In the frosty, cheese-loving state of Wisconsin, where cows out number people and the Packers are considered a religion, a group of youngsters have taken up a sport that is as surprising as finding a moose dancing at your birthday party. They've become boxers! Yes, boxers, but put aside that picture of burly, brooding brutes. These are fun-loving kids who can bob and weave, jab and dodge with the nimbleness of a squirrel on a sugar rush. Their coach, a mustachioed chap named Peculiar Pete, is a former cheese sculptor turned boxing instructor. Pete, with his twinkling blue eyes and a laugh that sounds like a walrus playing a tuba, trains these mini pugilists in an old barn painted in brilliant hues of green and gold. The barn is called 'Pete's Punch Palace' and it is as exciting as it sounds. These Wisconsin whippersnappers, with boxing gloves that look like giant marshmallows strapped to their hands, are as tough as a stale cheese curd and as brave as the legendary Paul Bunyan. They bob and weave around hay bales, perform push-ups with chipmunks cheering them on, and practice their jabs on old cheese wheels. They may not be the next Rocky Balboa or Muhammad Ali but they have something more. They have the spirit of Wisconsin, a spirit that says, “Hey, we’re from the land of cheese and we can throw a punch as good as anyone!” So, the next time you think of Wisconsin, don’t just think of cheddar cheese or the Green Bay Packers. Think of Peculiar Pete and his brave band of boxing kids, throwing their marshmallow punches with the heart of a champion.
Read morebest boxing programs in Oshkosh, WI
Give your child the opportunity to learn a unique Olympic sport while building confidence, focus, coordination, discipline, and strategic thinking at ALLE Fencing Club in Fort Lauderdale. ALLE Fencing Club specializes in saber fencing and welcomes students from beginners discovering the sport for the first time to experienced young athletes preparing for regional and national competitions. Youth beginner classes introduce children ages 6–12 to the fundamentals of fencing, including saber handling, footwork, distance control, fencing etiquette, sportsmanship, coordination, focus, and basic rules. Junior programs are available for ages 12+ and help students progress toward competitive fencing. With experienced coaches and a supportive training environment, students develop both physical and mental skills while learning a sport that challenges them to think quickly, move confidently, and make strategic decisions. Advanced and Elite programs provide additional training for experienced fencers interested in tournaments and high-level competition. ALLE Fencing Club also offers private lessons for personalized instruction and skill development, as well as beginner-focused fencing camps that combine fencing activities with teamwork, confidence-building, focus, and fun.
4-H members come from all age groups and backgrounds. We have 4-H members from Kindergarten through Grade 13, so there is something for everyone. Not only that, but 4-H clubs offer activities that are appropriate for all ages and stages. It doesn't matter if you love animals, art, science, cooking, or robotics, Winnebago County 4-H has a club or project group for you. At 4-H, we don't make any distinctions by gender. Whether you're a boy or a girl, you're welcome to join and take part in any of our activities. We encourage collaboration and inclusiveness, so everyone can benefit from the skills and experiences that 4-H has to offer.