Newcomer Information

What is the SCA?

The SCA stands for “The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.”. The short answer is that it’s a medieval recreation non-profit educational organization. The goals are to learn about and recreate day to day life in the middles ages and the pomp and circumstances of nobility, with an emphasis on pre-17th century medieval culture, and have fun while doing so!

What are the activities you do?

The most consistent form of activities we have are regional events that are sponsored by local groups. These events often take place at parks or campgrounds, or sometimes at a school or church. They’re where we gather, socialize, have tournaments and other competitions, show others what we’ve been working on, and generally have fun. There is an endless list of classes that can be offered at both local and regional activities. At many events, there’s usually a feast, comprised of a multi-course meal. Local groups also have regular business meetings, and may sponsor fighter practices, A&S (arts and sciences) activities, family and children’s activities, or social gatherings. Contact your local group to find out what might be happening near you. (https://gleannabhann.net/local-groups/)

Here are some of the activities and classes that you might find at events;

  • Renaissance Dancing

  • How to sew

  • Blacksmithing

  • Glass bead making

  • Tooling leather

  • Embroidery

  • Hat making

  • Archery

  • Embroidery

  • Period Cooking

  • Jewelry making

  • Illumination

  • How to make armor

  • Block Printing

  • Weaving

  • Armored combat

  • Historical research

  • Arts and Sciences competitions

  • Shoe/boot making

  • Calligraphy

  • Fencing

  • Wine and Mead making

How can I find out about upcoming events?

The calendar showing all the upcoming events can be found https://gleannabhann.net/events/list/  Clicking on the event should take you to a page with some details, including the flyer, a Paypal link for registration (if available), the location, and date. The flyer will also include contact information for the individual who is in charge of the event.

What do I wear to an event?

The goal is to make an attempt at pre-17th century clothing, which we call “garb”. You don’t have to dress fancy for your first few events. You can even contact your local group (the “chatelaine” is the officer you want to contact–they’re in charge of welcoming and helping new members) to see if they have loaner garb you can borrow for your first event. But you can also wear anything that would fit in with medieval society. The general rule of thumb is to pick a region in medieval Europe or that was known to medieval Europe. This means we occasionally get Japanese or Mongol visitors! And there are a lot of Vikings! In the summer, you’ll see a surprising number of Greek and Roman people, because the clothing tends to be lighter and cooler. Don’t stress the details, pajama pants or scrub pants are just fine for a first attempt (or second, or third)! In summer, simple bed sheets can be used to make a Roman outfit, and in winter, a wool blanket from an Army Surplus store can be instrumental for warmth, without being very expensive.

Here’s a link to an external site with some basic garb (clothing) tutorials to get started, if you’re interested in making your own clothes: https://www.virtue.to/articles/in_depth_garb.html. There are many, MANY more resources out there for making garb, including websites, social media groups, and books. Garb can also be purchased from online vendors or merchants who are occasionally at events. Reach out to your local chatelaine for more help on finding garb.

Are kids welcome at events?

Absolutely! The SCA is a family friendly organization, and children are welcome and encouraged to come. Children under the age of 18 do not have to pay event registration, although they may be charged for the feast and/or bed space. There are often children’s activities, ranging from classes, structured play, and even youth combat! Children are encouraged to participate in a lot of the same activities adults participate in. Children under 12 must be within sight of a parent or guardian at all times at events, unless they’re participating in structured children’s activities. Children’s activities are overseen by at least two adults, at least one of whom has a current background check.

Is the SCA expensive?

Any hobby can be expensive. You could, if you wanted to and were able, easily spend several thousand dollars on clothes, accessories, armor, gear, a pavilion and camp equipment and accessories. But you don’t have to! You don’t have to be a paid member to participate (you do have to be a paid member to hold office and members get a $5 discount on events). Events cost an average of $25-40 per person, including a bed space and feast, although children under 18 pay no registration price. Feast gear (plates and silverware) can come out of your own kitchen. Clothing can often be borrowed for your first few events. You will have to spend some money to do things well and comfortably, eventually, but there are a lot of guides and resources available for participating in the SCA on a budget.