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I have to say this about the whole process of trying to do something about the Pennsic A&S Youth rule.
The mayor has been very responsive and polite through this whole thing.
I received a letter this morning that there was some question about the wording of the letter that was initially addressed to the Cleftlands.
That letter was indeed written by Mistress Chai and accurately reflects what she said. It was written before the guardian issue was changed, was in response to a specific question on the list.
It was not, however, meant to intimate that this was a Society decision. I have been told, through official channels that this is a Pennsic decision.
When I initially read it, I interpreted it as a change, that it was a Society issue. That is not the case, and I am comfortable with accepting that.
Personal addition: Clearly, you had Society-level officers involved, but it was made by the Pennsic staff.
I am no one official. Just someone who is very concerned about the issue.
For the record:
Dear Parents of the Cleftlands,
You may have heard there is a rule in place that limits participation in A&S venues to adults. This means that minors (anyone under the age of 18) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. I do understand the hardship this presents. Please understand this is not the choice of the Cultural Affairs staff nor of the Pennsic University. This is due to a requirement that all teachers and volunteers working with the youth in the SCA must have passed a security screening. Cultural Affairs cannot guarantee that of all teachers in the A&S venues have been so screened, therefore this rule has been deemed to be necessary by the Society Minister of Youth.
Let me assure you that any activity designated as being "for youth"--activities such as the Children's Fete, the Known World Teen Party, anything held at Youth Point, all Youth Martial classes on the Battlefield--do have screened teachers/volunteers. For these activities teens do not need adult supervision. Please check the Youth sections of the Pennsic Book when you are onsite for appropriate activities for your minor children.
As the Cultural Affairs staff does not have the resources to age check everyone attending A&S activities, we are relying on parental discretion when allowing children to attend or participate in events at Pennsic. Please use common sense and be aware at all times where your minor children are.
Chai'usun
Deputy Mayor for Cultural Affairs
Pennsic 39
The mayor has been very responsive and polite through this whole thing.
I received a letter this morning that there was some question about the wording of the letter that was initially addressed to the Cleftlands.
That letter was indeed written by Mistress Chai and accurately reflects what she said. It was written before the guardian issue was changed, was in response to a specific question on the list.
It was not, however, meant to intimate that this was a Society decision. I have been told, through official channels that this is a Pennsic decision.
When I initially read it, I interpreted it as a change, that it was a Society issue. That is not the case, and I am comfortable with accepting that.
Personal addition: Clearly, you had Society-level officers involved, but it was made by the Pennsic staff.
I am no one official. Just someone who is very concerned about the issue.
For the record:
Dear Parents of the Cleftlands,
You may have heard there is a rule in place that limits participation in A&S venues to adults. This means that minors (anyone under the age of 18) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. I do understand the hardship this presents. Please understand this is not the choice of the Cultural Affairs staff nor of the Pennsic University. This is due to a requirement that all teachers and volunteers working with the youth in the SCA must have passed a security screening. Cultural Affairs cannot guarantee that of all teachers in the A&S venues have been so screened, therefore this rule has been deemed to be necessary by the Society Minister of Youth.
Let me assure you that any activity designated as being "for youth"--activities such as the Children's Fete, the Known World Teen Party, anything held at Youth Point, all Youth Martial classes on the Battlefield--do have screened teachers/volunteers. For these activities teens do not need adult supervision. Please check the Youth sections of the Pennsic Book when you are onsite for appropriate activities for your minor children.
As the Cultural Affairs staff does not have the resources to age check everyone attending A&S activities, we are relying on parental discretion when allowing children to attend or participate in events at Pennsic. Please use common sense and be aware at all times where your minor children are.
Chai'usun
Deputy Mayor for Cultural Affairs
Pennsic 39
