[Ravensfort] New Guidelines for Children's Officers and Parents

Shane Wallace sdwsdw30 at totalzone.com
Sat Apr 30 03:03:44 PDT 2005


Greetings,

Here are new guidelines from SCA, Inc. for MOC & Parents.
In Service,
Lord Malcolm
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Guidelines for Children's Officers

The guidelines presented here exist to provide a means of structuring 
youth programs within the Kingdoms of the Society for Creative Anachronism.

The Children's Office, frequently known as the Ministry of 
Youth/Children/Minors, exists to provide safe, fun, and educational 
activities during scheduled and structured sessions at events, meetings, 
and/or other SCA functions.  Children's Officers are not babysitters, 
but instead are coordinators or teachers who offer age-appropriate means 
for learning and involvement within the scope of the SCA.

Some information included relates to other officers (specifically, 
parental responsibility for children at events and waiver requirements), 
but is added here due to children's Officers often being consulted or 
included in such decisions or discussions.  Children's Officers are not 
responsible for mandating cross-over policies or determining 
consequences for infractions of said policies.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CHILDREN AT SCA EVENTS

1. Parents or legal guardians (or temporary guardians as assigned by 
waivers) are responsible for children brought to an event.  
Parents/guardians should be aware of their children's location and 
activities at all times while attending SCA functions.

2. Parents must not expect other adults to supervise or control minors 
who are wandering unaccompanied at events.

3. As different levels of supervision are necessary for different age 
groups:

   1. Children under the age of FIVE should not be left unsupervised by
      the parent/legal guardian at SCA functions, even at planned
      children's activities.
   2. In some Kingdoms, a "Sight and Sound" rule is in effect at all SCA
      functions.  Generally, this states that children under the age of
      twelve should be in eyesight/earshot of the parent or a designated
      adult or teenager (as determined by the parent).  As a guideline,
      it is suggested that children in this age range are supervised and
      not be allowed to wander freely at official events (to include
      demos, meetings, etc.), and if in the care of an adult besides the
      parent/guardian (designated babysitter, attending activities,
      etc.), the children should be checked on periodically by the
      parent/guardian to ensure their safety and suitable behavior.
   3. Children under the age of twelve are not considered suitable
      babysitters for younger children.

WAIVERS AND PARENTAL CONSENT FORMS

In most Kingdoms, two forms are used for parents who allow their minor 
children to attend an event without them.  Minors under the age of 
eighteen may NOT attend SCA events alone, so paperwork transferring 
parental responsibility is necessary:

1. A "designated adult in charge of a minor" form (temporary 
guardianship) allows a responsible adult to act for the parent on behalf 
of the child.  In some Kingdoms, this form must be notarized, and in all 
cases, it must be signed by the parent.

2. A "medical authorization" form allows medical treatment to be 
provided in the event of an emergency.

These forms, as they concern entry to the event and not children's 
activities, are generally available through "troll" or via website.  
They can be requested, depending on the Kingdom, from the seneschal's 
office or constabulary.

SCA CHILDREN'S OFFICERS

Children's Activities are offered as a positive means of encouraging 
children's participation in the SCA and encouraging fun learning about 
the Middle Ages and our organization.  Children's Activities are NOT a 
baby-sitting service for members of the populace (it is expressly 
forbidden for any officer in the SCA to accept responsibility for minors 
other than their own children, or for those they are serving as 
designated adult).

Children's Officers should encourage, organize, and/or implement 
activities and encourage others to include minors in all SCA activities 
where appropriate.  They should advance classes, guilds, page schools, 
and other opportunities for young people to get involved in the SCA.  
Children's Officers should demonstrate an ability to work well with all 
ages of children, in addition to possessing the people skills necessary 
to work with parents, event coordinators, and other officers or volunteers.

Local Children's Officers should maintain a yearly membership in the SCA 
(sustaining, associate, or family), and should meet all rules or laws as 
outlined by their home Kingdom.  Some Kingdoms require warrants and/or 
specific applications for the office, and most require regular 
reporting.  Please speak to your Kingdom Children's Officer or Seneschal 
for specific information.

Kingdom Children's Officers also should be paid members and follow rules 
or laws as outlined by their Kingdoms regarding warrants, applications, 
and reporting (quarterly reporting is recommended).  In some Kingdoms, 
the Kingdom Children's Officer is also responsible for overseeing 
planning and/or implementation of Children's Activities at Kingdom-level 
events.  Reporting to the Deputy Society Seneschal, Children's Officers 
Coordinator, is not a requirement but is encouraged, as is participation 
in the Kingdom Children's Officers email discussion list.  Please do 
keep your contact information updated with your Society Officer.

All guidelines in the sections concerning Children's Activities at and 
away from events (below) should be followed.  SCA Children's Officers 
should be familiar with (and prepared to enforce) the guidelines 
discussed in this document.

SCA SPONSORED CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES AT SCA EVENTS

1. Official SCA groups must ensure all SCA children's activities are 
approved by the local group seneschal and/or autocrat and by the 
Children's Officer, where applicable.  If the group has no children's 
officer and a volunteer plans and implements the activities, it is the 
responsibility of the seneschal to ensure that volunteer is fully aware 
of all relevant policies and guidelines concerning minors and the 
running of activities.

2. SCA Children's Officers or other adults supervising Children's 
Activities have no authority to discipline or restrain children other 
than their own, unless the child is in immediate danger of hurting 
him/herself or others.  Children's Officers will not be held responsible 
for correcting the conduct of children attending activities.  Likewise, 
as parents and children must follow rules attendant to participation in 
events, Children's Officers are not responsible for children who leave 
activities unsupervised.

a. Children exhibiting lewd, violent, or otherwise severely problematic 
behavior at organized activities should be returned to parents.  The 
autocrat and/or seneschal should be notified of the problem if such 
actions must be taken.

3.  Official SCA groups should follow the "Two Deep Leadership" model of 
supervision at all SCA Children's Activities as outlined in a Society 
Seneschal policy (approved by the Board of Directors, April 2005):

"For all organized SCA functions for minors, a minimum of two adults 
(age 18 or older), unrelated to one another by blood or marriage, must 
be present. This policy does not relieve parents or guardians from their 
primary responsibility for the welfare of their children. This policy is 
not subject to granting of variance or 'grandfathering' of existing 
activities."

For the purpose of this document the following definitions apply:

          Minor:  A person under the age of 18

            Adult:   A person who has reached the age of 18.

Children's Officers must ensure that sufficient leadership is provided 
for all activities, and have the right and responsibility to cancel 
activities if requirements can not be met.

4. Children's Activities should be located as near to main activities as 
is possible and practical, and with consideration to safety issues.  
Caution should be exercised when activities are hosted in a private room 
of an event facility.

5. An SCA Children's Officer should not accompany an individual child to 
the bathroom.  Groups of children may be escorted to the facility 
building by the Officer.  Parents are ultimately responsible for seeing 
to the physical needs of their children.  Additionally, children who are 
ill must remain in the care of their parent, guardian, or designated 
caretaker and should not be brought to Children's Activities.

SCA SPONSORED CHILDREN'S ACTIVITES AWAY FROM EVENTS

When planning Children's Activities for fighter practices, meetings, 
workshops, or any other official SCA function, parents and officers 
should be aware that these activities are subject to all SCA policies, 
Kingdom laws, and the above guidelines, and are covered by SCA waivers.  
Any activities planned "unofficially" at private residences are 
discouraged, as they reach beyond the jurisdiction of the SCA. 

If exceptions are made and official activities must be held at a private 
residence, the permission of the local Seneschal (and in kingdoms 
requiring it, the Kingdom Seneschal) must be obtained.  The following 
guidelines must also be implemented:

1.      Children under the age of 12 must attend the activity with a 
parent or guardian.

2.      Children over the age of 12 may attend at the parents' discretion.

3.      The Two Adult Leadership model is still to be followed, with two 
unrelated adults in attendance as long as the children are present.

Parents should be cautious when offered activities away from events that 
are not SCA sponsored or don't meet with above guidelines.  Unofficial 
activities are not regulated or mandated by the SCA, and thus, are not 
protected by waivers or regulations.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Children should be encouraged to participate in a variety of 
age-appropriate activities within the SCA, not only structured 
children's activities.  Depending on age and maturity, children may 
enjoy helping in kitchens, serving feasts, water-bearing, youth combat, 
archery, and more.  Policies vary by Kingdom, so parents will need to 
check supervision requirements (whether parent or designated adult 
should attend with the child) and any other rules related to the activity. 

PLANNING & RUNNING ORGANIZED CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

Children's Activities vary in nature, and can include classes, hands-on 
activities, games, and more.  Depending on the size of an event, 
activities may be only an hour or two, a day-long adventure, or even a 
week's worth of learning and fun (as at larger wars).  Children's 
Officers and Activities Coordinators should consider resources, such as 
volunteer assistance, funds for supplies, and available location when 
determining size and structure of activities, and should try within 
those means to meet the needs of a given event.

Some idea of the type of activities, along with a tentative schedule, 
should be determined before the event for better planning and for 
purposes of publishing the information.  Determining whether or not to 
attend a particular event may be an easier decision for parents who know 
in advance that there will be opportunities for their children to 
participate, so adding information to your Kingdom newsletter event 
flyer or to your group's web site will be very helpful for attendees.

Also, if possible, include Children's Activities information and times 
to your event's program/site book.  A schedule, basic details about 
classes or individual activities, and any applicable rules will be 
beneficial for everyone.

Work with your autocrat concerning location and resources.  The best 
location for activities is near enough to the main activities as to be 
convenient for everyone in attendance, with considerations such as 
available water and bathrooms in mind, and attention given to safety 
factors.  Be sure to plan in advance for needs such as tables and 
chairs, art supplies, and gaming equipment.

Children's Officers, when planning, don't limit your creativity!  Don't 
presume you must stick to a list of "typical activities" when there are 
so many learning opportunities available.  Some possible ideas are 
listed below to illustrate variety, but please feel free to expand on 
examples or try new things!

   1. Outdoor games can include activities such as bocce, blind man's
      bluff, quests, scavenger/treasure hunts, running games, and
      archery.  These outdoor options can provide a fun opportunity for
      children to enjoy their boundless energy between indoor or
      stationary activities.  Indoor games like chess, checkers, or
      mancala provide great opportunities for socializing and offer a
      nice change of pace from more structured activities.
   2. Volunteering opportunities can be a lot of fun, especially when
      children can offer services collectively.  Some ideas are
      water-bearing, list running, kitchen help, feast service, or for
      younger children, planning entertainment for feast, making
      decorations for high table, or making gifts for the Crown.
   3. Performing Arts make for wonderful activities but can also provide
      entertainment for an audience.  Kids may enjoy basic music
      classes, such as learning the recorder or drums, European or
      Middle Eastern dance classes, learning to sing period songs,
      puppetry, theater (which can be expanded to building sets and
      props, costume making and performance), or story-telling.
   4. Static Arts and Sciences in the SCA are nearly limitless.  Young
      people can make jewelry, learn calligraphy and illumination,
      embroider and cross-stitch, try their hands at leatherworking,
      woodworking, or sewing, or learn age-appropriate variations of
      mosaics or stained glass.
   5. SCA-appropriate or medieval history classes can easily be juiced
      up with fun activities.  Kids can learn the different areas and
      functions of a castle while building a scale model, learn
      precedence and protocol through play-acting or by creating
      "crowns" and other regalia, or study a culture though specialized
      activities (Viking classes could include making a model longship,
      playing the Viking game Hnefatafl, or enjoying a "pillage" quest,
      for example).

Don't be shy of asking other individuals who enjoy teaching all adults 
to share their knowledge with your young attendees - guest teachers may 
be able to offer new learning experiences in their particular area of 
expertise. 

Plan for volunteers ahead of time, when you can: ask for help on e-lists 
(Kingdom, local, or for other children's officers), talk to your local 
group, advertise in your local group's newsletter, or work with parents 
who are willing to help.  Older kids may want to help out with the 
younger ones, so consider letting them plan an activity, offer ideas, or 
provide some hands-on help.  Also, you can ask parents to give some time 
in assistance if their children are attending activities.

Finally, be flexible, prepared, and easy-going - the key element is to 
have fun!  Bring back-up activities along in case one or two doesn't 
last as long as you had planned, and be open to allowing an activity to 
run longer if the kids are really enjoying themselves (just keep in mind 
the end time for the session so parents know when to retrieve their 
children). 

Yseult de Montagu (Audrey Epple), Society Children's Officers Coordinator

Contributions/Resources:

Duchess Katerina O'Callaghan, CP, Lady Sorcha ni Dhonnghaile, and the 
Kingdom Children's Officers of the SCA

E-list for Children's Officers & Deputies: 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/society_youth_forum/

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