What is Live Action Role Playing (LARP)?
Live Action Role Playing (LARP) is an interactive activity where participants physically portray characters in a fictional setting, engaging in adventures and quests. Players create and act out stories, often within a themed context like medieval times, fantasy worlds, or, in our camp’s case, Viking adventures.
Benefits of LARPing:
Parenting and Education
LARP fosters creativity and imagination, helping children develop storytelling and critical thinking skills. It offers a fun and engaging way to learn history, literature, and social studies through immersive experiences.
Social Skills
Participants work together to solve problems and achieve common goals, enhancing teamwork and communication. Role-playing different characters helps kids practice empathy and understanding diverse perspectives.
Spiritual and Bible Growth
Integrating Biblical stories and principles into role-playing scenarios helps children connect with their faith in a dynamic and engaging way. It encourages moral development, reinforces spiritual lessons, and fosters a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
For Those with Autism
LARP provides a structured yet flexible environment where children on the Autism Spectrum can practice social interactions and develop routines. The immersive nature of LARP can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and boost confidence.
General Life Skills
Engaging in LARP builds resilience, as players encounter and overcome various challenges. It promotes physical activity, improves public speaking skills, and nurtures creativity, all of which are valuable life skills.
Here’s some examples of our participants:
- Helped a child who had been bullied learn self regulation
- Inspired children with Autism to write novels even though they hated writing
- Taught a teen about Homer’s Odyssey so he could successfully give a book report
- And for my own child, it helped him come out of his shy bubble. He is now my assistant and helps teach the kids sword fighting techniques and weapons crafting!
Overall, LARP is a dynamic and multifaceted activity that supports personal growth, learning, and social development in an enjoyable and meaningful way.
Want to sign up for our camp? Read below for more information!
Summer Camp Enrollment Closing Soon!
Vikings!
Our summer camp for 2024 will be June 4–6 from 12:30-4:30 pm! On Thursday at 4:30 pm we will have a fun dessert and snack time for the whole family for our knighting/awards ceremony. The location is on the Westside of Colorado Springs by 19th and Uintah. Enrollment ends Sunday June 2nd so sign up today before it’s too late!
Summer Camp Enrollment Options
Choose an option below that works best for you and your family. Click on either the title or picture to make your selection. PayPal accepted on our secure server. Address of our location will be sent via our Web portal. The location is close to 19th and Uintah. Do not share this location with anyone outside your family as this is a private residence. Parents are welcome to stay and visit in the house on the property. There is WiFi and an air conditioner. There is a cat and small dog living on the premises.
2024 Summer Camp Individual Enrollment
Enrollment for one individual 11-17 years old. Includes material fee and Knighting/Awards Ceremony.
Immediate access to Website portal. Players’ Handbook and other materials will be available by May. Your students can begin learning about our program right away and we will be adding information as the weeks progress.
$110
2024 Summer Camp LARPing Family Enrollment
Enrollment for two or more siblings ages 11-17 years old. Includes materials fee and Knighting/Awards Ceremony for two students. More than two students are $15 each. Can be PayPaled directly to Mrs Beasley after enrollment.
Immediate access to Website portal. Your students can begin learning about our program right before the summer program begins. The Players’ Handbook and other materials will be available by May.
$190
Everything You Need to Know About Our Viking-Themed Summer Camp
Theme
Vikings! Queen Amaterien and her heroes must face a tribe of Northern Invaders who descend upon her beloved realm of Kapacé. Along the way, they confrotn a giant snake and the dragon that it commands. No matter how hard the way seems, she and her companions must press on and believe that with the Creator–the Living God of all Realms–nothing is impossible.
Storytelling Roleplaying
Collaborative storytelling Each day we will include plenty of Live Action Role Playing and end with group verbal storytelling called StoryWeavers Roleplaying. This is our own invention, a Christian alternative to D&D.
Membership Site
Have access to our Web portal before and after the camp. Easily find all important documents on your membership page including our Player’s Handbook, registration forms, legal documents, character analysis sheets, inventory sheets, resources, lessons, and more. This information will be forthcoming.
Bible Devotionals
Christ is central to everything we do and sharing God’s love with our participants is our number one mission. Mrs. Beasley, the program director, will be sharing inspirational messages. Our theme for the summer camp will be from Acts 16 and Philippians.
Ditch Battling
Test your skills and have fun sparring Several times each day we will be ditch battling with boffer swords. Some rounds will include magic and some will be melees with no magic. We will also have games such as capture the flag, king of the hill, protect the king/queen, fox and hounds, and other games as we have time.
Skills Training
Learn new skills in acting and sparring Each day we will dedicate time to learn more about acting and sparring. Learn how to be a better sword fighter and learn the ins and outs of drama as applied to LARPing especially through acting games.
Immersive Education
Learn history through action In this camp, you will learn about Viking medieval history by living it out in our medieval fantasy story. All this learning will take place in an immersive way.
Knighting Ceremony
Our time will end with a special ceremony where new participants will be knighted and veterans (those who have been to our club/camp before) will be presented with a certificate. Mrs. Beasley will present all participants with a special token of their time with us. If we have time, the whole family is welcome to participate in a demo LARP scenario and observe the ceremony as well as a time of fellowship over snacks and dessert. There will be an award given to the camper who collects the most “coins” or award points and there will be a sword tournament. Amazon gift cards will be sent by the end of the summer to the winners. This knighting/awards ceremony will be held at 4:30 pm. If you are really creative, you can bring foods that would be appropriate for Viking culture!
Fun Crafts
Get your creative on by making a boffer sword for our LARPing Camp!
Character Development
Create a character and explore creative expression in a safe, fun environment Create a character using our character analysis sheets. Practice acting and writing to improve your skills in dialoguing, improvising, voice, depth, dynamics, and more. Each character will earn “store” items the last day of our camp. At the same time camp participants will learn and practice key principles to enhance abilities as knights and ladies of Christ, growing stronger and more confident in faith and life. Through our Website portal, participants can learn how to make a character before the summer camp even starts!
Fellowship and Food
Make new friends in our “tavern” Each day we will have plenty of time for snacks in our “tavern.” Partipants will have a chance to mingle and make new friends. Most of the time participants will be engaged in acting and dialogue as we rest and eat. Each camper is responsible to bring their own snacks, drinks (water especially), and snacks to share. Keep in mind that we have a student who is allergic to peanuts, eggs, and dairy.
Is your son and/or daughter looking for an unforgettable adventure this summer?
Are your children looking to connect with new friends and have outrageous fun? Are you a homeschool or traditional school parent looking for something educational yet exciting for your children age 11-17? Do you have a child who loves fantasy and wants to make new friends? Are your children desiring a higher purpose and meaning in life? Then join us on June 4-6.
Mission/Vision/Purpose
To provide Christ-centered and character based Live Action Role Playing, battle skirmish physical education, arts and crafts experiences, and drama lessons and practice. Every child and child at heart is welcome from the age of 11-17. Other Objectives: Build friendships • Create community • Help each other overcome challenges • Appropriate for Autistic/special needs students/learning-challenged students • Boffer sword making • Wearing medieval costumes and accessories • Immersive history education • Creative writing • Acting games • Encourage one another to follow God’s best for our lives • Be beacons of light in a dark world.
Who is directing this camp?
Mompreneur Dana Susan Beasley, owner of AngelArts, a Creative Arts Agency, Publishing House, and Enrichment Program is the program director.
- Has a heart for the Great Commission and impacting lives for Christ. Has a special place in her heart for special needs kids and teens.
- Homeschool mom since 2008 and teacher in one capacity or another for over 30 years, including positions as camp counselor, Sunday school teacher, and arts and crafts counselor.
- Creative and loves to help teens and adults reach for God’s best in their lives.
- Lifelong enthusiast of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and hobby fantasy writer. Her ambition is to publish a fantasy book! She created her own world and language when she was a teen.
- Has managed the Explorers Creativity Club for many years, the last seven years as a LARPing Club as well as summer camps in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023.
- Plays the role of Queen Amaterien, the “Healing Mother.”
Mrs. Beasley spent her childhood LARPing but didn’t know that it was called that! She and her friends used to “play Narnia” in the mesa behind her house. She then taught her oldest nieces and nephews how to LARP and those nieces and nephews taught their younger cousins/siblings, including her nephew Nate, who helped her develop the system. It is a family tradition!
Sam Beasley runs our ditch battling games and demonstrates sword fighting techniques. As our weapons designer, we call him, Master at Arms.
Travis Beasley, husband of Mrs. Beasley, helps tremendously and plays various roles, including King Darien, husband of Queen Amaterien, as well as the Shepherd Geraltt.
Our Statement of Faith We strive to be a Christ-centered youth outreach. That means we will do our best to bring the love of Jesus into everything we do. He loves all people, so all are welcome. We just ask that you respect our beliefs as we aim ourselves to respect all that God brings our way.
What are the details?
Characters and Costumes
Each camper will have access to our Player’s Handbooks and Character Analysis Sheets on our Website members’ portal. We will have those available by May 15, but hopefully by the end of April. Using these forms, campers must write out a summary of their character and upload it at least a week before camp starts. Costumes are encouraged and ideas for making them will be given in our “Resources” section of the members’ site.
Our Own "Store"
Coins and gems (plastic, sorry, not real ones), will be given to participants based on attendance, attitude, if they wear a costume, bring their Player’s Handbook, etc. They can use their currency to buy enchantments for their swords during the school year if they signup and the last day of camp we will have a camp “store” where they can purchase various toys and fun things. Mrs. Beasley keeps track of the points on a spreadsheet and the winner receives an Amazon gift card prize.
Waivers and Agreements
Waiver forms must be signed by parent or guardian before attending events. This waiver form will be provided on the main portal. A student must agree to our code of conduct. We also would appreciate a photo release form so we can advertise the camp for next year! Parents must check in at our convenient check-in station on the first day. We ask that each student respect each other and respect us as leaders. We will ask any participant who is not following rules to “retreat” to a pre-determined place until they can explain what happened and resolve to improve their conduct. If conduct is repeatedly broken that puts other children in danger, we will evaluate on an as-needed basis. No refunds for behavior that results in dismissal. Threats of violence will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal.
Safe Environment
Every effort will be made to make this a safe environment. Therefore we enforce our rules. No bullying will be tolerated. Respect is our core value in our group. Hard hitting with LARPing weapons is not allowed, neither is spinning or acting out in rage or hostility. We do not allow fist fighting, even if it’s pretend. During our devotional and history teaching time (which is generally low key and only takes a few minutes) we ask that campers give Mrs. Beasley an extra dose of respect. We foster a safe environment for exceptional kids. Your Autistic son or daughter is more than welcome. Most of our staff are Autistic! Safety of your children is very important to us. Therefore parents must check in the first day. It is a drop off situation as the day camp is on personal property and we can see who comes and goes. Parents are responsible to ensure their child is well and not sick. Parents will be responsible to check temperatures if they are uncertain if they are sick before children arrive. A COVID waiver will be required.
How do I enroll?
To enroll in the camp and reserve your spot, sign up by hitting the “Enroll Now” button below. PayPal is utilized but you can use most any credit card through the service. To choose your payment options, just click on the buttons below and follow the prompts. You can also contact Dana with any questions at communications@angelarts.biz or 719-212-8977.
What if I want to cancel?
Your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us and we know that life happens. However running a camp is not cheap. Therefore we have the following cancellation policy in place.
Cancellation Policy If you cancel two weeks before camp or more (May 21), all but 25% of total fee will be refunded.
Otherwise, just contact Mrs. Beasley at 719-212-8977 or communications@angelarts.biz if something comes up.
Are you ready to enroll?
Click on the “Enroll Now” button below.
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