August 27, 2024
We’re Ryan and Kelsi, and we’re excited to share the story behind Fantasy Axe Throwing, our new venture in Camp Hill, PA. Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul Schiffbauer Jr. on his podcast “Schiffbauer Over Rocks,” where we delved into the journey that led us to create one of Central Pennsylvania’s most unique and immersive experiences. Here’s a closer look at what we talked about and the passion that drives Fantasy Axe Throwing.
When we first envisioned Fantasy Axe Throwing, we knew we wanted to create something more than just an axe-throwing venue. Our goal was to build an immersive experience that transports you to another world—a place where you can escape the everyday and dive into a fantastical adventure.
During our chat with Paul, we discussed how this idea came to life. Both of us have always loved immersive environments, whether it’s through books, movies, or themed attractions. We asked ourselves, “How can we make axe throwing more than just a game?” The answer was to merge the physical thrill of axe throwing with the magic of fantasy storytelling.
Each of our themed rooms—whether it’s the Medieval Castle, the Enchanted Forest, the Viking Tavern, or the Warlock Lair—was designed to offer a distinct and engaging experience. From the moment you step inside, you’re not just throwing axes; you’re stepping into a story.
Opening Fantasy Axe Throwing wasn’t without its challenges. As we shared with Paul, finding the perfect space was one of the biggest hurdles. We needed a venue that could accommodate the large, themed environments we had envisioned. After months of searching, we finally found the right location in Camp Hill, but that was just the beginning.
The build-out process took about eight months, and we did much of the work ourselves, with help from friends and family. Ryan’s contracting background was a huge asset, but there were still plenty of obstacles to overcome. For instance, after completing the initial demolition, we realized our original layout wouldn’t work with the space. We had to start from scratch, redesigning the layout to ensure that each room was spacious and fully immersive.
Despite these challenges, we remained committed to our vision. We wanted every detail to be just right, from the real stone walls in the Medieval Castle to the hidden bookcase in the Viking Tavern that leads to the Warlock Lair. Our goal was to create an experience that felt real and engaging from every angle.
One of the things we’re most proud of is how each room offers a unique adventure. During the podcast, we gave Paul a rundown of what guests can expect when they visit.
As we discussed with Paul, creating these rooms was no easy feat. Each one required careful planning and execution to bring our vision to life. We wanted our guests to feel like they were truly stepping into another world, whether they were walking through a giant tree trunk into the Viking Tavern or hitting a bullseye in the Warlock Lair and seeing lightning flash across the ceiling.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing the reactions of our guests. As we told Paul, there’s nothing quite like watching someone who’s never thrown an axe before hit their first bullseye. It’s moments like these that remind us why we started this venture in the first place.
Fantasy Axe Throwing is more than just a place to throw axes—it’s a space where people can connect, have fun, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re here for a date, a group outing, or just to try something new, we want every visit to be special.
We also touched on some of the fun and unique experiences our guests have had. From people coming in dressed in cosplay to those determined to hit all four corners of our Four Corners game, it’s been incredible to see how much joy and excitement Fantasy Axe Throwing brings to the community.
As we look to the future, we’re excited about the possibilities for Fantasy Axe Throwing. We’ve already started thinking about potential expansions, with new themes and experiences that we can bring to other locations. But for now, we’re focused on making sure every guest who visits us in Camp Hill has an unforgettable experience.
We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received so far and for the opportunity to share our story on “Schiffbauer Over Rocks.” We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Fantasy Axe Throwing and to continue sharing our passion for immersive adventures with all of you.
