Who We Are
Stronghold Foam Sword Fighting Ministries is a safe, foam weapon fighting game with rules and expected conduct. Stronghold’s primary code is safety first, then playability, then realism. It is based on traditional foam weapon fighting rules. It is designed for youth and encourages Christian spiritual development through devotionals, Bible study, the squire-to-knight mentorship program, and more.
Stronghold is a co-ed game for boys and girls from 5th-12th grade. We utilize light, padded weapons including swords, shields, spears, javelins, and bows & arrows, that adhere to safety standards. Stronghold is a full-contact sport (no hitting the head or neck). You can expect to learn weaponry techniques, train in group and individual strategy, and engage in epic battles. Imagination Adventures are exciting, storyline-based quests that are part of many events. Youth can also learn how to build their own, safe weapons. ​
Our home base is Central PA, near Danville, but we have clubs, events, and camps in VA, south-central PA, MD, NC, and the greater Pittsburgh area. Contact us to see what we can offer in your area!
Watch our Summer Camps video!
Mission & Vision
Our Mission: Stronghold uses foam battle games with Bible Study to disciple youth into serving Christ and others
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Our Vision: Discipling youth in the adventure to serve Christ
Push The Rock
Push the Rock is a global sports ministry proclaiming the life-changing message of Jesus Christ through the pursuit of excellence in sportsmanship and athletics. In the summer of 2018, Stronghold founder Stephen Ippolito joined with Push the Rock. This partnership enables Stephen to continue the growth of Stronghold to reach more kids for Jesus. Learn more about Push the Rock at https://pushtherock.org/
Our Beliefs &
Statement of Faith
We believe:
I. The Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, in the original manuscripts, is the inerrant and complete Word of God, the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. (2 Tim.3:16)
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II. There is one true God, eternally existing in three persons -Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -each of whom possesses equally all the attributes of Deity and the characteristics of personality. (Matt. 28:18-20)
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III. Man was originally created in the image of God. He sinned by disobeying God; thus, he was alienated from his Creator. That historic fall brought all mankind under spiritual condemnation. (Gen.1:26-27, Gen.3:14)
IV. Every person is in need of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. (John 14:6)
V. Jesus Christ lived a sinless life and voluntarily atoned for the sins of men by dying on the cross as their substitute, thus satisfying divine justice and accomplishing salvation for all who trust in Him alone. He rose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which He lived and died. He ascended bodily into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. (Heb.9:28)
VI. Salvation of man is wholly a work of God's free grace and is not the work, in whole or in part, of human works or goodness or religious ceremony. God imputes His righteousness to those who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation, and thereby justified them in His sight. (Eph. 2:8-9)
VII. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. God admonishes His people to assemble together regularly for worship, for participation in ordinances, for edification through the Scriptures and for mutual encouragement. (Matt. 16:18)
IX. Jesus Christ will come again to the earth -personally, visibly and bodily -to consummate history and the eternal plan of God. (Rev.21:6-7
X. The Great Commission was given to the Church and this task of world evangelism is the mission of the Church today. We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ had its historical beginning at Pentecost; is composed solely of believers; is the Body and Bride of our Lord; is distinct from Israel; and that it will be completed as believers fulfill their duty by making Christ known. (Matt. 28:19-20)
XI. All human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all of its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Ps.139)
XII. God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a biological man, a biological woman and Himself. God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman joined in marriage. (Matt. 19:4-6; Eph.5:22-33)
XIII. God immutably creates each person as male or female, reflecting the image and nature of God. A rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the created image of God. All conduct with the intent to adopt a gender other than one’s birth gender is immoral and therefore sin. (Gen.1:27; Deut. 22:5)
This statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible word of God, speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality and the proper conduct of mankind, and is the sole and final source of what we believe.