Fostering

Fostering is the enabling of someone to participate in the SCA, and is generally a relationship between one or more persons wherein the more experienced party seeks to guide and enable the less experience party to reach their goals. Within the SCA it can take many forms depending on the type of fostering happening.

Common types of fostering:

• Newcomer fostered in Household/Camp: This is where a newcomer is provided with a space in the SCA to fall back on so they have a group at an event where they are able to take up space and ask questions. In many cases the newcomer is not expected to stay with the household long term if they do not wish to.
• Student: In this type of fostering a student is taken on by a more experienced person -such as an archer, rapier fighter, bead maker or shoemaker- and given advice and/or instruction to learn more. The mentor does not have to be a peer.
• Squire/Apprentice/Protegé: This is where someone comes under the tutelage of a peer, where they are guided on their skills. This is usually done with the end goal of a path to peerage.

During fostering, especially of newcomers, the experienced SCAdian(s) will often work with the foster to find their footing in what they want to pursue. This includes making introductions, showing them how to get involved or playing wingman to get them into new activities.

When taking on a foster it is common for both parties to lay out their expectations of one another in this relationship, such as whether it be purely professional, more familial in nature or have rigid servitude roles (sometimes historically based). Other things considered when entering fostering is whether both parties expect rigid guidelines and timelines. Fostering can be started on a 'year and a day' basis, essentially the trialling if the relationship works out for everyone involved.

Fostering is also commonly used as a term to describe a Squire/Apprentice/etc. with an existing peer relationship, who's peer has become unavailable for whatever reason (moved/stopped playing/what-have-you). They will often establish a new relationship with a more available peer, while still being in fealty to the prior peer. The new peer is said to be fostering them, or be their foster peer.

Fostering will always be case-by-case for the individuals involved.