SCA 201 Last Page

This is page six of six

If you have not read all the others, please start here: https://sites.google.com/site/kadasresearch/sca-200/sca-201

Questions and Skills.

You should NEVER feel like you can't ask questions. No one comes into the SCA knowing how all this works, and absolutely everyone has something to learn. If you are curious about something, or just realize you don't know something, even if it is really basic, PLEASE ASK someone! (Eric example)

If you have a question, please consider asking the experts. Yes, everyone's knowledge is valuable, but why not go to the people who have studied these areas? Alternately, ask everyone you can!

APPLY your skills and knowledge. The reason that the SCA has contests and tournaments is so that people can practice and apply what they have learned. A tournament is your chance to get to fight the best fighters your area has to offer. An A&S contest is your chance to get feedback from the experts on how you can improve, what you are doing well, and where to find more resources. Both of these setting are a chance to learn, meet new people, and gain valuable experiences. Take advantage of these opportunities! 

Keep trying. If you are interested in Mongolian cooking, but as far as you can tell, no one else is, you have just stumbled across a new and exciting field! Congratulations, you are a pioneer! If you find someone who's an expert, but they brush you off, consider that they were having a bad day, and try someone else. Maybe the people who know all about Mongolian houses can tell you about how they cooked. Maybe the people who know all about Mongolian livestock can tell you how they got their milk and meat. Keep trying! If one person is rude, that does not say anything about any group of people, only about that one person.

What are YOUR interests? Is there a time period, country, craft, or other subject that makes you curious to know more? Is there a skill you've always wanted to learn? Do you have a skill that would be applicable in the middle ages, but aren't sure how to use it?

Remember, the overall idea here is to have a fun hobby.  So, you should do what is fun TO YOU!  The SCA provides a framework which supports about a million options of ways to have an excellent hobby.  Find the part of the SCA that makes you happy, and keep doing that.  Make sure you explore thoroughly, of course! Who knows, archery could be the best thing ever.  Or equestrian activities.  Or voice heraldry.  Or researching and making things.  Or cooking.  Or just camping in a field with your friends!  

The only requirement is a basic set of clothing appropriate to the middle ages, the rest is up to you.