October 2005

Greetings unto the Noble People of the Midrealm from your Minister of Youth,

First I would like to thank Dame Nicholaa for giving me this opportunity to do what I love the most – work for the youth in our society. I am grateful for her guidance over the past several months as well as the assistance I am sure she will provide as I assume the duties of my new position.

Youth activities have come a long way since I first began participating in the society almost 20 years ago. More and more groups are including activities for youth in their event schedules. These activities make our youth feel more a part of our society. While we continue on this path we should also strive to find ways to focus on the future of our youth. In addition to the entertaining and educational activities held at our events we should also incorporate mentoring and service programs in our youth schedules. These will not only help our youth grow within our society but it will also help them grow in the world outside of the protective walls of our Known World.

Almost one year ago we introduced the Page for a Day program to the Midrealm. This program is essentially an opportunity for our youth to learn about service to our society. It has the potential to grow into a mentoring program for youth and adults to work together as partners. If you are interested in starting this program in your local group please contact me via email.

Page School is a program designed for our youth to learn all aspects of our society. This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to be part of a structured program created to help them develop in the areas of chivalry, arts and sciences, and service. As with any program it is what you make of it. If you don’t use it then it benefits no one. Please encourage our youth to enroll and reap the benefits of Page School. We have two new officers with Page School that are enthusiastic about the program and ready to assist our youth. Please contact Baroness Adelicia Marie d'Argent, Dean of Page School for program information and Lady Katerina Mahler, Page School Registrar for participant credit standing, updates, and initial enrollment. Their contact information can be found both in the Pale and on the MOY web site at http://www.midrealm.org/mkyouth/

I would like to invite MOY officers, youth teachers, and parents to join our unofficial discussion list. This list has been created to discuss activities for youth in the SCA within the Midrealm. We can share ideas, post events with activities geared towards our youth, and information concerning Page School, Page for a Day, Youth Craft Faires, Pennsic Youth Activities, the RUM Youth Track, and other youth oriented A&S and service opportunities. Please email me if you would like to join the list.

We are still looking for a Regional MOY for the Midlands region. If you would like to be considered for these positions, please send your resume and/or letter of interest to my contact information listed in the Pale.

The Youth Craftsmen Faire will be held at Crown Tourney. This faire is open to all youths, 17 years old and younger. Please encourage your young person to submit an A&S project.

Finally, I would like to remind youth activity coordinators, volunteers, and parents/guardians to read the MK Youth Policy and the MK Youth Program Guide and MOY Handbook. These documents are available at http://www.midrealm.org/mkyouth/

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be delighted to assist you.

In your service I remain,

Duchesse Sabine de Rouen