Newcomer’s Guide

The SCA welcomes all people who have an interest in the Middle Ages. We are an international non-profit educational organization, there are estimated to be 35,000 participants in the SCA worldwide. Our purpose is to recreate the atmosphere of the Medieval and Renaissance periods of history, with emphasis on life in and around the courts in Europe. The time period of the SCA ranges from the collapse of the Roman Empire to approximately the year 1600, at the end of the reign of Elizabeth I of England. We cover about 1000 years of history.

We share a dream of daring knights and lovely ladies, of castles and of tourneys, and colorful banners flying. Feasting with Kings and Queens, attending Royal Courts and living the ideals of honor and courtesy. SCA events and activities seek to recreate many aspects of medieval life and culture. Your interest may include the skills of medieval combat, learning crafts, playing taverns games, dancing and singing. The SCA offers much, much more. Fun, companionship, camaraderie. Come in and join us, Live your Dream.

Here are a few examples of what we do.

fighters fighting in the woods
Photo by Luthor Voneisenfaust

Armored & Rapier Combat

throwing knives in a target

Archery & Thrown Weapons

bowl of whole spices

Cooking & Brewing

purple and yellow trim

Fiber Arts & Costuming

scroll

Illumination & Calligraphy

2 people playing a board game

Games

youth combat

Youth Activities & Combat

group of musicians performing

Music, Dancing, & Performing

event brochures

Research & Scholarship

blacksmithing hooks

Wood & Metal Working

crown

Pageantry

group around bonfire

Camping

For an overview of the SCA and our activities, check out http://welcome.sca.org/ for more information.

The East Kingdom has local groups across eastern Pennsylvania, eastern New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.