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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Greetings,</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Here are
new guidelines from SCA, Inc. for MOC & Parents.<br>
In Service,<br>
Lord Malcolm <br>
--------------------------------------------------------------------<br>
</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Guidelines
for
Children's Officers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">The
guidelines
presented here exist to provide a means of structuring youth programs
within
the Kingdoms of the Society for Creative Anachronism.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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.<span style=""> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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.<span style=""> </span>Children’s Officers are
not responsible for mandating cross-over policies or determining
consequences
for infractions of said policies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">PARENTAL
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CHILDREN AT SCA EVENTS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">1. Parents
or legal
guardians (or temporary guardians as assigned by waivers) are
responsible for
children brought to an event.<span style="">
</span>Parents/guardians should be aware of their children's location
and
activities at all times while attending SCA functions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">2. Parents
must not
expect other adults to supervise or control minors who are wandering
unaccompanied at events. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">3. As
different levels
of supervision are necessary for different age groups:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="1" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="color: black; margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="color: black; margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">In some Kingdoms, a
"Sight and Sound" rule is in effect at all SCA functions.<span style="">
</span>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).<span style=""> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="color: black; margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Children under the age
of twelve are not considered suitable babysitters for younger children.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: navy;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">WAIVERS
AND PARENTAL
CONSENT FORMS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">In most
Kingdoms, two
forms are used for parents who allow their minor children to attend an
event
without them.<span style=""> </span>Minors under the age of
eighteen may NOT attend SCA events alone, so paperwork transferring
parental
responsibility is necessary:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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.<span
style=""> </span>In some Kingdoms, this form must be
notarized, and in all cases, it must be signed by the parent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">2. A
"medical
authorization" form allows medical treatment to be provided in the
event
of an emergency.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">These
forms, as they
concern entry to the event and not children's activities, are generally
available through "troll" or via website.<span style=""> </span>They
can be requested, depending on the Kingdom, from the
seneschal's office or constabulary.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">SCA
CHILDREN’S OFFICERS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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.<span
style=""> </span>Children’s Activities are NOT a baby-sitting
service for members of the populace (</span><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">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).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Children’s
Officers
should encourage, organize, and/or implement activities and encourage
others to
include minors in all SCA activities where appropriate.<span style="">
</span>They should advance classes, guilds, page
schools, and other opportunities for young people to get involved in
the
SCA.<span style=""> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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.<span style=""> </span>Some Kingdoms require warrants
and/or specific applications for the office, and most require regular
reporting.<span style=""> </span>Please speak to your Kingdom
Children’s Officer or Seneschal for specific information.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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).<span style=""> </span>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.<span
style=""> </span>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.<span
style=""> </span>Please do keep your contact information
updated with your Society Officer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">All
guidelines in the
sections concerning Children’s Activities at and away from events
(below)
should be followed.<span style=""> </span>SCA Children’s
Officers should be familiar with (and prepared to enforce) the
guidelines
discussed in this document.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">SCA
SPONSORED
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AT SCA EVENTS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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. <span style=""> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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.<span style=""> </span>Children’s
Officers will not be held responsible for correcting
the conduct of children attending activities.<span style="">
</span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">a.
Children exhibiting
lewd, violent, or otherwise severely problematic behavior at organized
activities should be returned to parents.<span style="">
</span>The autocrat and/or seneschal should be notified of the problem
if such
actions must be taken.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">3.<span
style=""> </span>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):<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">“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.”<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="margin-bottom: 2pt; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">For the
purpose of this document the following definitions apply:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><span
style=""> </span><b>Minor:<span style=""> </span>A person
under the age of 18<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><span
style=""> </span>Adult:<span style=""> </span>A person
who has reached the age of 18.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">4.
Children’s
Activities should be located as near to main activities as is possible
and
practical, and with consideration to safety issues.<span style=""> </span>Caution
should be exercised when activities are hosted in a
private room of an event facility.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">5. An SCA
Children’s
Officer should not accompany an individual child to the bathroom.<span
style=""> </span>Groups of children may be escorted to the
facility building by the Officer.<span style="">
</span>Parents are ultimately responsible for seeing to the physical
needs of
their children.<span style=""> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">SCA
SPONSORED
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITES AWAY FROM EVENTS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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.<span style="">
</span>Any activities planned “unofficially” at private residences are
discouraged, as they reach beyond the jurisdiction of the SCA.<span
style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">If
exceptions are made
and <b>official</b> 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.<span style=""> </span>The
following guidelines must also be implemented: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="margin: 0in 0in 2pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 16pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">1.<span
style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Children
under the age
of 12 must attend the activity with a parent or guardian.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="margin: 0in 0in 2pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 16pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">2.<span
style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Children
over the age
of 12 may attend at the parents’ discretion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"
style="margin: 0in 0in 2pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 16pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">3.<span
style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">The Two
Adult
Leadership model is still to be followed, with two unrelated adults in
attendance as long as the children are present.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Parents
should be
cautious when offered activities away from events that are not SCA
sponsored or
don’t meet with above guidelines.<span style="">
</span>Unofficial activities are not regulated or mandated by the SCA,
and
thus, are not protected by waivers or regulations.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">OTHER
ACTIVITIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Children
should be
encouraged to participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities
within the
SCA, not only structured children’s activities.<span style=""> </span>Depending
on age and maturity, children may enjoy helping in
kitchens, serving feasts, water-bearing, youth combat, archery, and
more.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><b><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">PLANNING
& RUNNING
ORGANIZED CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Children’s
Activities
vary in nature, and can include classes, hands-on activities, games,
and
more.<span style=""> </span>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).<span style=""> </span>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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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. <span style=""> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Also, if
possible,
include Children’s Activities information and times to your event’s
program/site book.<span style=""> </span>A schedule, basic
details about classes or individual activities, and any applicable
rules will be
beneficial for everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Work with
your autocrat
concerning location and resources.<span style=""> </span>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.<span
style=""> </span>Be sure to plan in advance for needs such as
tables and chairs, art supplies, and gaming equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Children’s
Officers,
when planning, don’t limit your creativity!<span style="">
</span>Don’t presume you must stick to a list of “typical activities”
when
there are so many learning opportunities available.<span style=""> </span>Some
possible ideas are listed below to illustrate variety, but
please feel free to expand on examples or try new things!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="color: black; margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Outdoor games can
include activities such as bocce, blind man’s bluff, quests,
scavenger/treasure hunts, running games, and archery.<span style=""> </span>These
outdoor options can provide a fun opportunity for children to enjoy
their boundless energy between indoor or stationary activities.<span
style=""> </span>Indoor games like chess, checkers, or mancala
provide great opportunities for socializing and offer a nice change of
pace from more structured activities.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="color: black; margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Volunteering
opportunities can be a lot of fun, especially when children can offer
services collectively.<span style=""> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="color: black; margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Performing Arts make for
wonderful activities but can also provide entertainment for an audience.<span
style=""> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="color: black; margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Static Arts and Sciences
in the SCA are nearly limitless.<span style=""> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"
style="color: black; margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">SCA-appropriate or
medieval history classes can easily be juiced up with fun activities.<span
style=""> </span>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).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">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.<span
style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>Also, you
can ask parents to give some time in assistance if their children are
attending
activities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Finally,
be flexible,
prepared, and easy-going – the key element is to have fun!<span style="">
</span>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).<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Yseult de
Montagu
(Audrey Epple), Society Children’s Officers Coordinator<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Contributions/Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Duchess Katerina
O’Callaghan, CP,
Lady Sorcha ni Dhonnghaile, and the Kingdom Children’s Officers of the
SCA<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2pt; line-height: 16pt;"><span
style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Tahoma;">E-list for Children’s
Officers
& Deputies: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/society_youth_forum/">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/society_youth_forum/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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