One group that is particularly challenging to deal with is teenagers
whose parents are not in the SCA. They are too young to fight or marshal,
yet too old for "children's activities". Often, parents are concerned about
the type of group that their son/daughter is getting involved with. Here are
a few suggestions that can help to keep all concerned happy: parents,
teenagers, and the SCA members.

1. Invite the teenager's parents to join him/her. Make sure the parents
   know they can visit any time they want, even if they choose not to join.
   This lets the parent know there is nothing secretive going on with their
   child.
2. Have a meeting, perhaps at a member's house, to explain the SCA to the
   teenager and the parents. Stress the educational aspects and the things
   that the teenager can do.
3. Make a packet for teenagers and their parents. Include the rules for
   minors, and a list of things that they can and cannot do, and a written
   invitation to the parents to come join in the fun. You may also include
   the things listed in the early section on new members packets.
4. Make sure you know all the rules pertaining to minors: waivers needed,
   medical release forms, age restrictions for activities, etc. Be sure the
   parents know these rules, also.
5. Never break the rules to keep the teenager interested. Under-aged
   teenagers cannot fight at any event or on any property that is being
   rented, leased, or borrowed in the name of the SCA, in Drachenwald. No
   exceptions. If children do not want to participate unless they can do
   restricted activities, inform them that you look forward to their return
   to the SCA when they come of age.
6. Introduce the teenager to other teenagers who are functioning well in
   the SCA. Also, introduce the teenager to an adult with similar
   interests.
7. Form a guild specially for people in this age range. For example, a
   drum corps could be formed to lead troops to battle. (Of course they must
   leave the field when the battle begins.) A teen choir could be organised
   for feast entertainment (this obviously depends on the number and
   willingness of the members involved!) Teenagers could be in charge of
   organising a mid-day snack for the King and Queen.
8. Have things for the teenagers to do at events. Then, ask them to
   participate. (They may need a bit of encouraging.) For examples, they
   can:
   - help run the children's activities;

   - help serve feast;
   - be a page;
   - help cook a meal;
   - play games such as bocce;
   - be a water bearer (with supervision);
   - participate in arts and sciences activities;

   - attend classes;
   - help decorate/set-up before an event;
   - help clean-up after an event;
   - participate in a quest;
   - entertain at a feast.
   Older teenagers can:

   - fight or practice fighting or authorise;
   - be a scout;
   - be a water bearer (without supervision);
   - be a target archer;
   - be a combat archer;
   - help with crowd control at a demo.

The rules for older teenagers participation do occassionally change, so
it is best to check with the local or Kingdom officer in charge of the
activity, before the teenager starts any of the restricted activities.

Please remember: many of these restrictions vary from kingdom to kingdom.
You must follow the rules of the kingdom which you are in, as well as the
rules of Drachenwald. If the rules conflict, follow the stricter rule, or
talk to someone in charge at the event or activity.