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Bringing the trades and skills of
the Medieval Era back to life
Located in McDade, TX
35 Miles East of Austin
512-222-6680 x6
Curriculum
Early Bird Pricing | Medieval-Themed Camp | Sessions for All Ages
Early Bird PricingMedieval-Themed CampSessions for All Ages
Learn About Our Courses
Our courses vary year to year, and the final curriculum is subject to change. You can meet our Masters and learn about what they are teaching on our YouTube Channel and on our Parent Tour Video below!
2024 Youth Camp Course Lineup
Age Groups
Weeks 1-3
Campers are divided into age groups and further subdivided into clans. The age groups are:
- Squires - 8 to 10 years old
- Paladins -11 to 13 years old
- Stewards -14 to 16 years old
Week 4
The minimum age is 10, and 10-16 year olds are mixed together.
Clans
Each Clan has a set list of classes that campers will enjoy Monday through Friday during their camp week. Clans stick together, so if your camper wants to be placed with a friend, be sure they select the same Clan! Weeks 1-3, campers are grouped by age and week 4 ages within groups are mixed.
Weeks 1-3
Class selections are as follows:
Squires
- Emerald - Archery, Chainmaille, Leather Masks, Swimming, Swordplay, Theatre
- Sapphire - Adventuring 101, Archery, Illuminated Manuscripts, Pyrography, Swordplay, Viking Lore
- Topaz - Adventuring 101, Blacksmithing, Fae Studies, Leather Masks, Swimming, Swordplay
Paladins
- Aspen - Archery, Axe Throwing, Blacksmiting, Leather Masks, Swordplay, Viking Lore
- Cypress - Archery, Chainmaille, Chivalry, Courtly Dance, Illuminated Manuscripts, Swordplay
- Juniper - Axe Throwing, Blacksmithing, Fae Studies, Horsemanship, Swordplay, Viking Lore
- Magnolia - Archery, Blacksmithing, Fae Studies, Illuminated Manuscripts, Swordplay, Viking Lore
- Oak - Archery, Fae Studies, Pyrography, Swiming, Swordplay, Theatre
- Pine - Adventuring 101, Archery, Chainmalle, Courtly Dance, Horsemanship, Pyrography
- Redwood - Axe Throwing, Courtly Dance, Illuminated Manuscripts, Pyrography, Swordplay, Viking Lore
Stewards
- North - Archery, Chivalry, Horsemanship, Illuminated Manuscripts, Swimming, Swordplay
- South - Archery, Blacksmithing, Chainmaille, Horsemanship, Leather Masks, Swordplay
- East - Archery, Axe Throwing, Courtly Dance, Fae Studies, Swimming, Theatre
- West - Adventuring 101, Axe Throwing, Courtly Dance, Leather Masks, Pyrography, Swordplay
Week 4
Campers age 10-16 are combined into the following groups:
- Lord George's Knights - Adventuring 101, Archery, Axe Throwing, Chivalry, Courtly Dance, Siegecraft
- Captain Nox's Mercenaries - Adventuring 101, Archery, Axe Throwing, Courtly Dance, Leatherworking, Siegecraft
- Sheriff Magnus's Rangers - Adventuring 101, Archery, Axe Throwing, Forestry and Survival, Ranger 101, Swordplay
- Madman Maverick's Rogues - Adventuring 101, Axe Throwing, Leatherworking, Roguecraft, Swordplay, Theatre
- Nyruun and Nuit's Unseelie Fae - Adventuring 101, Coppersmithing, Fae Prosthetics, Leatherworking, Theatre, Unseelie Fae Lore
- Lady Phoenix's Seelie Fae - Adventuring 101, Courtly Dance, Fae Costuming, Leatherworking, Seelie Fae Lore, Theatre
Returning & Multi-week Campers
Campers who have taken a course at Sherwood before will be accommodated within their classes and given the chance to develop more in depth skills. Our Masters understand that all of our campers are at different levels of experience and work hard to ensure each camper receives instruction from which they will benefit.
Our curriculum is ever changing, with courses being added and / or dropped annually in order to provide a variety of options to returning campers and those with us multiple weeks.
2024 Grown Up Camp Course Lineup
The curriculum for Grown Up Camp will be published in May. You can see examples of past classes below.
Course Descriptions
Below are examples of classes that have been offered over various years. The more "niche" options were options at Grown Up Camp. The Grown Up Camp class list is finalized in early May each year.
Adventuring 101 (tabletop roleplay)
King Ddrwg of the Sherwood Fae is the master for Adventuring 101 and has this to say about his class:
"In Adventuring 101, I teach a group of individuals with varying skills to work together to overcome obstacles and come up with creative solutions to problems. Save villages, defeat monsters, etc. Since silly human insurance companies have told me I can't ACTUALLY take campers out into the wild and have them fight for their lives, we will simulate said actions on a tabletop and use dice to represent the randomness of the universe."
Archery
Archery will emphasize safety and will be based around a core of medieval technique. History of archery and the different styles from around Europe will be explored. Students will learn a deep history of archery as well as getting hands-on time with the equipment utilized by period archers, including various bows, archery equipment and weapons, etc. In advanced classes, history will also be a huge key - the differences between the eastern and western archery styles will come into play. More complex and challenging games will also be played.
The Art of the Crook
Lose friends. Frustrate people. Possibly get arrested. But hey, it's fun! In this class you will learn the art of a few simple con games that have been used by swindlers, hacks and flimflam men since the middle-ages. Easy to do and entertaining for the whole cell block.
*For entertainment purposes only.
Axe and Knife Throwing
Any fool can throw an axe. To prove this, MadMan Maverick will teach you the basic skills and finer points of edged weapon throwing. Maverick has been throwing blades for almost 30 years and has the scars to prove it. The course will revolve around NMLRA safety standards and will end with a NMLRA rules tournament.
Baby Witch 101 - basics in protection & energy work
Discover how to center and cleanse your energy using breathing and visualization paired with natural materials. Attend guided practice building your inner light and learning to repel darker energies. Learn how to establish, protect, and use your sacred space ( altar materials included).
Blacksmithing
In this class students will be introduced to the tools and methods used to shape steel using a hammer and other tools. We will use tools that have been used since the dawn of the Iron Age to make simple yet beautiful projects to take home and show your family. What you will be able to make depends on how fast you learn and how hard you work, but everybody makes something. Campers with prior experience will be able to work on more advanced techniques and projects.
Chainmaille
Learn the ancient skill of chainmaille, once a vital piece of armor, now a beautiful form of art. With a little time and patience you can create your very own piece of history!
Chivalry
An introduction to the knightly code of Chivalry, built around the 5 core values: Honor, Courage, Strength, Loyalty, and Wisdom. Chivalry class includes lessons on Castle Defense (including everyone’s favorite game “Kill the Castellan”), arms and armor, the basic tenets of horsemanship, a guided walk on King Richard’s own war horses, Joust Games on foot, and a scripted sword fight that becomes a part of the youth camp storyline (and the grown ups might show off during their camp too!). Taught by George Appling, who has portrayed King Richard the Lionheart at Faire; and by Chris Friede, who was once known as Prince John.
Costuming
Costume and Disguise
Get into the spirit of Sherwood with a handmade costume piece, or a medieval game token! Campers will have a brief lesson on hand sewing stitches, an overview of machine sewing, and then move on to their own pre-selected projects. Whether it’s a hat, a tabard, a quiver, fairy wings, or a “Foxtail” for throwing, campers are sure to have fun and learn valuable sewing and crafting skills that will serve them well going forward.
Corset Making
Learn to make a leather corset. This is an advanced class for students who have had at least 2-3 years of previous leather working class and are present at least two weeks of camp. This class requires two class periods per day for each week.
Courtly Dancing
Learn several of the popular court dances, including the Half-Hannikin, korobushka and Maltese bransle. If time permits, or if there are enough signups to permit an advanced class, there may be an opportunity to learn the Spangaletta and other dances also.
Divination
Learn the history of various types of divination, their place in the medieval world, and how to work with them in your own life. We will discuss everything from cartomancy to scrying. For returning students, or those with experience in divination, we'll discuss ethics and various methods of reading. We will also practice doing readings on one another, with a focus on developing intuition.
Unseelie Fae 
In this class, one will become familiar with the nuances of the supernatural. This includes character development and acting training tailored to otherworldly beings, and the knowledge of the histories, mythology, and folklore behind the faeries, elves, spirits, and other supernatural beings of lore. Instruction will also be given on how to tear off one's mortal skin, to expose whatever scaly, bumpy, glittery, creature dwells beneath, through use of make-up, costumes, and special effects. This knowledge and set of skills will be put to use for the preservation and glory of Sherwood against the forces of evil, by participating in "behind-the-scenes" theatrics and performances for the amusement of their human peers.
Fiber Arts
If you've ever laughed off knitting as a hobby for grandmothers, think again! In this class, campers will learn the history of different yarn crafts and their applications, ranging from crocheting to spinning to the ancient art of nalbinding. By learning these basic skills of binding and making yarn, campers will be able to pursue whatever project they desire-be it a washcloth, a dragon scale dicebag, a bouquet of flowers, or even larger projects like corsets and satchels!
Herbalism
Plants are the basis of all modern medicine. In this class, we will explore the relationship between medieval peoples with plants and how they worked with them each day. You will have the opportunity to craft your own herbal recipe.
Horsemanship
Experience the thrill of learning basic horsemanship skills! Campers will learn to catch, groom, and tack up (saddle and bridle) their own noble steed. Lessons will include foundational riding techniques both on the ground and while mounted, culminating in a solo ride around the joust arena. Taught by members of The Knights of the Grail.
Juggling
Learn a skill that will last a lifetime! Impress your friends, and confuse your enemies!
Learn a skill that teaches lightning fast decision making and relaxed concentration, a whimsical pursuit that is constantly underestimated in effect.
Leatherworking
Campers will have a brief lesson on the history of leathercraft and the differences between different types of leather and their uses. Projects will teach basic / advanced leatherworking techniques: cutting, punching, sewing, shaping, tooling, dying, and finishing. Campers will choose their project to complete when choosing their class. Advanced students will attempt creative design, stamping, tooling, wet molding and dyeing.
Knife Fighting
Learn to stab friends and strangers for fun and profit!
Seaxy, seaxy times! Knife fighting with Magnus Bowbreaker!
Remember: if violence isn't the answer, odds are it was a stupid question!
Mead Making
Learn the science behind mead making, and create your very own batch! You will return home with your first batch in hand as well as your very own kit to make future batches. This class requires a $25 supplement.
Medieval Art: Painted Glass and Ebru
Learn two different authentic medieval artistic techniques! Let your imagination fly free and create glowing painted glass that would be at home in any cathedral or palace. Then try your hand at the exotic Turkish art of marbleizing paper and cloth known as ebru, brought to Europe during the Crusades.
Medieval Games
Learn the basics and strategy of several medieval games. Learn to count, plan, and bluff like a pro! Games include Mancala, Liar's Dice, and Fox and Geese.
Music - Recorder with Andrew McKee
Campers will learn the basics of playing the recorder with Andrew McKee, a longtime performer at Sherwood. Campers will explore an assortment of familiar classics played and sung by various bards at Sherwood throughout the season!
Music - Bagpipes with The Dame of Drones
Campers will learn bagpipes with the internationally known Chelsea Joy. She will teach techniques and the history of this centuries-old musical tradition. It's an experience not to be missed!
Poi
Poi (a ball on string and one of the main props used in fire spinning) will be centered around exploring the fundamentals of poi to give students the ability to move freely with the prop while learning some snazzy tricks. Both total beginners and those with previous knowledge are welcome.
Rat Pucking
"Rat pucking" is a golf-type game played with long staff-like sticks and a "plague rat" or leather rat doll filled with beads. "Puckers, line up!" and shoot their rats toward various course goals and platforms in as few strokes as possible while trying not to plague any bystanders.
Sand Castle Creation
Learn the how-tos and techniques of sand sculpting from a master carver. The class is designed to help novice to advanced sculptors learn to be more confident artists. Sculptors will create castles, kings and their own designs.
Seelie Fae
Calling all changelings! It’s time to return to the Forest and rediscover your Faery heritage! Lady Phoenix will guide you through what it is to be a Seelie Fae of Sherwood Forest. Learn to drop your human ‘glamor’ and let your true Fae shine through as we experience the Forest as Fae nature guardians
Stitching Techniques of the Royal Court
Learn beautiful stitching techniques from as far back as the 15th and 16th centuries. Techniques taught include blackwork, cross stitch, and embroidery. Taught by Reba Scott, spouse of (and superior entity to) our Camp Director, Teach.
Swimming
For Grown Up camp, the pool is open all day and into the evening hours. If grown ups choose an off period they may enjoy a relaxing soak if they wish.
During our Youth Camp, campers who select a clan with Swimming as one of the clan classes will have a chance to take a dip and enjoy splashing in our pool while supervised by a licensed lifeguard. Non-swimmers or those who are not confident in their swimming skills will be provided with floaties so that they may also enjoy the water.
Swordplay
Swordplay - Kings, Khans, and Cavaliers, Vikings, Pirates, and Princes: the heroes and the villains of history and legend all find common ground in the use and skill of the sword. The story of the sword is the story of mankind: the conquest of empires, the protection of the innocent, and the defense of honor all take place at the point of the sword. In this class, we will explore the basics (and beyond) of the medieval short sword, the Eastern sabre, and the Viking longsword. Attacks, defenses, and paired exercises will help you sharpen your skill with the blade as well as provide you with techniques and tactics to take home and continue your own sword-journey. More advanced students can tackle special topics like hand-ax, the long knife, and a few necessary dirty tricks!
Theatre
In Theatre Performance campers will first learn how to shed their inhibitions, and speak to each other on stage as we play games and go through improv exercises. Youth campers will then break into groups to create an idea for a play that the class will create throughout the week, and perform for their families on Saturday when they come to pick up their campers. Each group will present their idea for a play; and then all of the campers in the class will vote on their favorite idea. The winning idea will become an original medieval play that you will get to see them perform before you to take them back to the 21st century. Grown Up Campers will perform short skits and lead the rest of the campers in improv games at Sunday night's dinner.
The class will be co-taught by Zane Baker, Sherwood Forest Faire's Entertainment Director, as well as Jonah Green, Sherwood's Cast Director.
Wine Tasting
Deepen your knowledge of wine and wine-tasting in this interactive exploration of wine’s history, production and enjoyment. Be prepared to join in the discussion – and the drinking! Age 21+.
"Witch" Crafts
Scrying stones and mirrors
From the Egyptian use of ink to the Viking's runes, scrying has been an integral part of history and folklore. In this class we learn to build, cleanse, and protect all types of scrying devices such as coals, ink, water, smoke, glass, and stones (Scrying device included).
Wands (and their uses)
Wands have been used throughout history, from ancient religious rites to modern ceremonial displays. Wands are wielded to direct energy and focus intent when an iron implement may cause issues. We will learn what types of wood and stones are best for our intended uses and how to assemble and maintain them (wand included).
Viking Lore
the Elder Futhark (their stories and use)
Discover the secrets and stories of the Elder Futhark, the ancient language of the Germanic tribes. Learn the path that the knowledge travelled and the story behind each rune. (Rune set and bag included)
Icelandic doors for Huldufolk (the hidden people, elves and fae)
Huldufólk or hidden people are elves in Icelandic folklore. They are supernatural beings that live in nature. In this class we will learn tales of the Huldufólk and how to make doors such as those that decorate Iceland on major holidays. We will also prepare the forest for a Midsummer celebration! ( Huldufólk door and Odin's eye ornament included)
Woodworking
Explore the craft of woodworking in the grand forest of Sherwood. Using real tools and process we’ll create fun lasting projects you’ll be show off and want to use.
Build items you’ll be proud to have.
- Round Shields
- Knight shields
- Treasure chest
- Tool box
- Beverage/utensil caddies (Grown Up Camp)
- Wine/mead rack (Grown Up Camp)
Then finish them off with stain and detailing to meet you individual desires and personalities.