Old Meets New: How SCA Brings Medieval Magic to College Life

Hey there, everyone! 🌟 Guess what I was up to last week? I had the absolute pleasure of joining the Barony of the Lonely Tower (BLT) in their annual recruitment demo at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Even though I was only there for a few hours, it was such a blast mingling with college kids who are just as geeked about Medieval history as I am.

You know, I’ve been part of the SCA— that’s the Society for Creative Anachronism for any newcomers—for decades, and what keeps me coming back is this sense of “learning by doing.” I mean, where else can you get hands-on experience throwing a spear, crafting a suit of chainmail, or painting miniatures? But it’s not just about mastering these old-school skills; it’s also about the incredible friendships that you form. Friendships that are treasured more than the medieval relics we recreate.

The thing about the SCA is that it’s so much more than a club; it’s a community. It’s like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to a place where chivalry isn’t dead, and camaraderie is the name of the game. In today’s world where things can get chaotic, it’s genuinely refreshing to find a space that values nobility and decency.

So, what exactly is the SCA? For those uninitiated, let me drop some knowledge. The SCA is this incredible international nonprofit run entirely by volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to recreating the pre-17th-century world in the most authentic way possible. And we’re talking about everything from arts and combat to culture and history. Imagine being part of a group that’s passionately committed to keeping history alive, not just in books, but in practice.

Now, if you’re wondering what sort of code we live by in the SCA, let me spill the tea. First off, whether we’re face-to-face at an event or sharing memes in our group chat, the spirit of chivalry is always in the air. It’s honor and service in every interaction, big or small.

We treat the SCA’s resources with great care—like it’s our own slice of precious medieval treasure. We believe every person is invaluable, like a knight’s sword made from the finest steel. Fairness isn’t just a principle; it’s a way of life. At least it is for me.

Diversity? We embrace it warmly. Our community is a historical haven where everyone is welcome, with no exceptions! We keep the vibe respectful, making sure everyone feels at ease. Shenanigans have no place here—unless it’s the fun, harmless, kind. There’s no room for shady dealings. And harassment is a big no-no in our community.

These principles aren’t just bullet points but are the very heartbeat of the SCA community. So at the demo, we acted like an ambassador and part of something bigger, an expansive medieval family. So, we put on our best show-and-tell to make the family proud!

So, if you’re looking for a way to combine a love for history with a dash of adventure and a sprinkle of community spirit, then hey, why not give the SCA a try?

P.S. Here’s a shout-out to Mistress Nesscia from Christine’s Corner blog, who let me use a few of the photos she took at the demo. Many thanks.