We've learned things over the years. Usually by mistake. Such as the first GNEW with Elinor and Simona where they ate lunchmeat and made a shelter for themselves out of the skins of tents whose poles had been forgotten in the packing process. In such circumstances we have had to depend on the kindness of strangers, as they say.

Overall, the greatest lesson is that the SCA is just that, a Society, and we support and help each other. It's our greatest strength.

Camping lessons:

Bring the tent poles

Put the tarp under the tent before erecting the poles

Don't try to put tent stakes in sandy soil

Cooking lessons:

Don't cook meat in the dark

On Friday Events, bring something to snack on while setting up. Or pizza. To avoid the hangry.

Clothing lessons:

Don't baste something and think it's going to hold throughout an event

Feast-going lessons:

Bring emergency feast gear to all events

The cooks of the SCA are not crazy, they are cooking things they think/know are delicious, trust them and try it

...unless it's fish wrapped in pastry with fig. Never eat the fish newtons

Listen carefully to what you are being offered - "pears with bleu cheese"