Etiquette | Gwyl y Fflam

SCA Camp Etiquette 101

New to the SCA, or haven't been to a camping event in a very long time? It's time to talk about Camp Etiquette! Just remember these simple guidelines to create a happy, welcoming atmosphere for everyone...

Noise

-Be mindful of noise levels, especially during quiet hours, and avoid loud music or arguments that might disturb neighbouring campers. Most events have quiet camping areas, and a reduced noise period from 11pm to 7 am.

-A gentle hand when opening or closing a porta-john door keeps the bang down, the sound of which can rouse many from their slumber. The nearby residents will appreciate you for it.

-When passing tents after dark, please keep voices low and be mindful of your noise level..

-Please avoid sounds of distress, like screaming or shouting certain terms, unless you're actually in distress. Many of us are first responders, veterans or active military, and this type of incident can be quite distressing.

-If your dog is a barker, consider leaving them at home. It's not nice for your camp mates, or your dog, to have to deal with a noisy pup.

Camp Courtesy

-A person’s campsite is their home during the event. Do them the courtesy of asking rather than taking an unannounced shortcut between tents. Just because the shortest path to the bathrooms is through another camp doesn't give you the right to walk through.

-A common greeting when approaching a campsite, "Hail the Camp" followed by an inquiry like "May we approach?" is a polite way to introduce yourself. Wait until you are specifically invited to enter or join the camp activities- don't just assume they are ready for guests.

-Use your judgement- some camps are 'open' and welcome visitors, but some are not. If there's a closed gate, or it looks like the folks in camp are not looking for company, come back later. Camping can be stressful and tiring, and sometimes people need some time to regroup and reset. This is especially pertinent for the event staff. They're tired, let them nap.

-Know when it is time to leave, don't overstay your welcome. Often people aren't always the most comfortable saying when you have overstayed your welcome. Stay visiting for a bit but pay close attention to social cues and don't overstay.

-Avoid touching other people's belongings without permission. Do not enter their tents, help yourself to any of their food and drink or sit in their chairs without consent. Unless it's on fire and it's not supposed to be, leave it alone. *The only exception to this rule is during inclement weather. Closing tent flaps, moving items under a shelter and otherwise protecting people's gear is quite welcome. When the wind blows, we all need to work together.

-Do not allow your children to run through camps that are not their own.

-Not everybody likes dogs.

Leave No Trace

-Pack out everything you pack in, leaving the campsite cleaner than you found it.

-Dispose of trash and wastewater properly, following any guidelines provided by the event or campground.

-Avoid disturbing the natural environment, including plants and wildlife.

-If you have trash, find a proper receptacle instead of the ground beneath your feet. Lacking a receptacle, keep it with you until you find a trash bag at your site.

"A Period" Appearance

-While not always strictly enforced, strive to minimize the visibility of modern items in your campsite and clothing.

-Try to camouflage modern items- use blankets or other period-appropriate coverings to conceal modern tents, coolers, and other items. Get as creative as you want, and make your home a castle to be proud of!

-A great way to up your game a bit is finding yourself a cool mug for your drinks. Check out thrift stores, local potters or artisans for something that you'll enjoy using instead of cans or bottles.

Other Things To Consider

-Park your car as soon as you can. It can really impact the event if you leave your car in camp too long.

-Save the mundane (or SCA) music for the drive home.

-Mark your tent pegs and ropes with high vis tape, solar lanterns or other flags. Nothing worse than tripping over them in the dark!

-Do not ruin someone else's event by making them deal with your issues. Don't over indulge, under hydrate or forget self care.

-Don't shine your flashlight into people's faces. Use a lantern or low beam light and keep it pointed towards the ground. Head torches and other undirected light can be very annoying for others, damaging their night vision. Don't be that guy.

-Walk on the side of the road, rather than blocking traffic.

-Don't assume it's okay to smoke, vape, or use a hookah in someone elses' camp. Especially don't drop cigarette butts or spit tobacco in people's camps!

Being respectful of other guest's camps and personal equipment, as well as remembering to act with courtesy and kindness will make for a wonderful experience for everyone!