Welcome you to the Barony of Wealdsmere in the Kingdom of An Tir! The Society for Creative Anachronism is a family-friendly and inclusive activity that people of all ages and all walks of life enjoy, and we’re glad to have you. Below you’ll find information that will help you with your journey into the SCA.
Helpful Links for Newcomers:
SCA.org – New to the SCA
Not sure where to start or hesitant to join in?! Start here where you’ll find a wealth of information and resources to help you find your joy in the SCA.
SCA.org – A Newcomer’s Guide to the SCA
Looking for specific information on what to bring and what to expect at your first event?
SCADemo.com
An unofficial site with lots of useful information for what we do in the SCA.
Social and Community Groups:
Facebook – Barony of Wealdsmere Discussion Group
Our unofficial Facebook Group where you can chat, ask questions, and meet our members. Once you join, feel free to post a message saying something like, “Hey, I’m new here.” and our members will be right there welcoming you.
Facebook – An Tir Newcomers Education (unofficial)
Based on a program taught to newcomers since 2017, the Kingdom of An Tir Newcomers’ Academy offers a well-rounded overview of our Society. With classes on SCA History, Etiquette, Activities, Heraldry, Awards and Peerage, and much more, students benefit from a structured program where they can meet established members of our Realm, get a better sense of our Society, make friends, and are often inspired to become more active members of our Kingdom! Follow this link for more information on the An Tir Newcomers Academy.
Feasting, Dancing, and Merrymaking
The major activity in the SCA is our events – the opportunity for us to put on our medieval clothing, cook and serve the recipes we’ve been researching, dance the dances we’ve been practicing, socialize, and generally have a good time. You can find a variety of SCA events taking place almost every weekend of the year, including Tournaments, coronations, masked balls, collegiums, interkingdom wars, and more. Activities at events can include fighting, fencing, archery, art exhibits/competitions, indoor games, feasts, and royal or baronial court.
What kind of person joins the SCA?
SCA participants are just plain folks who enjoy doing something more with their weekends. People from all walks of life join the SCA – students, teachers, historians, writers, secretaries, law enforcement personnel, chemists, and insurance agents. Many SCA participants are involved in high tech fields – computers, aerospace, high energy physics, etc. People who spend all week with highly complex, modern technology can find it relaxing to spend their leisure time using simpler technologies in a less modern setting.
How to get involved
We welcome you to come to our local meetings and events. You are not required to buy a membership before you start attending, although you may wish to join if you decide to be with us regularly. Members do pay lower entry fees to events, and we do require membership to be an officer in our group.
Many local groups have officers called “chatelaines” or “hospitallers” whose sole duty is to help new members find their way in the SCA, and they can provide you with loaner costumes for your first event. Each SCA participant remembers the day he or she started, and most people are happy to help out a newcomer. Contact our local chatelaine and they will be happy to assist you.
