[Ansteorra] Reply from Mistress Chai about the new Pennsic A&S youth policy

[Stefan li Rous]

This is the reply I just got from Mistress Chai.  In the hope of shedding some more light on this issue I am forwarding it to the lists.

Stefan li Rous
--------
THLord Stefan li Rous    Barony of Bryn Gwlad    Kingdom of Ansteorra
   Mark S. Harris           Austin, Texas          StefanliRous at austin.rr.com
**** See Stefan's Florilegium files at:  http://www.florilegium.org ****

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Chai 'usun" <chaiusun at gmail.com>
> Date: July 6, 2010 1:36:30 PM CDT
> To: Stefan li Rous <StefanliRous at austin.rr.com>
> Subject: Re: [tri-temp] Disastrous New Youth A&S Policy for Pennsic
> 
> Dear concerned SCAdian, parent, Pennsic teacher, or friend of youth at Pennsic: 
> 
> Please forgive me for sending this the automated response, the sheer volume of email in my inbox makes it impossible for me to individually reply to everyone. 
> 
> First let me suggest that you read carefully my letter on the Pennsic A&S webpage http://www.pennsicwar.org/penn39/cultural.html. It may address some of your concerns. Second, and after you have read the website letter, I would like to clarify some points regarding the new rule: 
> 
> 1. Yes, the rule does indeed go beyond the scope of the Society standard by asking parents to arrange supervision of not just children under 12 but of youth 13-18; however, it applies only to those classes held by Pennsic University in A&S tents.  
> 
> 2. The rule does require adult supervision of youth, by a parent or by a "guardian"--which is defined for our purposes as a responsible adult designated by the the parent to attend the class with the youth. Let me repeat that. We are not requiring a legal court-appointed guardian, simply a responsible adult. (My thanks  to the Society MOY and especially to the Pennsic 39 Mayor for allowing us that interpretation of the rule). 
> 
> 3. The teachers of Pennsic classes are not required nor expected to check IDs or ages of anyone attending their classes. We trust that parents will use good judgement in sending their children and youth to appropriate classes; and that the teachers will use good judgement and inform the responsible adult with any youth if material in the class is unsuitable for minors.
> 
> 4. This rule is in effect for Pennsic 39. The rules for next Pennsic will be set by the Mayor and the staff of Pennsic 40 at that time. This is not Society policy, nor does Cultural Affairs staff wish to debate the justice of the rule. Yes, there were reasons for the rule. No, we will not be disseminating that information for debate in SCA forums.   
> 
> 5. This rule has been in effect since early May, it was not a last minute decision and it was never intended to drive parents or children away from Pennsic. If you find that you cannot adapt to this rule and do decide not to attend Pennsic because of it I am truly saddened, but all I can offer you are my apologies for the inconvenience. If you do decide to return to Pennsic in future years, please take time to read carefully all the rules of Pennsic for that year and follow the announcements for changes (which always happen) arise.
> 
> Please understand, neither I nor the staff of Pennsic University are against children or youth partaking of all that Pennsic has to offer--my own four children grew up in the SCA, my grandchildren currently attend Pennsic. This rule will affect them as well. I have been a pre-school teacher and a daycare director, I am currently faculty at a state university. So please believe me that I do understand how this may affect your Pennsic, whether you are a parent or a teacher, as I know it will affect mine. 
> 
> I have and will take time to read all the emails I receive on this matter. I am very impressed by the range of knowledge and experience you all hold as well as the thoughtful responses many of you have expressed. I welcome your input and will pass along your ideas wherever I think they will do the most good. I encourage you, if you would like to make a difference, to offer your services to the fine volunteers running Youth Point and A&S Point. The more sane and sensible folk we have actively participating in volunteer capacities, the fewer rules we are likely to have to make both at Pennsic and in the SCA. 
> 
> Thank you for your patience and understanding, 
> 
> Mistress Chai 
> Deputy Mayor for Cultural Affairs
> Pennsic 39
>