WATERBEARING FOR THE YOUTHS
(Or how to heard cats) Ages 8-17

Waterbearing is a wonderful way to get the kids involved in the SCA. It gets them close to the field where they can watch the fighters and maybe get some pointers.

One adult, not the Waterbearer-in-Charge, should be in charge of the kids. This person should be an official waterbearer, knowing the rules of the list and the people in charge. They should also be actively waterbearering along with the kids. This gives the kids a little more respect for the adults if they are working along side of them.
Depending on the Marshals ruling, it may be that no one under the age of 18 can go on to an active list, even during holds. Check with your Marshals first before bringing to kids on the field to avoid disappointment.

If they are not allowed on the field, they can still work the perimeters and water the spectators and the MOL’s at the table. If they are allowed on the fields, they must listen to the adults and watch for the MARSHALS to call waterbearers in. No one else can do this. They should take their cues from the adult in charge of them.

If the kids are ages 12-17, you can pair them up into groups. To save time and energy, divide up along the perimeters of the field or at the corners. That way, they can cover more ground and be watched at the same time.

Kids 8-12 should really stay with an adult on a one-to-one basis so that safety is assured. ALL the kids should have their parents sign waterbearering waivers, showing that they have taken classes and have permission to water on the field.

Adults in charge of the kids MUST make sure that the kids are watering themselves. A lot of kids forget to drink and can get a lot of heat related problems. The adults in charge need to make sure the kids are drinking and that they don’t have signs of dehydration. The adult needs to know what these signs are. Make sure that they are sweating and they are going to the bathroom frequently. They need to be given frequent breaks and I would suggest only having them on the field at two-hour shifts.

Keep the kids as dry as possible, especially their feet. Molds and Athletes Feet (Foot) can run ramped if left unchecked. They (and you) must wear closed toe shoes out on the field.

They can still water the spectators, MOL’s and the Royals that are not on the field. Remember, these are the next generation of the SCA and we, as the adults would like to advance them along in a positive light.

This can be part of their local Youth Program. Stewardship is very important in this program and this also gets them close to the action. They can pick up pointers from the fighters on how their armor was built, about fighting stances and actually see combat.

In Service,
Lady Danae of Athens
Head of the East Kingdom Waterberer’s Guild
Deputy Youth Chirurgeon
Preceptor to the East Kingdom

Last modified: October 8, 2004