There's a group on Facebook, "Better SCA Camping", that is all about taking the modern camping stuff you have and can afford, and making it look better. It's a really good resource for when you are starting out, as there is lots of discussions about whether various things are worth investing in, how to keep warm/cool/dry/comfy/sleep well/eat well/avoid getting sick/avoid getting eaten by insects, etc, while you are on a budget, advice on what *not* to spend your money on, how to transport and store stuff, and some really good advice on how to build things for beginners. For a newbie who wants to dive straight in but doesn't have the budget or maker skills for purely period, it's a really useful resource (and the mods make a lot of effort to keep the discussion on point and polite).
Tip for newcomers with allergies camping: your hair catches and holds allergens like pollen really well. When you sleep this can get in your face and make you miserable overnight. A very period solution is to put your hair up and cover it with a hat or veil during the day, or invest in a night-cap to contain your hair while you sleep. Clean your face - especially your eyelashes and eyebrows - right before bed, too. Makeup remover works really well for getting rid of dust and pollen while being gentle around your eyes.
If going to a camping event, bring a warm hat (even a mundane beanie works) and a pair of warm socks EVEN IF THE FORECAST SAYS IT'S GONNA BE HOT . . . it can get cold AF at night, and those two items can be a lifesaver for 3 AM runs to the privy. If you didn't need them, it's not like they took up a ton of space in your kit
Thank you for saying that you don't need to put a lot of money in all at once. You can borrow a lot of things from the group so you can try different things out. Not just armor and weapons but often art specific tools. You may not be able to take these home but you can use them so you haven't invested in an art/science that you don't find joy. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions. I don't know any SCA person who won't talk for hours about their passion. Smile.
That is so true. As an experienced scribe with 30 years' experience, I love it when people come up to me when I'm making a scroll and ask me questions. I love teaching, probably as much if not more than actually doing them.
I have been playing in the SCA for almost 34 years and really love your videos. My attitude is that newcomers are so incredibly valuable, we should be doing everything we can to make them feel welcome and nurture them. Who knows? That newcomer could very well be a future Laurel, Pelican, Duke, etc. Your advice is really good and I love how well it is grounded in experience. If we ever meet at an event, I would be honored to revel in your company...especially if I can cook for you. - Baron Wulfstan Egweald, "Scribe of Ill Repute" ;)
As a; larper & faire attendee for decades, and been exposed to multiple groups in the East Kingdom. I would totally agree to the pump your brakes idea. Start simple with a tunic and puffy pants with a belt. If your a braver soul; shirt and a kilt. If you see someone wearing something you like.. ask them about it.. like a skill someone is demonstrating, Ask them about it. if you want to learn that skill, ask them about being an apprentice. The worst thing they could say is no. Who cares if they do.. you haven't lost anything because they said no. The shower thing is soo killer.. we used to have a saying for feast on Sataurday "No smelly nobles." If you want to improve on what they said on how to bathe there are easy ways. Grab a tube for coming out of your bucket and tarps and paracord or clothsline and make yourself a shower. I'd use biodegradable soaps and stuff if not in a plumbing drained area. I think a great way for people to feel welcome and keep coming back is for the local chapter to have an awesome Gold Key and loaner armor and weapons. Get the members with skills to make simple stuff. Ask if people will make and donate clothing and other stuff.. How many people that love to sew would gladly make a simple tunic or something else.. In these times right now many people are starving for something SCA to do... get them to make stuff for the newbies. That's just my quick off the top of my head
Great video. I'm returning to the SCA after 30 years reenacting other Periods of History and your videos have helped inspire my decision to return. If there is one thing I could change about my previous time in the SCA it is not rushing into a Persona. You are absolutely right, take your time. Find a period variation on your first or middle name and use that for a while. And volunteering is a great way to meet people, but beware of giving up too much of your time and energy. If a local group is having a hard time getting volunteers or officers there is a good chance that they go through them and burn them out quickly. Being a Water Bearer is great, especially if you want to fight, because you meet a lot of fighters. And by the time your ready to really take the field the other fighters know you. Volunteering at a feast is a good way to meet people as well. But definitely just go and enjoy one as an attendee first.
For fotwear: go to an army surplus store and get u some black leather boots for like 50ish bucks. My pair will probably outlive me, and look fine at first glance.
My family (parents and brother) went to a local overnight event with a surplus octagonal army tent--- when the EveR HeLpFuL neighbors from the same area/ riding made a small but pungent Stink about the bold 'ARMY' label on the side, we just turned it to face the trees/ away from the road/path. (Lmao get fucked MaGnUs) It was a riot when it came time to take the tent down, as it took us Less than 20, 25 min to completely break camp-- o lord the faces of silent awe and confusion lmao AND O LORD THE COLD JUNE NIGHTS, RIP
Dang It seems i got into this right after you guys stopped doing it. Thanks for what you did, the newbie stuff really helps. Sucks that theres not a lot of modern SCA content going around. Might have to make it myself.
@@Neddoest you pick it up as you go. Just take it bit by bit. I've been at it for a few months now. Still using loaner gear but im a competant fighter. Not really too much into the other aspects of the sca but I'm sure they are just as helpful in the other depts.
Don't make garb put of polyester or poly-cotton blend fabric! It's terrible at heat regulation and if it catches fire, it will melt to your skin. Keep a full set of street clothes for your trip home in the car you came in. That keeps them safe and dry, regardless of what the weather does or if your tent leaks. A pair of clean, dry socks will always make your day better. Most folks in the SCA are great and want to help you. HOWEVER, a lot of their well intentioned advise isn't always great. It is totally fine if you come to the SCA and just want to hang out. Wanting Peerages and having high aspirations is great and fulfilling for a lot of people, but your presence and efforts are not wasted if you don't want that path. You have value outside of what you produce.
"...your presence and efforts are not wasted if you don't want that path. You have value outside of what you produce." - Damn Straight! Other forms of Reenacting, Civil War for example, don't have the award system the SCA has. It cuts down on certain kinds of drama. Of course they have their own forms of drama specific to them!
I've been that kind of animal. I've been in a sushi restaurant after a 4 day event. No showers, no sleep, dehydrated and sweaty. Straight up ate like a mongrel, eating sushi with my hands.
Agree about persona. I live in Lochac so nothing is worse than being in Tudor etc on a hot day. Hence that is why I wear Viking and be more comfortable.
Most of the year, An Tir is rainy, so we tend to blend things to keep dry and comfortable. You might see Greeks during the day dressed like Norse when the sun goes down.
Thanks you! For this video, for your other videos, and the attitude therein! Here's hoping for next Pennsic and would like to cross paths with ya and pour you something of your choice. You are welcome any place Master Jaji (East) is!
I would just like to mention that, yes, SCA can be expensive, but it doesn't always have to be. The most expensive parts are probably fighting gear and camping supplies. But it's also possible to participate without fighting and/or camping. It all depends on what you like to do.
You do you. It is possible to have a great time in the SCA going to one day non-fighting events like Harvest Festivals, St. Nicolas Feasts, Dances, Collegiums.
That is not strictly true. When I moved to Texas, the local group did ONLY camping events. Aside from going to monthly business meetings and guild meetings there was nothing for a non-camper to do. I suppose one 'could' attend the event for the day and stay in a motel for the night, but then you miss out on the camaraderie that happens around the campfire. Altogether unsatisfying. Its why I gave up on the SCA after 30 years.
I have always referred to Dome tents(Earth Pimples...etc) as mobile Yurts. Older style mundane tents are avail and are canvas . Examples are Coleman and Sears Hillary brand tents from the 70s and 80's..
Can you do a video on what it takes to start up SCA, we live near where Gulf Wars takes place and know some friends that are apart of the SCA but I’m so uninformed it would be nice to know more.
