The SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) volunteered Heavy and Cut-and-Thrust fighters to give a demonstration for 100 6th graders during their Medieval Games event. Siskiyou in Ashland, Ore., Woodland in Grants Pass, Ore., and Madrone Trail in Central Point, Ore., schools had their annual Medieval Games event on April 17, 2026. The participating schools had 7th and 8th-graders volunteer for the event as servers, musicians, and helpers.

SCA fighters arrived at the Siskiyou School at 6:15pm to prepare and gear up for a demonstration of modern practices and values rooted in medieval beliefs and traditions. Participants from the SCA included six demonstration fighters, Glyn Dwfn’s acting princess, and an ER physician.

Siskiyou School provided energy for the fighters by way of time period snacks. All fighters were thankful and partook.

Heavy fighters who wear true steel include Ben Ward, in red, John Latson, in black, and Ethan Dille, in blue. Cut-and-Thrust fighters who use blunted steel swords include Josh Campbell, with bear skin, Conner Hummel, in a cloak, and Cody Williams in green and blue. The fighters get into character and show confidence as they march through the Siskiyou school hallways toward battle.

As the fighters entered the banquet hall/game room, announcements were made to encourage closer looks at the gear, weapons, and outfits. Demonstration fights broke out right after students were warned about the loud noises that would be emitted.

Just like in medieval times, injuries on the battlefield are to be expected. The SCA requires that inspected armor, gear, and weapons be used at all times during fighting. During his first fight, Josh Campbell took a step back that he had taken “a million times.” Unfortunately for Mr. Campbell, his Achilles tendon decided to pop, and he went outside to receive medical treatment from an ER physician. He was taken to the ER right after the demonstrations ended and fitted with a boot to wear until his surgery. He is expected to be out of the fight for about 8 weeks. “I will just stand there at practice pointing my crutches and correcting people’s forms and movements,” Mr. Campbell also says, “I won’t be missing a practice just because I’m down a leg.”

Heavy and Cut-and-Thrust fighting in the SCA is visually stimulating, loud, and requires certain values. Courage, strength, cleverness, logic, self-control, fairness, and generosity are among the core values, as well as others.

The trilogy of charter schools and the Glyn Dwfn SCA group challenged students to think about how values are important, even life-saving, in times of uncertainty, including battle.

Ben Ward, who is in charge of the SCA youngsters, has participated in the event before and showed great enthusiasm with the kids and encouraged them to hit him on the helm with his weapon. He had the kids hit him repeatedly as he taught proper form, until they showed confidence in their movements.

Cut-and-Thrust fights are more agile, with more movement and dodging. Cody Williams and Conner Hummel had many fights, with Chivalry being a big value between the two friends.

After 30 minutes of fighting and showing off their gear, the fighters knelt with respect as the school’s acting king and queen gave a speech of appreciation for volunteers and praised the demonstration of values through sword fighting and service to others. The SCA will be invited back next year for yet another exciting Medieval Games event for 6th graders as part of their Middle Ages curriculum.