Pennsic is rapidly approaching and we are working on plans to make it an even better experience for any newcomers in attendance. The Æthelmearc Kingdom Chatelaine, Baroness Desiderata Drake, would like to invite those who are new to the SCA and/or new to Pennsic, to the following activities:

Newcomers’ Tent

The incoming Society Chatelaine, Duchess Kalisa Aleksandrovna, and I are coordinating the return of Newcomers’ Point. This year, however, working together to facilitate change, we are trying something a little bit different that we are hoping will make it even better than in years past. Our goal is to have a place that is open and available to newcomers during the busy War Week of Pennsic, where newcomers can feel comfortable and learn more about the event and the SCA in general. We have been able to obtain a tent through Pennsic University that is located on a main road and is close to where all of the activity of Pennsic University is located. This will be a set place for the majority of War Week that newcomers will be able to go and will know that they can attend newcomer-type classes or find somebody available to answer questions about the SCA.

The Newcomers’ tent will be in AS 17, on the corner of Chandler’s Road and St. Lawrence Way, close to the Great Hall (see map below), and will be open the following hours:

Saturday, August 6, 2016 – 11 am – 2 pm

Sunday, August 7, 2016 – 11 am – 4 pm

Monday, August 8, 2016 – 11 am – 2 pm

Tuesday, August 9, 2016 – 11 am – 2 pm

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 – 11 am – 2 pm

Classes will be mostly geared towards those who are new to the SCA, but will also have some helpful information for those new to Pennsic. Please check the Pennsic book or online at Pennsic University to see which classes will be offered each day.

Newcomers’ Social

For the third year, the Æthelmearc Chatelaines will be hosting the Newcomers’ Social at 1 pm on Sunday, August 7th in the Newcomers’ Tent (AS 17). Newcomers are encouraged to come and meet other Newcomers as well as Chatelaines from around the Known World, ask questions, and partake of some light refreshments. Rumor has it that there may be some Royals attending to welcome the newcomers as well.

Introduction to Royalty

One of the things that makes Pennsic stand out from other events is the large number of Royals in attendance from all over the Knowne World. Most newcomers don’t have the opportunity to come into contact with Royalty and to talk to them.  But now is your chance! On Wednesday, August 10 from 11 am – 12 pm, we will be holding an “Introduction to Royalty” session for newcomers in AS17. Royalty from several Kingdoms will be there for an informal meet and greet and will be available to answer questions. We guarantee it is something that you will not soon forget!

Please also come by the tent anytime just to visit if you are in the area and if you are able to take a little bit of time to support these activities for our newcomer’s, we will be incredibly appreciative. Let’s work together to make this Pennsic amazingly special for newcomers!

Dame Desiderata Drake, OP
Baroness of Delftwood, the Barony that Rocks
Kingdom Chatelaine, Sylvan Kingdom of AEthelmearc