Teenagers and
Young People in the Society for Creative Anachronism
(By Armond de Chartres as appeared in the September 1994 Bolt)
Teenagers and Young People in the Society for Creative Anachronism
Many teen-agers or young people who are
initially interested in the SCA lose that interest when they discover that they must be 18
to fight. HOLD! Perhaps what they have not considered is that fighting may be the only
thing they can't do. If you or someone you know fits this description, this is for you.
The SCA does not operate on fighting alone, indeed, far from it! There are arts and
sciences, games, dancing, archery, knife, ax, and spear throwing and even more activities
that people of all ages may be part of. If you are enthusiastic about the Middle Ages we
need you!
Still not convinced? Did you know that some young people have served as baronial or local
officers? There always seems to be more jobs to be done in the SCA than there are people
to do them. You shouldn't have any trouble finding one that suits you, or an officer that
needs help. At events you will find someone always needs help; the Autocrat, the master or
mistress of the list, the feastocrat and the list goes on. Offering to help any of these
people will find you something to do, and (speaking as a former Autocrat) they will be
very grateful!
Still can't get your mind off combat? O.K. let's try one more thing. If you really want to
learn about what it takes to be an armored or rapier combat participant, you can! Although
you must be of the age of majority in your state to fight, you can still learn about
making and maintaining armor and weapons, as well as the rules of the list, how to run a
list, conduct on the field, chivalry, and so on. Find a fighter who could use some help
with his or her armor and equipment, (I don't know one, myself included, who doesn't need
help) or needs someone to carry their banner or bring them water on the field. You'll be
doing a service to that fighter and the group they fight for, and in return you'll have
the opportunity to learn a great deal about combat.
Finally, remember that the SCA runs on the work of volunteers; everything we do starts
with one person with an idea and enough enthusiasm to make it work. You can do that at any
age. Without you, we may be missing out on a lot!
In Service to the Dream,
Lord Armond de Chartres, CSO
Page last updated 12/15/99
