Alafia thru the eyes of a Kindergartner

or

Amber goes to Alafia

Amber is not new to rendezvous or the Alafia, but we thought you would like to see what the Alafia is like for a Kindergartner.

Meet Amber and her grandparents

Amber's Tent. Her Aunt is sitting at the table.

(Amber's Mom did not come to the Alafia this year, she was home with a brand new baby!)

This is inside Amber's tent. She has her own little bed.

Amber and her dolls

This is Amber's Cousin.

Amber has to dress warmly for school. It was very cold at the Alafia this year.

Every morning the school bell rings at 7:50 AM. that means the kids have 10 min. to get to the school tent. The Kindergarten class is taught separately from the older kids.

Thanks to Mistress Sharon Rutan for volunteering to teach these young Alafia participants. Also to Mister Monty's Toy Emporium for allowing class to be held in their store.

This is the whole school with Mister Monty right in the middle!

Amber's Friends

Children's Games

All the games for all ages are run by Mistress Terri,

Mister Monty's good wife.

Tug of War

Coins in the hay

Crazy Donkey Fun

Originally founded by Al Bailey the Donkey Treasure Hunt is now facilitated by Mister Monty. It is a very popular game for our 10 and under crowd. Seems each year this crazy ol' donkey acts up and spills his owners valuables scattering them all over the place. The donkey's owner offers a reward for each item that is returned.

This year the donkey spilled precious gems all across the commons. The children hunt for the gems and turn them in for cash rewards!

Cashing in!

Amber had fun right out in front of her camp drawing in the sand with a stick!

Amber's neighborhood

The horse barn and corral.

Looking out behind Amber's tent and across the corral.

Looking down the road towards town.

Another view of Amber's tent.

Children's Round Robin

Each year Mister Monty carries on in the tradition of our beloved Dr. J and holds a children's round robin. The children all bring some things to trade and a lantern. They all crowd around the edge of the blanket with their trade goods. Then as Mister Monty supervises and maintains order the children all take turns presenting their items they brought to trade.

Here is how it works: The trader presents the item for trade, often a tall tale about the value of the item or how it was procured is included in this presentation. Then going around the blanket the others have a choice of either passing if they do not want the item or they may offer what they have as a trade for the item. After everyone has presented what they have for the trade the trader then may select one of the items offered. If the trade is excepted then both parties shake hands and say, "good trade".

The Round Robins are very popular with the kids. They often plan way ahead for what they can bring to trade at the next Alafia

Amber and her cousin lay out some items for sale on what is called a "trade blanket".

This is like a modern day "yard sale". If you are just getting started in rendezvous you can find some amazing bargains to help you get started.

Amber and her Cousin help her Aunt and Grandma sell tickets on our Public Days.

A Visit to Tepee Town

The Alafia is a great place to explore and learn about other cultures. There is always something new to learn. It is a great family experience. It's a time when we have no other distractions like television, telephones, computers, electronic games. A time when we actually talk in person one on one to other human beings. A time to reconnect with our past and with our family and friends.

When was the last time you saw a kid entertain themselves for hours writing in the sand with a stick. As far as that goes when was the last time you saw a kid climb a tree?

Alafia: The Place Where A Kid Can Be A Kid!

I hope you enjoyed seeing what the Alafia is like for a kindergartner. This only scratches the surface of what kids can do, see and learn at the Alafia. As Amber grows up she may want to participate in the dessert cooking contest, the period apparel contest, the highland games, the ladies frying pan toss or the chemise race, or she could learn to shoot a wooden bow and compete in the archery events or shoot a muzzle loader for the prize rifle, she could throw a knife or tomahawk in that competition. The list goes on and on. There is just so much to do when you are a participant (camper) at the Alafia. Plus the priceless memories that are made and life long friendships that are started when one shares this special event.

How can I become a Alafia Participant?

Here is a few links that will answer that question.

Beginning Living History  http://blh.homestead.com/Home.html

Guide Lines for Pilgrims http://www.floridafrontiersmen.org/guidelines/htm

Tentage Rentals Running Wolf's Rent-a-Camp http://www.runningwolf.bravehost.com

How can I become a Florida Frontiersmen?

For information about the Florida Frontiersmen CLICK HERE

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