[MR] Teenager abuse at Pennsic

[Mark Hunter]

Hello everyone.  I don't know how many of you have been raised in the SCA  but I think I have a unique perspective  sense I've been in the SCA sense I was 11-12 years old.  I agree completely about the increased activities for the young of which wee speak of.  they do get bored easily.  Having a specific area for the younger people is also a great idea.  Not only at Pennsic but also at all events.
 
There really is only one different opinion I have on this subject.  the placing of older teens in this area as well.  We have the want and desire to teach these older teens(16-19) and young adults(20-24) responsibility and proper behavior.  I think the best thing to do there is place them in adult situation/social groups.  Invite them to the adult parties  actively make them feel welcome.  Parents could take them with them  or place them in the trusted supervision of a legal adult friend.  there almost it would be that hard to discreetly let people know they are under age but  them will about around people that they can learn the proper skills of behavior and actually find new interest.  they are also still at hand for talking to them about volunteer work to give them things to do during the day. 
 
More often then not I was brought to the SCA and ended up at the adult parties.  but I was being discreetly supervised but made felt welcome.  true to some there was things that hap pend that I was to young to see.  but I learned form watching the experiences.
 
I think the biggest thing is to make them feel welcome.
 
that's my thoughts when it comes to the youth

Humfrey
 
 

--- On Thu, 8/14/08, Laura Morgan <valkerie1000 at yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Laura Morgan <valkerie1000 at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [MR] Teenager abuse at Pennsic
To: atlantia at atlantia.sca.org
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 1:53 PM

They want to have fun ways of interacting with each other...not just with
adults.
Why should A&S be limited to static competitions? 
What about performances...plays, music, acrobatics? 
Teach them interactive games like shuttlecock or "campball" or
bocce...maybe juggling contests?
Teach them Medieval card games versus "Magic."
Have A&S classes & gatherrings just for teens? (as long as you could
get them to buy into the "coolness" of it.)
Just throwing out some ideas here.
 
Laura (Grace)
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