a good learning tool

[flatline]

i do medevil recreation and milsims and i found that they are both exelent training techniques. the medevil side teaches the deep rooted way to survive. everything from metal working to basic healing salves and balms, with everything in between. and the milsim though a game, gives a realistic feel to tatics that you would not learn outside of the military or law enforcment. so if you dont have the means to get the type of gear for a modern bug out kit/ survival tools. the earth does provide quite a bit at a low cost.

[barkingowl]

So does a person gain exposure to this through a Renaissance Fair?

[herbalpagan]

I agree that those are good training tools. I have seen the more artsy types go a bit wierd with all the politics and court stuff, but most of the people who do it are really learning history and then practicing it.
A lot of gun events go on that the living history buffs go to, they set up an old type tent (canvas) and cook with old fashioned impliments, eat, dress and live in an old fashioned way. They even collect old time weapons and learn to use them and make their own shot.
Ren Faire's are not the only place for this kind of thing. I belong to the SCA, but there are many many more groups out there doing this. I'm joining the Scottish Living History group near by and they go to Celtic events, gun shoots, Ren Faires, museums, recreation events and in general have very busy schedules. There is a lot to do this way if you are interested.:)

[Brosia]

I go to a local county park where they do the 1800s re-creation... and I think those are awesome skills to learn- cooking over a fire, candle-making, etc

[flatline]

its definatly an interesting way to learn about medevil history ang gain some useful skills.......the milsims we do are airsoft with modern tactics and warfare

[barkingowl]

I'm joining the Scottish Living History group near by and they go to Celtic events, gun shoots, Ren Faires, museums, recreation events and in general have very busy schedules. There is a lot to do this way if you are interested.:)

It does sound very interesting. Do you have a link you could share so that I could find a group in my area?

[flatline]

www.sca.org. you meet alot of nice ppl there to....been doing it for 8 yrs now and i wish i knew about it sooner

[herbalpagan]

I think you can find most any group by doing a google search for what you are looking for. Here is one link I found that might help:

http://www.ehow.com/how_17226_find-join-historical.html

It has some ideas on what to look for when you do find a group. I do believe that if you have an interest, a time period or a hobby, you can probably find a reenactment group for it! lol

[unswydd]

www.sca.org. you meet alot of nice ppl there to....been doing it for 8 yrs now and i wish i knew about it sooner

I tried to get involved with the local sca group here, helped out at several fairs, just general trying to socialize and get to know others, but as soon as they found out I was a "christian" they kinda gave me the cold shoulder. I was very disappointed. I realized that a lot of them were pagan, but I didn't care and was a little upset that they let it get in the way. Hey, I'm a great gal, easy to know and fun to be around. Crafty and even know how to sew. So, that was pretty much it for me and the sca here. Bummer!