Books and Boxing

The Books and Boxing program offers youth ages 8 - 15 in Washington, D.C., the opportunity to develop both physically and mentally, while having fun and making new friends.

By combining the disciplines of boxing and reading, this initiative will help young people build confidence, foster a love for learning, and improve their physical health. The program is part of Discover Summer.

Background 

The Books and Boxing program is designed to engage young people in a unique combination of physical and mental development through the fusion of boxing and reading. With a focus on building discipline, resilience, and cognitive skills, the program aims to create an empowering space for youth in the DC community to explore their potential both physically and intellectually. 
 
By participating in this program, children and teens will learn the fundamentals of and gain the confidence to tackle new challenges through reading. The program will foster a love for books, while boxing training will promote physical fitness and emotional well-being. This initiative seeks to make learning fun and impactful, helping participants develop important life skills. 
 
The program will be led by Daniel Fields, a qualified boxing trainer with experience in youth fitness. He will work alongside librarians to ensure that the reading component is also integrated into the sessions. 

Structure of the Program

• The Books and Boxing program is structured into two main components: 
• Boxing Training (Physical Fitness) 
• Participants will receive hands-on instruction in boxing techniques, including: 
• Basic boxing stances and footwork 
• Punching drills (jab, cross, uppercut) 
• Conditioning and strength exercises 
• Stretching and flexibility 
• Self-discipline and focus 

Boxing Equipment Provided: 

• Boxing gloves 
• Hand wraps 
• Jump ropes 
• Headgear (for sparring sessions) 
• Punching mitts 

All equipment will be provided to each participant to take home, ensuring they can continue practicing outside of the workshop. 

Reading & Literacy Component 

Participants will choose at least two books to read throughout the program. The books must be checked out from DC Public Library’s collection. The program encourages participants to select books from a variety of genres, with a focus on: 

• Adventure stories 
• Biographies and personal growth 
• Fiction and nonfiction that promote critical thinking and resilience 

Each participant will be asked to share their thoughts and reflections about the books they are reading during the first 30 minutes of each meeting. Group discussions will be facilitated to encourage the development of communication skills, as well as empathy and teamwork. 

Upcoming events