.  All equipment is provided.