What to Expect at your First SCA Event

You'll see period pavilions, flags and banners, lords, ladies, and people of all classes from the lowly peasant to the highest of royalty. You'll see men and women in medieval clothing often speaking in medieval terms. You'll see men and women in armor.

Here are some things you may encounter:

 

Tips for Your First Visit

  • Check the Status of Your Local Customs

Each kingdom has its own customs. Check with your local chatelaine about customs in your area.

  • When Day Tripping

If you plan on staying only for the day, bring a blanket or mat to sit on, food, shade, CHAIRS and other "creature comforts". Do not assume that anything will be provided for you or available for you when you get there.

  • What to Wear

Your garb doesn't have to be perfect or expensive, a simple t-tunic is a good starter. The idea here is that we want to create a medieval atmopshere so we really wouldn't want to attend wearing jeans and a t-shirt. If you can't sew, check your local thrift stores in the "vintage" clothing section. Look for "hippie" era stuff that often resembles medieval clothing or see if anyone you know can make something for you. NOTE: Medieval garb is not required for business meetings.

It's o.k. to first show up wearing modern attire for setting up your camp, but once you're settled in, it's time to get into persona! :)

  • Wear Good Shoes

You'll probably be doing a lot of walking between the war field and your camp and around merchants row. You're going to want to have good shoes for this.

  • Remember Your Camera

The atmosphere is very fun and often colorful. You'll want to capture these "Kodak Moments". You'll also be able to look back on ideas for garb and encampment decoration should you decide you want to participate in the SCA on a regular basis.

  • Bring Food and Drink

Do not assume food will be available, so be sure to bring it with you! See the "General Camping Tips" article for more about foods. If you use a cooler, bring a piece of cloth with which to cover it when not in use.

  • Bring a chair or stool that is easy to tote around.

After food and drink a chair is one of the most important things to pack. Never leave home without one. Never assume seating will be provided for you at any time. You'll need it when visiting other camps and for watching activities such as royal court and war scenarios. Bring extras for your guests who want to visit your camp and may have forgotten to bring theirs!

  • Sunblock! Remember the sunblock!

War scenarios are often held out in open fields with no shade and are held through out the day. Sunburned and tan skin is damaged skin! If you plan on watching war scenarios, bring either a sunshade, umbrella and/or sunblock...and your chairs.

  • Camping Over Night

In addition to the suggestions for day tripping we also have suggestions for staying over night. See also the "General Camping Tips" article above. This is not a complete list of things to bring, but rather suggestions to help you with your first event.

  • About Tents

Remember, we are trying to recreate a medieval atmosphere. If you are staying over night and need to use a modern tent, try to disguise it as best you can. If you don't have a tent you may rent one from your local sportings good store or ask a good friend if you may borrow one. If it turns out that you really like this hobby, don't bother investing in a modern tent. You'd be much better off investing in or making a period pavilion.

  • Pack Earplugs

AnTirians are often a noisy group. Bring earplugs if you are sensitive to noise (especially late at night when you're trying to sleep and you need to get up early).

  • Bring Something To Do

There are lulls in the activities, sometimes, and you may want to entertain yourself by working on a portable project such as cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, wood carving, chainmail weaving, making music, gaming, etc.