Make-&-Take Bardiche Axe Workshop + Ditch Battle + RPG Game

About the event
Sharpen your crafting skills (not your steel!) as we continue our Rise of the Warlord campaign this school season with a hands-on Bardiche Make-&-Take Axe Workshop followed by ditch battles on the field.

This year’s theme blends Scripture about grace with threads from Russian renaissance history—pointing us toward personal renewal and renaissance in character, courage, and community.

What you’ll make
A LARP-safe foam bardiche axe designed by Sam Beasley—light, nicely balanced, and great-looking.

Built from PVC core + pipe-foam+ electric tape finishes.

What you’ll learn
• Safety rules & field etiquette (foam gear only; honor system)
• Axe-handling basics & guard stance (safe, controlled moves)
• How ditch battles work (fast, fun team melees and magic rounds)
• Optional: simple customization tips (tape accents, name markings)

Schedule (approx.)
Check-in & welcome – 5
Acting Game Ice Breaker – 10
Build your bardiche axe – 45
Snack & Social – 10
RPG game (brief setup or short scene) – 25
Devotional: Proverbs 4:7 & Grace – 7
History brief: Ivan the Terrible’s death & the Time of Troubles
Safety briefing & warm-ups – 5
Axe-handling instruction – 5
Ditch battles & games – 45
Wrap-up & announcements – 5
Student-led games – (Hunger Games, Hide & Seek, etc.) Can go over past 4:30 pm. All kids MUST be picked up by 5 pm.

Who it’s for
Ages 11–17 (neurodivergent & special needs welcome)
Homeschoolers, online schoolers, and adventurous creatives
Parents may observe; drop-off option available

Cost

Class fee $25 for returning non-members otherwise no class fee for first-time visitors.
$15 per axe (materials included).
If you want to observe without making an axe that is free but it is observation only. No participation in the class.

What to bring

Water bottle, comfy athletic clothes, closed-toe shoes
Costume optional (renaissance or medieval)
Optional snack (please be mindful of allergies — one of our students is allergic to eggs, dairy, and peanut butter)

If you already have foam gear, you’re welcome to bring it (staff approval required).
Prepared NPC character (we will provide ahead of time)

Location & check-in
Living Hope Church (Fellowship Hall), Colorado Springs. On north side near basketball court.
Look for banner for Explorers Creativity Club

Safety
• Foam/boffer gear only; no metal or wood weapons. If you don't have this, don’t worry — we provide guidance.
• Staff-led rules, boundaries, and supervision.
• If you/your child are unwell, please rest up—we’ll gladly issue event credit.

Bigger adventure: Rise of the Warlord
This session continues the Rise of the Warlord quest (renewal/renaissance theme). Expect:
• Story arc: Rise of the Warlord
• Short Scripture devotionals on grace (we’ll discuss Proverbs 4:7)
• Acting games, Live Action and Narrative roleplaying games, field scenarios, and axe instruction
• Optional membership with weekly sessions (3x per month or the option of 1 Saturday per month), Christmas renaissance feast, and spring knighting/awards ceremony picnic.
👉 Learn about membership options here: https://angelarts.biz/2025-26-explorers-larping-creativity-club/
Since September is past, the enrollment fees will be pro-rated.

Want to see what the theme is about: Watch our YouTube trailer!

Also check out other Workshops in Colorado Springs, Arts events in Colorado Springs, Kids events & activities in Colorado Springs.