The weather is hot and suddenly our friends are beginning to talk about beating each other with sticks. It must be time for Pennsic! For those of us who have been to "War" before, this time of the year is like going home. It's the eagerly awaited vacation we've longed for during the cold winter months. For first-timers, however, the thought of preparing for a two-week-long, medieval camping event can be somewhat overwhelming. We know. We've been there! Hopefully, the following pages will ease the anxiety somewhat.
Unfortunately, money is a major consideration for most of us, and planning ahead for Pennsic is important. Adult site fees range from $120 for the full two weeks to $70 for the last week. There is a $10 surcharge for those who do not pre-register, so get your registration in before the deadline. Fees for minors are about half the cost of adults. Members pay $20 less, so now might be a good time to consider that membership. Admission fees may be paid in CASH or PLASTIC only! Traveler's checks are accepted with proper ID. Do not plan to pay your way in with a check. You will be turned away.
When you approach Troll, have ready your money, a picture ID (i.e. driver's license or equivalent), and proof of SCA membership if you have it. Your membership card is best, but you can also use a mailing label (from your Kingdom newsletter or Tournaments Illuminated) that has your membership number, or SCA corporate correspondence that indicates membership status. The Autocrat has made it clear that memberships will not be sold at the War this year. If you are not currently a member in good standing of the SCA, you may want to get that membership form sent in and save yourself the $20 fee. Note: If you arrive late in the war, expect to wait a while in line for Troll.
In addition to your site fee, there are certain expenses that must be considered when planning your budget. Pennsic is generally hot. Expect to buy ice for your cooler. If you plan to keep and cook food, this is not just convenient, it's necessary. There is no electricity in the campsites and food must be kept cold with ice. This is sold on site and costs $1.00 per bag; expect to buy one bag of ice per day per cooler. If you plan to rely on the Pennsic restaurants for your food, know that they are not cheap. Ye Olde McDonald's will not be there, so plan to spend $4-$5 per meal if you eat out.
There may also be times in your camp that you will be asked to contribute for the good of the group. For instance, most groups camping together chip in for firewood so that a common camp fire can be maintained. This may only be a matter of a few dollars, depending on the size of your group, but you may want to plan for it. Some groups also plan communal dinners several times during the War in which members help to buy food and supplies.
Shopping is great at Pennsic. If you are prone to be a spendthrift, beware. The merchants will find a way to lure the money from your purse. If you plan to go shopping, and you should, be careful to pace yourself so that you don't find yourself three days from the end of the war with $1.50 in your purse.
Clothing is an important part of the medieval experience. You will be expected to remain in medieval garb from the time you finish unpacking to the time you repack to go home. Some mundane clothing is tolerated, but is isn't encouraged. Plan to have an outfit a day for the length of your stay, or plan to do laundry. The weather is hot and while body odor is, in fact, period, that doesn't make it acceptable to your campmates.
Most of the time, Pennsic is HOT. It is, after all, mid-August. Save your pretty court garb for winter events, or, at least, save it for evening courts when it's cooler. Cool, lightweight, camp gear is the uniform of the day and can be anything you or your persona requires as long as it fits into the 500 - 1600 C.E. time period. Men generally wear lightweight tunics with pants for daywear (Many do without the pants. Yes it's period!) Some strip down to bunny fur G-strings and loin cloths, but if you plan to do this, remember that sunburn can be a killer! The same goes for women. The more you expose, the more can get burned on the mostly-treeless campground. Most women choose cool, cotton long or short tunics. Many choose to wear harem-type pants with a sleeveless jacket or short tunic. All of these are fine for daywear. Don't forget to bring a head covering. Veils or straw hats are fine for women and men often wear straw hats or Arabic kafias. No one at Chirurgeon's Point want to see you come in with a third-degree sunburn! Footwear is hardest to make period. Sandals are almost always fine. No one will look askance at a pair of leather sandals for either men or women. Tevas are also very practical since they are easily washed off. They don't look as period, but no one will notice when your shoes are covered with a layer of dust or mud. Moccasins of any sort will serve quite well, and the high, soft leather boots are common garb for both men and women. White, hightop sneakers are right out! If you must wear sneakers for health reasons, try to find dark colored ones. Dark-colored leather boots (military or hiking) are tolerated, albeit non-period, especially if they are mostly covered by your pants. For fighting, modern boots are quite acceptable.
We mentioned that most of the time Pennsic is hot and dusty. That's except when it's cold and wet. Be prepared for changes in the weather. The temperature at night can drop into the 40's and a cloak can be a very welcome item of clothing. Heavier shoes or boots are also a good idea for bad weather, or for fighting. Period or not, no one wants to be caught on a cold, rainy night with only wet sandals for warmth. Plan to keep a change of durable mundane garb, including shoes, in a plastic bag or bin. If storms happen, your tent could be washed out leaving you with no dry clothing. Better to be safe than sorry.
A word to the wise for the ladies: Pantaloons, bloomers or shorts to be worn under your dresses are a good idea, especially if you tend to be a little fuller of figure. If you don't understand why, please ask before you have a very uncomfortable experience. (I've been told lately that shorts are also a good idea for men. Take heed, gents.)
In short, dress at Pennsic as if you were attending a medieval picnic. Be safe, be comfortable and make an effort to be period. There will be ample opportunities to wear more elaborate garb in the evenings for court, so don't hesitate to bring it. Just don't expect to rely only on your event garb.
If you plan to go to Pennsic, make sure you have a safe and reliable source of transportation. There is no shuttle from the Pittsburgh airport and your friends may not have room to give you a ride if your car breaks down. Once at the War, expect to walk to get around, although buses run a circuit around the parking lot and battlefield. There is also a hay wagon, referred to as the wain, that runs during War Week. Don't be surprised, however, if it is full when you most need a ride, especially during the battles.
People coming to War arrive in everything from motorcycles with saddlebags and nothing else to eighteen-wheel rigs (literally--but these are for large groups). How much gear you bring will depend on how long you are staying, how "period" you want to be (in general, period camp gear is bulkier), your financial resources, and your travel distance and mode (if you're flying to the event, forget about that huge pavilion!). There are a number of published checklists for things you may want to bring, but some general guidelines will serve for this section.
First, Pennsic is not an RV park. Unless you have a medical disability and advance approval, do not bring your pop-up camper, fifth-wheel camper, or full RV to the event. Even though you may camouflage the vehicle, it isn't period and it isn't permitted. Plan on using a tent like everyone else. Period shelter (pavilions, tents, yurts, etc.) is of course preferred, but it is not realistic to expect everyone to have the resources, time, or even the desire to build or buy such items. Modern tents are perfectly okay, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Most people camp their first couple of years in a modern tent and then build or buy a period shelter when they have been in the SCA for a while. If you bring a modern tent but want to look period, try adorning your tent with banners, your heraldic device (if registered), or other period-looking articles.
Second, Pennsic is not primitive camping. You will not be cutting down live trees, or even toppling deadfall, for firewood. You will not be fishing for your supper, or hunting moose, or trapping raccoons for fur trade--so leave the equipment for these things at home. Remember that you are just a few kilometers from a modern town and just ten minutes brisk walk from the Cooper's Lake camp store. Plan to buy some perishables such as ice and milk onsite. The local grocery, hardware, and discount stores all know about Pennsic, and they don't even give you a second glance if you walk into their store in garb. Some even offer "Pennsic specials" on items you are likely to need. There are firewood suppliers locally who will deliver a pickup load of firewood for a price that is reasonable (at least if shared by a group of people). The point here is that you are just camping, not backpacking, so many of the items needed by "serious" campers, such as freeze-dried food, are expensive overkill.
Third, Pennsic is not home. Notwithstanding the previous paragraph about being close to essential services, it is annoying to have to make a trip to the camp store every meal, and driving to town involves up to a mile walk (each way) to the parking lot to get your car. The moral of this story is "be self sufficient, within reason." The more self-sufficient your camp can be, the more time you can spend having fun instead of making supply sorties.
By the way, please remember that Pennsic is CAMPING, not a hotel. The Autocrat's First Rule of Pennsic is: "If you want all the comforts of home, STAY THERE!" Before you even leave home, get used to the idea that you will occasionally be wet, cold, hot, or dirty, and then make up your mind to have a good time anyway.
Fourth, think like a group if you are camping with a group. It is very handy to have an ax for splitting firewood, but not every family needs one as long as someone has it and is willing to lend it out. A communal campfire with one large cooking grate saves campsite space and saves a lot of work over individual fires--and it is generally much safer. Each person is allotted a certain square footage of land, generally enough for your tent and a small area around it. In a group, though, you can cooperate by bunching the tents up a little and leaving a large common area for the campfire and socializing. If someone can bring a large dining fly, and possibly a portable table, you have a terrific place to gather, eat, and converse--especially when the sun is hot or the rain is pouring down.
Consider both safety and convenience in how you pack as well as what you pack. Make sure your vehicle (and trailer, if applicable) are in good working order before you leave home. Keep your spare tire, jack, and tools accessible, not under tons of camp gear! Secure any loads carefully, so that you don't lose gear in transit and possibly cause an accident. If you are bringing long pavilion poles or other oversize items, consider warning flags if they protrude more than a few inches beyond the ends of your vehicle, and check the local laws if you are not sure what warning devices are needed.
Pack your gear in waterproof containers except for things where wetness won't matter (like pavilion poles). This applies even to things inside your car, because it may be a downpour as you are unpacking at War! The waterproof containers that kept your gear dry on the way to war will keep your car dry and clean as you haul that icky, wet, smelly stuff home. Those same containers will also help keep your gear dry and organized at war. Consider bringing extra garbage bags or ziplocks to transport tiki torches home after war.
No matter how long you plan to stay at Pennsic, you'll have to eat. What and how well you eat depend on how well you plan ahead. If you are only planning to be at the War a few days, eating out is possible. Pennsic has, believe it or not, a food court. There are several sit-down restaurants that range from sandwiches and pizza to full, period meals. There are also vendors that sell meat pies, period drinks and the equivalent of "fast food." Again, prices can be high, so bring money if you want to go this route.
Cooking can range from elaborate, period meals cooked over an open fire to canned soup heated on a propane stove. Both are acceptable, depending on time and your cooking ability. Most people pack some foods that can be easily heated or eaten cold. Precooked cold cuts or sausage are fine and will keep well in a cooler. Bread tends to go stale quickly in the humidity. We would suggest buying bread on a regular basis if you are a sandwich person, or buying several loaves of King's Hawaiian bread which doesn't seem to go stale. Its round loaves also look delightfully period. Like bread, soft fruit and vegetables will spoil quickly. If you like fruit and vegetables or are a vegetarian, plan to pack containers of cut-up fruits and vegetables that can be stored in a cooler.
Other good choices for Pennsic are stews which are cooked ahead and frozen in small containers. They will help keep the cooler cold for several days and are easily unpacked for quick meals. The same thing can be done with cabbage meat rolls, pasta sauces and other cook-ahead foods. Precooked chicken is a good snack and partially-cooked chicken be recooked over an open fire for a more period meal. It's not easy to plan food for up to two weeks, but it can be done. Multiple coolers make things easier, and supplies can be purchased on site or at area stores. Easily spoiled foods such as milk and bread are available at the camp store, but are expensive. Remember too, that in hot weather, lighter meals go down easier than four-course feasts!
Lastly, do not mooch. If you plan to be a full-time resident of a camp, bring your own food or expect to buy it in the food court. Your camp mates will have planned their meals closely and may not have extra to share. If you are asked to join someone for dinner, share and enjoy, but don't expect your neighbors to feed you.
Like anywhere you camp, the weather at Pennsic can be unpredictable. In past years, the weather has ranged from the low 100's with 90% humidity to mid-50's with five inches of rain. Storms flare up and, sometimes, tents come down. This is all part of the Pennsic experience. Expect the unexpected. Some warm clothes are good to bring as are sun screen, a hat and lots of liquid. If you have precious items that will be lost if they get wet, don't bring them, or at least plan to have a plastic box or garbage bag to put them in in case of storm. Winds come up and occasionally a campsite will get drenched. Be prepared. Pennsic has policies for threatening weather and you will be kept informed in case of a bad storm.
Pennsic is like a small town. With over 10,000 residents, it is a small town. Like any village, some services are available and some aren't. The Cooper's Lake staff does a very good job of providing the basic necessities for their guests. For instance, there is a camp store. It is small and doesn't have a huge selection of items, but it can meet basic needs. The store sells milk, soda, limited supplies such as bread and fruit, laundry soap in small quantities, matches, batteries, candy, and ice cream. It also provides cubed or block ice for $1.00 per bag and firewood by the truckload. Don't expect to buy all your needs here, but don't be surprised if the store can get you through in a pinch.
The Coopers also have a small laundromat on site. There are only three washers and three dryers available, but it is open 24 hours a day and standing in line can be a great way to meet new friends. In addition, there is also a small post office where you can buy stamps, postcards and the like, but the facility's open hours are limited. A small bank that can cash travelers checks and make change is also available in the merchant's area, but it does not cash personal checks. There is now an ATM on site, but its hours are restricted and lines tend to be long when it is available. Telephones are located near the camp store and usually have a line during the day. It's often easier to make phone calls in the evening. There are several cell phone towers in the vicinity, so some cell calls are now possible.
Now, for the question you were afraid to ask: Yes, there is plumbing at Pennsic. It's just in limited supply. The camp has a huge number of port-a-johns (port-a-castles) available. They are remarkably clean and well-maintained considering the number of gentles on site. There are also indoor bathrooms located in the bathhouses. Cooper's Lake has three bathhouses, two hot water and one solar-heated. (The solar shower seems to have as much hot water as the others and is much bigger. Less waiting!) Plan to walk a ways for a shower unless you have your own camp shower facility. Water spigots are located very near every camp. The water in the past has been terrible for drinking. It is perfectly safe and clean, but has a very content of iron and other minerals. If you are sensitive, you will want to bring bottled supplies.
In addition to the services available on site, there are stores within a few miles of the campsite. Campers have in and out privileges to obtain supplies and grocery runs can be arranged within camps. Several discount stores are within a few minutes of the camp, as well as grocery stores, banks, etc. There are also larger laundromats off-site. Remember, however, that excessive use of your car can cause huge traffic jams and dust and traffic often spoils the period feel of the event. Don't be part of the problem! Be advised, also, that the Pennsic parking lot is bigger than you can possibly imagine and you may not want to lose that close-in parking spot by leaving the campsite.
If you thought living in an apartment was tough, try living packed together in canvas houses. Camping in a large group is not always easy and takes great diplomacy. Courtesy and respect for others are absolutely imperative. Never walk into another camper's private space unannounced. While there may not be a physical door to knock on, the door is implied. Plan your needs carefully so that you don't have to borrow. If you do need to borrow from a camp mate, be courteous and return what you borrowed as soon as possible. Respect the sleeping needs of others. Your neighbor may have worked a security shift until 6:00 AM and has just gone to bed. Also, keep your stuff where it belongs. Don't straggle your possessions all over the camp.
Try not to be a camp hanger-on. As much as we all like to sit around and talk to our friends, no one wants to have a neighbor in their tent 24 hours a day. Visit at appropriate times, but leave before your presence becomes annoying. Everyone is entitled to privacy. Also, please be respectful of other people's possessions. Never take or handle another's property without permission. This is especially true of armor and weapons.
Children in camp can be a joy or a nuisance, depending on their behavior. If you plan to have children in your camp, be responsible for them. Keep them entertained and under control. Above all, keep them safe. There are open flames and people carrying sharp objects all over the campground. No one wants to have to take a child to Chirurgeon's Point. Remember too that parents are not permitted to leave children when they go off-site. If you must leave, take your kids with you. Camping together implies a commitment to the good of the camp. Small chores need to be performed daily if the camp is to stay in working order. Don't shirk your share. If it is your turn to tend the fire, do so. If you are expected to blow out the tiki-torches at a certain hour, make sure that it is done. Like living in any community, Pennsic only works if everyone does his or her share.
Whatever rules of courtesy apply in our camp goes doubly for other camps. Never enter a camp without leave. It would be like walking into another's house without permission. Also, be mindful of the privacy and rights of those camps around yours. They may not enjoy the Corpulent Boar Fight Song at 3 o'clock in the morning.
Some people come to Pennsic with little knowledge of the Middle Ages and even less interest in learning about it. They have heard that Pennsic is a great place to drink and carouse. These people are annoying to the rest of us who care about what the SCA really tries to do.
Some people come to Pennsic knowing, or thinking they know, everything about the Middle Ages and insisting that everyone--even new people--be perfectly authentic at all times. These people are annoying to the rest of us who do the best we can but mainly want to have fun since this is, after all, just a hobby.
There is a happy middle ground between these two extremes, and most people will do well to pick a point in the middle according to their own preferences and resources.
Shopping at Pennsic is a medievalist's dream. Just about any craft, supply or research tool can be had for the right price. Plan to spend hours, if not days, walking through the several merchant areas. There are two major merchant areas at Pennsic, including one with blanket merchants, who sell all manner of small items. The common area at the main merchant site often attracts musicians who entertain for free.
If you think you can't find it at Pennsic, here is a partial list of items available at Merchant's: Clothing, jewelry, archery supplies, crossbows, feastgear, furniture, cloth, trims, ironwork, herbs and spices, perfume, glassware, games, fencing supplies, swords, handmade paper, calligraphy supplies, leather goods, books, body art, candles and brass rubbings. WHEW!
CAVEAT EMPTOR! Remember, like merchants anywhere, the folks at Pennsic are there to make money. Many of the merchants are SCA members, but that does not guarantee you a good price or quality merchandise. Shop around. Great deals and quality are there, but it is up to you to invest your money wisely. Some merchants welcome haggling, others don't. You are welcome to try, but if the merchant is not receptive to your offer, don't press the issue.
While the merchants will be glad to take your money anytime during the event, you might want to save a few dollars for Midnight Madness, the super sale that occurs Wednesday of War Week. It's a great time to stock up on luxuries and those items you can't get anywhere else. Just remember that you still have three more days at Pennsic afterward!
Yes, Virginia, there is fighting at Pennsic. The best way to find out about all the ins and outs of fighting is to ask a fighter, which we suggest you do. If you just want the bare facts, however, here they are.
Because this is the Pennsic War, fighting is the primary activity. A full range of battles occur during the War from pickup practices to full-fledged battles. There is also a full range of involvement from fighting to water bearing to scouting. All are important and if you think you would like to participate, we suggest that you talk to one of the fighters that you know. The War takes place, good naturedly, between the East Kingdom and the Middle Kingdom and involves a number of battles and points. Other kingdoms form alliances with the East and the Middle, so that everyone gets to play. Archery also counts in the point system and there are several archery events during the War. The battles, with the exception of the Woods Battle, which is closed for safety reasons, are open to spectators and you are encouraged to go out and cheer on your favorite Lord or Lady Fighter. In 2001, a full-scale, wooden fort was constructed for fighting purposes. Don't miss seeing a battle at the fort.
The arts and sciences are not forgotten at Pennsic. There is a full schedule of several THOUSAND classes taught starting the two weeks of the War. They range from all manner of Middle Eastern culture classes to Irish dancing. Here is just a sample: Illumination, Beaded trim, Combat blow calibration, Country dancing, Celtic harping, Cooking from primary sources, Natural dying, Candle making, Sideless surcoats, Working with newcomers, Writing for Tournaments Illuminated, Norse mythology, Wool combing and tons of others. Just about any art or science is represented and there are plenty of opportunities to learn them. There is also an Arts and Sciences competition held in the barn if you have anything to display. Don't miss the chance to learn from the experts.
Several years ago, a special tent with a stage was designated for entertainers at Pennsic. All manner of concerts, plays, and demonstrations take place here during the War from Celtic bands to Kabuki theater. Late in the War, the Known World Choir also gives a performance. If you have an interest in theater or music, plan to spend some time here.
If you want the pageantry of the Middle Ages, be prepared at Pennsic. Nearly every kingdom represented has court during War Week with the final Great Court on Saturday night in the barn. This is the place to unpack your most elegant garb and wear it. Most courts are followed by dancing, so there will be plenty of opportunities to meet others who have similar interests. This is also the place to observe the nobility of all the kingdoms in action. It's fun and very much a part of the time period which we strive to recreate. Don't be afraid to acknowledge those wearing coronets with a bow as they stroll through the event. It's part of the game and makes the pageantry more real.
Pennsic, like most big, camping events, is a wet site, meaning that there will be drinking on site. While no alcohol can be legally sold on the campsite, there is ample opportunity to purchase, beer, wine or other drinks in Slippery Rock or the other little towns in the area. If you plan to drink at Pennsic, no problem (provided you are over the age of 21, the legal drinking age in PA). However, use good common sense and stay safe while doing it. Do not overindulge to a point where you become a hazard to yourself or others or spoil the property or fun of those attending the event.
For the non-drinkers, don't be surprised to see SCAdian folk drinking alcohol at the parties and activities around you. If you choose not to drink, that is also no problem: You will be in good company, as many folks at Pennsic do not drink. There is plenty to do at the War that does not require an alcoholic haze.
For those who are recovering from an alcohol problem, there are Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held at Pennsic. Locations and times are generally announced in the Pennsic program. The meetings take place, usually, in a private campsite and are organized by a private individual, not officially by the Pennsic staff.
Good health at Pennsic can best be assured by good sense! The War Chirurgeon has published an extensive list of things to do, and not do, but in general:
Be sensible about climate and weather. During the hot part of the day, stay out of the sun as much as possible. SPF-99 sunscreen is not as good at protecting you as a good-sized tree or a dining fly. Wear a hat when you go out! During the evening, especially if it is rainy, you can lose a lot of body heat. Hypothermia is one of the most common illnesses treated by the Chirurgeons. Wear warm clothing and good footgear, and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. If you do feel numbness or other hypothermia symptoms, get out of the cold and see a Chirurgeon before the problem gets worse.
Hydrate, hydrate, and then hydrate some more! Drink as much water during the day as you can. Your body needs it to get rid of heat and to flush out toxins that occur naturally in your blood. Alcohol does not count, and can actually make matters worse. Gatorade™ (and similar products) are hypotonic, which means that their concentration of sugar and salt is high enough to actually remove water from the blood into the stomach and intestines. Drink plain water, or Gatorade cut fifty-fifty with plain water. If you plan on fighting or doing other heavy physical activity, start hydrating yourself at least an hour before the physical activity begins, then continue throughout.
It sounds unpleasant, but a good way to monitor your hydration level is to pay attention to your frequency and volume of urination. If you are not urinating regularly, or are urinating only small quantities, then you are not drinking enough water.
Practice good camp sanitation and personal hygiene. Those flies flitting about your uncovered dinner leftovers may have just been flitting about the porta-castle a moment ago. Doesn't that make you want to do your dishes promptly? Use a mixture of 100 parts water and 1 part chlorine bleach to sanitize your dishes, cookware, and eating table after every meal. Your personal cleanliness is more than just courtesy to campmates: in hot August weather, some truly unpleasant skin rashes can result from not showering often enough. Also, make sure that you wear shoes when using the port-johns. Enough said!
Follow camp safety rules and use common sense. It is with good reason that the Fire Marshall forbids open flames in tents. A canvas or nylon tent burns fast, burns hot, and has only one exit! If your tent catches fire, you will certainly lose most or all of your gear and may be badly injured or killed. A tent can burn to cinders in seconds under the right conditions, and one tent fire may spread to nearby tents with surprising speed. Keep flames away from tents, do not leave fires unattended, and keep the required number of fire buckets and extinguishers within easy reach. The first year the authors of this document camped together at Pennsic, a defective tiki torch broke open and spilled burning fuel on the ground five feet from the tent. Fortunately, a fire extinguisher was at hand and what could have been a tragedy was only a frightening incident and the cost of a new torch. Be careful with sharp objects, and follow standard SCA safety practices with live steel weaponry.
Don't be a hero(ine)! At Chirurgeon's Point, the expression "testosterone poisoning" is used for the idiots (male or female) who lack the good sense to know when enough is too much. You are not helping your fighting comrades if you go into battle when you are sick or have a sprained ankle, and you may wind up missing the rest of the war because you hurt yourself so badly that you are hospitalized. "Carrying on nobly" in battle in spite of heat exhaustion is equally stupid, and if your brain is messed up with the heat you could end up being hurt badly or hurting someone else. In any case, you won't be much help to your colleagues in that condition, so take a break until you feel better. For minor wounds, see a Chirurgeon to get the wound properly cleaned and prevent an infection that could end your War prematurely. Finally, in emergency situations such as fires or accidents, your first duty is to send someone for help. Once that is done, then and only then should you respond to the emergency according to your level of training and the available resources.
Everyone should volunteer at Pennsic. With ten thousand or more people on site, the most dedicated staff in the world cannot do all of the work without help. However, if every one of those ten thousand people would give just one hour each, there would not be enough work to go around and they would have to turn volunteers away! Volunteering as a new Pennsic attendee also is a fantastic way to learn about how the event is organized, meet new people, and gain new skills.
Those who are medically qualified are always needed at Chirurgeons' Point. This huge tent is nominally a "first aid station" but is in a tent the size of an army MASH unit. The people who work there are professional in their attitude yet still have a sense of humor and like to socialize when there's a lull in the workload. There is a genuine feeling of teamwork and comradery among Chirurgeons at Pennsic, and if you are new to first-aid, the variety of injuries and illnesses you will see in just one shift is amazing. Non medical people are also needed to help as Scribes to keep patient records, so you do not have to be a Chirurgeon to help. By the way, first aid and CPR classes are usually taught at Pennsic (there is a small fee to cover course text and materials), so you can actually become a Chirurgeon by the end of War if you start early enough and are willing to devote the time.
Keeping watch over the entire camp is the job of Security Point and the patrols they send out. Security officers are not police and do not have mundane law enforcement authority, so you do not have to be specially qualified to help here. The Pennsic Security force is responsible for patrolling the camp to spot unattended fires, illegally parked dragons (cars), dangerous or destructive behavior, or other undesirable situations. At times, the Security patrols are called upon to relay emergency messages to or from campsites, or to summon Chirurgeons to medical emergencies in remote areas of the camp. Calm, confident mannerisms, courtesy, and clarity of thought under stress are the personality traits that make good Security volunteers.
If you want to meet people and learn a great deal about what is going on, volunteer at Information Point. This special tent is an information booth, purely and simply. They have a complete list of classes and activity schedules, locations of key encampments, and other often-requested information, and are in radio contact with Security and Chirurgeons for emergencies. You do not have to already know everything to work here--the information is mostly written down and you learn things yourself while looking it up for others. Also, they put an experienced person with a new person at Autocrat's Point, so you will have help if you're new. Heralds' Point coordinates the crying of the camp with announcements every few hours. They also operate a consultation tent for those needing help preparing names or heraldic devices for submission. If you are interested in heraldry, or just have a strong, clear voice and don't mind walking, Heralds' Point can use your help.
Pennsic has traditionally had a newspaper during War Week. The name has changed, but the goal has remained the same: to provide news and information for attendees. Volunteers are always welcome for typing chores, and any urchins who would like to earn a little spending money selling papers are urged to apply.
Finally, there are many informal ways to volunteer around camp. Storm blew down everyone's tent but yours? Help people set up again. See someone having trouble with a heavy cartload of ice? Offer to help, if you are going their direction. Give directions to someone who's lost. Lend someone your hammer if they need one and forgot to bring it. Find out what your kingdom's scheduled activities are, then volunteer to help out. Do something nice for the other people in your encampment. In the SCA, we pride ourselves on chivalry and courtesy. What a great opportunity exists at Pennsic to truly Live the Dream!
While the emphasis at Pennsic is making the experience as period as possible, no one will be upset if you take a camera or a camcorder with you. Pictures will help you remember the fun you had at the War and are a great gift to friends. Be sure to be courteous in your picture-taking. Ask permission before you snap royalty or those in elaborate garb. Most will be delighted to stand and pose, but not if they are on an important errand. Walk or make the circuit with the wain to see remote parts of the camp. SCAdian folk are ever creative with their camps, gates and tents, and you don't want to miss a thing!
The Pennsic War can be whatever you want it to be. With some preparation, it can be a lot of fun, extremely relaxing, greatly stimulating and very educational. Or, quite frankly, it can be a bore. It's up to you. If you take the trouble to plan ahead, put some effort forth to meet new friends and learn new things, it can be one of the highlights of your year.
We hope this will help you plan, and more importantly, help you to find the joy in Pennsic we have found year after year. See you at the War!
Copyright © 1998, 2001, 2002, 2006 by Katherine and Scott Courtney. Artwork Copyright © 1998 by Linn Eddy. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted to distribute this document, unaltered and in its entirety, in hardcopy format only, provided that it is to be used for noncommercial purposes and that no fee whatsoever is charged for the document beyond the actual cost of copying. This notice must appear on all redistributed copies. Reposting or redistributing this document, or any part thereof, in any electronic medium is expressly prohibited unless written consent is obtained from the authors. This document is provided for informational purposes only, and though we have checked it carefully for errors, the authors assume no liability for errors or omissions.
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