Before we begin, if you are looking for information on the Youth Fighter program, this can be found at https://youthfighters.eastkingdom.org/
Is your child elementary school aged? Here are some suggestions for events with kiddos in this age group.
For ease of writing, we will be referring to this group as “child” or “children” (as opposed to “infants/toddlers” or “teens”) on this page
How Can Children Participate In The SCA?
A common question from parents is “what can my child do in the SCA?” The short answer has always been “children can do what adults do in the SCA”, which is true, but not a complete answer.
Just as in daily life, children at this phase in development are learning the basics of the society they live in. At school, they’re learning to read and write and develop their basic skills (gross/fine motor skills, socialization, creativity, etc.). They’re engaged with these activities as part of their daily lives.
The same idea holds true in the SCA. The SCA offers plenty of space not only to enforce the skills that children are learning at home or in their schooling environment but further allows children to develop new or extensions of these basic skills how their forebearers (i.e. children in period) would have.
The key is to make this experience meaningful to them and engage them in our society.
How Do We Engage Children At Events?
Fostering growth in the SCA involves engaging children in what we are doing at events and making space for them to participate. This involves listening to your child and asking them what they want to do at an upcoming event and seeing how you can make this happen.
When in doubt, reach out to the event steward or any youth officer (local Chancellor Minor, local Youth Activities Coordinator, or kingdom Chancellor Minor) for assistance with coming up with opportunities for your child.
Preparation Is Key!
As with all things with children, preparation is key! Before going to an event, organize not only your agenda but your child’s as well.
Step 1: Review Offerings And Resources
Check your plans and the site booklet to see what will be available. Consider the following activities:
- Youth Activities – See what classes and activities are available. It is possible that nothing will appeal to your child, but you may find a few gems that your child may initially say “no” to but enjoy nonetheless.
- Youth Martial Activities – If your child is interested, most activities have loaner gear. Keep in mind that archery and thrown weapons martials may require an adult or supervision for children under a certain age so you may be required to be there or designate supervision for your child.
- Adult Activities – Not all events will have youth-specific activities, let alone activities that your child is interested in. Go through the event booklet together to see what activities or classes your child is interested in attending or helping out with. For example, children can (with supervision) help wash and chop vegetables and all adult classes (unless otherwise specified) are open to youths of all ages
- Site map – Where will you be camping? How close will that be to bathrooms or a port-o-let? Is there a playground?
- Bring Backup – There will be down time. Make sure you are prepared with toys, coloring supplies, and other activities for your child to be engaged with.
- Other participation opportunities – Most service opportunities can be kid friendly with a little bit of extra attention from you and the community.
- Food Offerings – Check in with yourself and the feast coordinator on whether or not the food offered is going to suit your family (allergies, sensitivities, sensory problems, etc.). It’s okay to skip feast if your child won’t eat it. If camping, plan out your meals either on your own or with your encampment to make sure there is a meal your child will eat. Don’t forget the snacks!
- Household/camp/friends – Consider the following:
- Who do you know, both children and adults, that will be there?
- Can a trusted adult tend your child for an hour to let you take a class?
- Are they doing something that your child would find interesting and are they willing to bring your child with?
- Do you know other children that will be at this event? Are they friends with your child? Can a playdate be arranged in advance? (Can you exchange babysitting with the other parent?
Step 2: Discuss The Event With Your Child
Check in with your child and see what they want to do. You may discover that they have a new interest or friend that they want to see!
If they answer “I don’t know”, use the information you gained in your own perusal of the event to offer ideas and suggestions to help fill out their schedule.
Suggestion: Try to plan or highlight at least one thing that your child really wants to do at the event – even if it is just playing on the playground for an hour. It’s memories and activities that they are interested in that keep them interested in the SCA and going to events.
Once you know what the event will entail for your child, let them know what will be going on, just like you do with everyday activities. This will give them something to look forward to and get them excited!
Step 3: Home Base – Prepare For Downtime (And Melt Downs)
There is always downtime at events and, especially at summer or long events, a meltdown is inevitable. This is where your Home Base comes in. This is where all of your items and personal belongings are stored. Set up this space in a way that is comfortable and can take your child out of the business of the day for a break. Make sure that your child has the entertainment and comfort items that they need in order to regain a sense of balance. As your child gets older and can go about on their own with their friends, this is a place that they can come back to and know that you will also be there. Some ideas:
- Designated play space – Even a corner of a common tent is a good place to set up a neutral corner for a game or a book.
- Blankets, cushions, places to sit – Make this a place where you and your child can get comfy and settle in.
- Tech-free options – Set a reasonable expectation with your child around tech over the course of the event and help them find entertainment for the course of the event. Suggestions:
- Books
- Puzzles
- Dolls/play sets
- Handcrafts: Kumihimo, lucet cords, embroidery, hand sewing, etc.
- Snacks – Never forget the snacks!
- Backup comfort tech – Yes, smartphone/tablet games are still acceptable at events and sometimes are entirely necessary. Go easy on yourself here.
Attending Events
You have prepared for your event. Now what?
Make A Routine
Routines are critical for children of all ages. Involve them in event prep and let them see your process. If you can work in a morning-of treat (like a special breakfast item or a trip to the grocery store in garb), all the better.
Be Flexible
This doesn’t need to be said, necessarily, but it’s worth a reminder. Prioritize the things that mean the most and take breaks as needed. Utilize your home base when necessary.
Know Their Friends
As your child gets older (think 11-12) they develop have a pack of friends If your child is ‘running’ with a pack of friends – do as you would at school. Meet the friends, meet their parents, and coordinate with the parents what is/ isn’t acceptable for the kiddos to be doing with/without supervision. Know what your child is up to in and out of your sight and make sure you’re comfortable with what’s going on with the group.
Check In
Have times for your child to check in with you either physically or digitally (ex. Call or text). This will help you keep tabs on your child and their safety while also giving them the freedom to explore the event and social circle.
Post-Event
Take a moment after the event to see how it went and how future events can go. Make note of who they met and which experiences stuck out to them. Keep these details in mind for future planning!
The more you go to events, the easier they will be!