[Sca-cooks] Classes at Pennsic

[otsisto]

This was posted on another in clarification-

> 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
>