The arms of Drachenwald 








 Chatelaine Information - Dealing with
Teenagers 






One group that is particularly challenging to deal with is teenagers whose
parents are not in the SCA. They are too young to fight or marshal, yet too old
for "children's activities." Often, parents are concerned about the
type of group that their son/daughter is getting involved with. Here are a few
suggestions that can help to keep all concerned happy: parents, teenagers, and
the SCA members.


    
  
  1. Invite the teenager's parents to join him/her. Make sure the parents know
    they can visit any time they want, even if they choose not to join. This
    lets the parent know there is nothing secretive going on with their child.
    2. 
  
  2. Have a meeting, perhaps at a member's house, to explain the SCA to the
    teenager and the parents. Stress the educational aspects and the things that
    the teenager can do.
    3. 
  
  3. Make a packet for teenagers and their parents. Include the rules for
    minors, and a list of things that they can and cannot do, and a written
    invitation to the parents to come join in the fun. You may also include the
    things listed below in the section labeled New members packet.
    4. 
  
  4. Make sure you know all the rules pertaining to minors: waivers needed,
    medical release forms, age restrictions for activities, etc. Be sure the
    parents know these rules, also.
    5. 
  
  5. Never break the rules to keep the teenager interested. Under-aged
    teenagers cannot fight at any event or on any property that is being rented,
    leased, or borrowed in the name of the SCA, in Drachenwald. No exceptions.
    If children do not want to participate unless they can do restricted
    activities, inform them that you look forward to their return to the SCA
    when they come of age.
    6. 
  
  6. Introduce the teenager to other teenagers who are functioning well in the
    SCA. Also, introduce the teenager to an adult with similar interests.
    7. 
  
  7. Form a guild specially for people in this age range. For example, a drum
    corps could be formed to lead troops to battle. (Of course they must leave
    the field when the battle begins.) A teen choir could be organised for feast
    entertainment (this obviously depends on the number and willingness of the
    members involved!) Teenagers could be in charge of organising a mid-day
    snack for the King and Queen.
    8. 
  
  8. Have things for the teenagers to do at events. Then, ask them to
    participate. (They may need a bit of encouraging.) For examples, they can:
    
    - help run the children's activities;
    
    - help serve feast;
    
    - be a page;
    
    - help cook a meal;
    
    - play games such as bocce;
    
    - be a water bearer (with supervision);
    
    - participate in arts and sciences activities;
    
    - attend classes;
    
    - help decorate/set-up before an event;
    
    - help clean-up after an event;
    
    - participate in a quest;
    
    - entertain at a feast.
    
    
    
    Older teenagers can:
    
    - fight or practice fighting or authorise;
    
    - be a scout;
    
    - be a water bearer (without supervision);
    
    - be a target archer;
    
    - be a combat archer;
    
    - help with crowd control at a demo.
    9. 



The rules for older teenagers participation do occassionally change, so it is
best to check with the local or Kingdom officer in charge of the activity,
before the teenager starts any of the restricted activities.


Please remember: many of these restrictions vary from kingdom to kingdom. You
must follow the rules of the kingdom which you are in, as well as the rules of
Drachenwald. If the rules conflict, follow the stricter rule, or talk to someone
in charge at the event or activity.





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