Raising Children in the SCA

In 2001, when I was a Freshman in college, I stumbled into a world full of amazing, fantastic, geeky things.  I discovered LARP (live action Role Play.)  I was hooked immediately.  For many years, my life revolved around LARP.  I went to conventions all around the country, my friends were all fellow gamers, and my boyfriends were all people I met through the club.  I volunteered through the club where I played.  I met many wonderful and amazing people, some of whom are still very dear to me.

I met my husband through the club, through mutual friends.

For a long time, The Camarilla defined who I was as a person.  I was a roleplayer.  I LARP'd.  That was what I did in my free time.  That was pretty much my only hobby.

When we moved to Montana, things slowly started to change.  We had a chapter in Missoula, but it was pretty casual, and things never really got rolling.  I played online a lot, like I had when we were in Tulsa, but my interest began to wane.  As drama and bs became overwhelming on an out of character level, I started to take a step back.  I figured I would come back and play more when things where less crazy.

And then I got pregnant, and that all changed.

See, the group that we played with was 18 and up.  And I completely agree with that call.  We deal with a lot of adult and mature subjects...and frankly, I wouldn't feel comfortable playing with a 12 year old.  While some people have brought their children to conventions in the past, it wasn't something I was interested in.

Funny story.  We were at a convention once, and I saw something that nearly made my head explode.  There was a woman with a VERY tiny baby in a buggy.  She was pushing the baby around *in the gaming area.*  First, it's 18 and up, so the kid shouldn't have been there at all...even though it couldn't understand much.  Second, it is insanely distracting to have a tiny baby, even if the baby is well-behaved.  Third, you don't know all of these people...

Anyway.  That actually really bothered me.  At that point, Colin and I both pretty much decided we weren't going to take our kids to conventions.  I wasn't going to force them to stay in the room all weekend, and I just didn't feel comfortable taking my kids to a convention like that.  Even though I know that it's the only time they might get to meet some of the really important people in my life.

So, I'm pregnant.  And things were crazy in the club, and I took a huge step back.  I just couldn't get into the game.  About this time, Colin decided to get back into the SCA--the Society for Creative Anachronism.  I was interested, but his pushy behavior meant that I drug my feet in going.  I don't like being forced into anything...I'm stubborn like that.

Eventually, we moved to Hingham and Roland was born.  He was playing in Great Falls, but I didn't go with him.  I'm incredibly shy, first off, and I was kind of lost on how to go about starting.  I didn't know what to do for a persona, and everything was just completely overwhelming.

Last summer, he finally drug me to an event.  He was running the event, so I really felt that I had to go, so that I could fully support him.

I had an amazing time.  I volunteered in the kitchen, cause, well...that's what you do.  And I took classes and I met people and I just generally loved every minute of it.

Of course, I was hooked.

One of the major draws to the SCA, in my book, is that they are very family friendly.  Kids aren't shuffled off to the side to twiddle their thumbs.  They're brought into the fold and they're engaged in what we're doing.  It's like a big, happy, dysfunctional family.  Knowing that it was acceptable for me to bring Roland to events (and boy did I get an earful when he wasn't with us last summer) made it incredibly attractive.  We had a fun, geeky hobby that we could enjoy as a FAMILY.

Roland's first event was last August, at Whipping Winds.  It was a camping event, so it was also his first camping trip.  Despite some drama at the event and the bitter cold at night and the horrendous wind (hence the name) he had a blast.  He was happy and giggly and cheerful the whole time...expect when we tried to put him to bed, because God Forbid he miss ANY of the action.  He just loved it, and he ate up all of the attention that he got, being an adorable and friendly little boy.  This, more than anything, really told me that this was a good choice for our family.

I haven't made as many events as I would like.  Time and money and working on Saturdays has all conspired against us.  That will also be changing in the future.

Not only are children welcome and encouraged at events, but they're taught some valuable lessons in the SCA (although I can see how some children might become bratty...)  Chivalry is a big one.  As is volunteering.  Like any huge group, the SCA lives and dies by it's volunteers.  I'm a big believer in giving as much as I can to make the thing that I love beautiful.  I can't contribute much to the dream, because I'm still learning...but that doesn't mean I don't try!

I ran my first event earlier this month.  Like a silly girl, I volunteered to do it...panic really started to set in with the fact that it was only my fourth event.  Luckily, I had an insane amount of help, and everything went off without a hitch.

For my next trick, I'll be acting as Feast Steward for our event in July.  It'll be my one year anniversary playing, which just makes it all the better.

We joined a household recently that is very child friendly.  Everyone that I have met in the SCA has been welcoming and friendly and just amazing.  I admit I'm completely intimidated by the Peers and the Royalty and the people who have played forever and a day...luckily, I usually don't have any idea who they are, so I toddle about in my blissful ignorance.  We are so lucky that we have found something that will include our entire family, has welcomed us with open arms, and gives us so many wonderful and exciting opportunities.  I mean, really...how cool is it to recreate the (best parts of the) Middle Ages?

You want to know the best part about the SCA?

I mean, aside from the food.  And the classes.  And the music.  And all that other fun stuff that makes this just like adult 4-H on crack?

Fabric Porn.  Oh yeah.  I went there.

Sewing all our own garb means I get to buy a TON of fabric!  So much fabric...oh goodness, the fabric...

Ok, maybe feeding my fabric addiction is a bad thing.  I'll live!