Archery
Time: Thursdays 6:00 pm, Sundays 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: UW Stock Pavilion, 1675 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706
(Directions and special rules are on the Meeting Sites page.)
We have permission by the University Division of Recreational Sports to allow SCA members to join the UW Archery Club practices! The practices are on Fridays and Sundays from 6pm to 8pm at the Stock Pavilion. The club is required by RecSports to keep the use of club equipment exclusive to the student body, so bring your own bows and arrows.
Contact: Etáin inghen Duibh Rea, or email archery_captain@jararvellir.org
Armored Combat
SCA heavy Fighting is open to Gentles of our Society as they engage in full speed and full force martial combat. This combat system is one based on the honor of the participants, as it is up to them to recognize and acknowledge which blows are valid. Safety is important – weapons are made of rattan (a type of wood that frays instead of splintering) and protective armor is required to ensure safety of the fighters. Links to information about SCA Armored Combat can be found on the Combat page. No experience is necessary. Loaner equipment is available.
Time: Thursdays 7:00 – 10:00 pm, Sundays 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: UW Stock Pavilion, 1675 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706
(Directions and special rules are on the Meeting Sites page.)
Contact: Contact the Knight Marshal, Lady Earna in hvita (Earna Hwit), knight_marshal@jararvellir.org
Armour Making
We have almost all the materials, most of the tools, and many patterns needed to make SCA armor. We can teach pretty much anybody enough basic metal and leather working to build basic armor. Anyone with a metal working project is welcome. There is a charge for materials, but you will probably be surprised by how cheap iron and such are. Wear long pants and shoes (not sandals). In the Winter wear warm clothes, as the workshop is not effectively heated.
Time: Please check with the Magisterfrater listed below to confirm: Mondays, 4:00 – 10:00 pm
Location: 3314 Ridgeway Ave., Madison, WI 53704 One block north of E. Washington Ave. via Carpenter St.
Contact: Magisterfrater Giles Devon(Ed Gilbert), 608-244-2845, horsebows@gmail.com
Blacksmithing
Blacksmithing is the art of shaping metal with fire, force, and finesse. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, learn new techniques, or are brand new to blacksmithing, the Blacksmithing Guild of Jararvellir welcomes you. The guild is led by Zeba são Pacian, and meets periodically on Sunday afternoons to forge not only metal — but camaraderie and creativity.
Guild sessions focus on skill-building, collaboration, and experimentation. Members are encouraged to challenge each other through new projects and innovative approaches to traditional methods, all in the spirit of improving one another’s craft.
Safety is just as vital as skill in the smithy. Participants are required to wear long sleeves and pants made from natural fibers (like cotton, linen, or wool) along with close-toed shoes to ensure proper protection from heat and sparks. We provide safety glasses and ear protection onsite, but feel free to bring your own gear if you have a personal preference—comfort and confidence are key when you’re working the forge.
Time: Meets Periodically on Sundays
Location: Email the contact listed below for further information
Contact: Zeba são Pacian – lady_laerin@yahoo.com
Calligraphy and Illumination
The Catfish Scriptorium guild sessions are set up for scribal arts and socializing. So, bring a project, questions, or exciting ideas and let us grow our skills and friendships. We welcome all forms of scribal art from the standard paper manuscript recreation scrolls to rocks, wood burning, etching, 3-d printing, embroidery, and so much more. One does not need to study both calligraphy and illumination to participate, and no previous study of “art” is necessary — anyone can do it.
Time: Third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 – 9:00ish pm
Location: Contact Eithni ingen Talorgain / Jean Kveberg for the address and to confirm activity occurrence (Text or Call 608-628-7782)
Contact: Ethni ingen Talorgain
Choral Guild
The Jararvellir Choral Guild welcomes all voices, with or without previous training or choral experience. We sing a variety of songs from throughout the period and from a number of cultures.
Time: Tuesday 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Location: Jose’s home
Contact: Liz of Jararvellir (Liz Ellis) fuzzyinthehead@gmail.com
Equestrian
Dedicated to the development of historical equestrian arts and science, and all around good time with horses. Ground crew, riders, and horse owners encouraged, you do not need a horse to participate.
Practices of various weapon-related equestrian activities are held monthly during the warmer months at a local farm. All are welcome and there is no cost to attend. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required for safety.
Equestrian Practices are Presently Suspended
Contact: Rosamund Redmane, skys.the.limit1335@gmail.com
European Dance
We do period dances of Italy, France, and England from the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as later dances upon request. The dances range from extremely easy to rather complex. Dances are for couples, trios, and larger groups. One does not need a partner to attend dance practice. No experience necessary, all dances are taught. If you can walk, you can dance.
Time: Fourth Monday of each month from 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Location: Wil-Mar Center, 504 S Brearly St, Madison, WI 53703
Contact: Johan (Jacob Hansen) jjansenhansen@gmail.com
Experimental Gardens & Grounds at Kinney Croft
Come get your hands into the dirt at our Baronial Experimental Garden in Oregon where we grow & harvest natural period materials so that individuals (like YOU!) and the Arts and Sciences groups in the Barony can experiment with authentic material for period crafts like dyeing, inks, basketmaking, instrument making, etc. We also enrich the Event Grounds with creative projects and period building methods. We have tasks suitable for limited bending-and-stooping. Supervised Kids & Babes-in-arms are welcome! Porta potty and running water on-site.
Time: Open house style 9:00AM-2:00 PM. Rotating Saturdays and Sundays, April thru November. See calendar.
Location: 4310 Sunny Ridge Rd, Oregon, WI 53575 (aka the Bad Rabbits event site & outdoor archery range). Private property. Open only during scheduled activities.
Contact: Emeline Atte More (Rachel Lambert) rachel.7.lambert@gmail.com, or “Emeline Atte More” on Facebook Messenger for detailed directions & what to wear/bring, etc.
Fletching
Fletching is the art of making arrows. Whether you wish to make a set for yourself, repair broken arrows for the Barony, or just see how it is done, the Fletchers Guild will welcome you. Making a set of arrows for yourself from start to finish will take 3 to 6 days. The steps include shaft preparation and dipping, nocking, tipping, fletching (putting on the feathers) and wrapping.
Time: Tuesdays, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Location: 6044 East Linden Parkway, McFarland
Contact: Jois Corbet, 608-628-5059, corvusjoyous@gmail.com
Leatherworking (Carver’s Guild)
We have a variety of leather, tools and supplies for you to play with. When you finish a project, a donation to cover material costs is welcome but not required.
Time: Thursdays 6-9 pm
Location: Scooter Software, 625 N Segoe Rd, #104, Madison, WI 53705
We have an exterior door at the right corner of the building when facing it from Segoe. There’s usually an available parking spot on northbound Segoe by the building. Otherwise the building’s parking lot is off Frey St. The main lobby entrance will be locked, so come to our exterior door.
Contact: Thomas Tausend
Rapier / Cut-and-Thrust
SCA Rapier combat differs from traditional Olympic style fencing in several ways, including use of a heavier blade called a schlager and the incorporation of non-linear movements. Also, secondary weapons, such as daggers, extra swords, and cloaks can be used. Links to information for SCA Rapier can be found on the Combat Page. No experience is necessary. Loaner gear is available upon request.
Time: Thursdays 7-10 pm, Sundays 1-4 pm
Location: UW Stock Pavilion, 1675 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706
(Directions and special rules are on the Meeting Sites page.)
Contact: The Rapier Marshal, Honorable Lord Clydwyn Gwehydd, or email rapier_marshal@jararvellir.org
Thrown Weapons
Thrown Weapons practice is your chance to try throwing knives, axes, and spears. We throw axes and knives at wooden targets, and spears at cardboard or foam, at distances from 10 to 30 feet. This is an easy activity to try, and it is open to everyone, kids and adults. There are no costs or membership requirements. Of course, you do need to follow some basic safety rules and pay attention to the Marshal in charge of the practice. No open-toed shoes, please. We have loaner gear (axes, knives, and spears) for people to use, but we encourage people to get their own equipment if they want to do this regularly. (We have lots of cool catalogs to order from!) Stop on by and give us a try!
Time: First and Third Sundays 2:00 pm (see Calendar)
Location: UW Stock Pavilion, 1675 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706
(Directions and special rules are on the Meeting Sites page.)
Contact: Drazhan Simanov or Valdis Bryningsdottir – jj.r.simm@gmail.com
Youth Boffer Combat
Youth Boffer Combat is an activity where kids age 6-17 can learn how to fight using padded weapons, in the same general style and spirit as Armored Combat for adults – just hitting very lightly and with specially made padded weapons.
Time: 3rd Sunday of the Month, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: UW Stock Pavilion, 1675 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706
(Directions and special rules are on the Meeting Sites page.)
Contact: Jack Flanders (David Hall), 608-658-5802, jbf@pobox.com