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About the SCA
Some Commonly asked Questions:
What is the SCA? - The Society for Creative Anachronisms is an international not-for-profit educational organization that studies and preserves the culture of the Middle Ages by re-creating it. (and we have a lot of fun doing it!)
What exactly do you do? - Members of the Society participate in a wide variety of activities, such as tournaments, feasts and fairs, representing assorted aspects of life in the Middle Ages. Local branches like the Barony of Dragon's Laire, sponsor events featuring competitions and activities of all sorts and smaller less formal meetings to explore topics of interest. We also provide educational demonstrations and talks to schools and other community groups free of charge.
Who are the members? - Members of the SCA come from all walks of life, all ethnic groups, and ages. The man sitting beside you at the feast might be a plumber or a software engineer in modern life. The woman on his arm might be a doctor or a waitress. The young man singing might have been raised in the Society or only joined last week. They might be independently wealthy or living on social security.
Why do you have those funny names? - Members of the SCA create an alter-ego we call a persona. It is this person, complete with one of those funny names, who is a member of our Medieval "Society". (Kind of like when you were the Lone Ranger or Cinderella as a kid)
Do you live like this full time? - No, like you, the vast majority of us have a day job. Being the Baron's personal Herald just doesn't pay the bills. And we like electric lights and indoor plumbing, especially on those long nights spent finishing that new gown or mail shirt.
How do I join? - First contact the Chatelaine. Or come out and visit us at fight practice, the business meeting or some other activity. Most are open to any interested party. You are also welcome to visit our events, as long as you respect the rules, including wearing an attempt at medieval clothing. (We have loaner garb, so you don't have to have your own.) To participate fully in the SCA, you will need to become an official member by paying the corporate office for a membership. (For full details of fees, benefits and forms contact the Chatelaine.) There are no local dues, although a subscription to the local newsletter, The Flames of the Dragon, is highly recommended.
Some Special notes for those with children...(Yes, your children are welcome)
We are a Baronial "family", and like any family, it worries us that children may become injured. We are a polite society and this politeness is taught to the young children as well. Teach your child what "HOLD" means... make a game of it....use it at home. It could save them injury in the future... at any SCA function ... an adult will yell "HOLD" if there is danger involved.... make sure they understand it. (Pets can also be taught to 'hold') Make sure that if they get lost or separated from you at an event they know where to go to wait for you. Teach them to ask for a CONSTABLE if they are lost.... our constables have radios which will aid in reuniting you.
Also, teach your child not to touch things that do not belong to them ... at events AND in our homes there are many items laying around that they could be injured with ... our young ones should know not to touch ANYTHING without asking... including braziers and swords and daggers.....lets face it ... we have a LOT of "really cool" stuff!!
We do not childproof our encampments or homes... we just teach the children not to touch without asking permission. And isn't that part of being a society of honor and trust? These are good habits for everyone, young and old, to learn! Believe me when I say that at events you will have 200 or so adults assisting you in that training. We are a caring group... and that makes all the difference in the world.
We are a Baronial "family"...and many of us happily open up our homes for picnics, archery practice, crafts etc. PLEASE remember that ALL Children attending practices/events who are not shooting or under the guidance of a marshal MUST be under parental supervision at all times.
For more information, please visit
the Dragon's Laire web site
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