The Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA) needs donated armor to bring diverse economic backgrounds together to learn an elite hobby

Running through the forest a barefoot little girl with her arms out like a plane, imagines herself flying, wind through her hair. A bright light shines in the corner of her eye, curious, she runs in that direction. Approaching too fast, her heels painfully dig into the ground halting her immediately. She then sees two bright yellow eyes emerging from the now smoke-filled area. She can feel her heart drumming and sweat pours from her brow. A dragon has now decided she is its next course. Closing her eyes, she imagines a knight she had previously seen on TV. Shiny armor and weapons swirl around her as she embraces the welcomed upgrade. Standing no taller, but with more confidence she waits for the creature to take a bite of the shiny temptation. The little girl is enveloped by darkness. Jolted awake, she has her arm straight up, continuing her dream, she jumps up and swings her arms around pretending to hold a longsword. “On guard you feisty dragon! This knight will slay thee!” 

Most people at some point dream of being their own hero. In the SCA, dreams become reality when paired with pre-seventeenth century sword fighting. Kids and adults come to exercise in a unique, fun, and encouraging way. The SCA is looking for donated armor pieces to add to their loaner gear. They also accept gear that may need repairs or for materials. This helps bring people of diverse economic backgrounds together to learn an elite hobby. Fighters consistently upgrade their gear or get new pieces. The old pieces can be reused and repurposed, ultimately saving money for others and helping them start out. 

In a study by AM J Public Health: 3,100 people were interviewed, 20-92 years old. The study showed how perceived barriers hold people back from the exercise they need. Only 26.8% of participants achieved 150 minutes per week of leisure-time physical activity. Lack of money (40.3%) and feeling too tired (38.1%) were the most frequently reported perceived barriers to physical activity. This tells us that 40% of the people who want to try new ways to exercise, will not because they don’t think they have enough money. The loaner gear in the SCA is used for people who want to try the sport without spending. 

At a Leisure Equipment Library (LEL) in Sweden, study shows the significance that borrowed equipment can have. They concluded that borrowed equipment is an essential resource for children, especially those who have lower incomes. Having equipment available for everyone, includes the minority and grows communities. 

As a heavy fighter in the SCA, full sets of gear and armor can cost up to thousands of U.S. dollars. Naturally, before spending that kind of money, checking it out first would be ideal. Luckily, the SCA has a loaner gear program. However, the loaner gear available is starting to fall apart and more is needed for new fighters. People who hold onto their gear have reasons such as, backup pieces, hand me downs, and sentimental purposes. Although old gear may be used again, or pretty to look at, someone right now wants to try this elite sport. Donating unused pieces of heavy or light gear will help someone follow their own knightly dream. 

Contact your local SCA on Facebook to find out more information and how to donate.