When: Friday, October 31st through Sunday, November 2nd 2025
Where: Lions Camp Merrick, 3650 Rick Hamilton Place, Nanjemoy, MD 20662
Memento Mori. Remember that you will die. Such is the curse of all mortals. The Bubonic Plague, the Vikings, wars, old age, executions, murder, falling into a cesspit, &c. The list goes on and on and on. While death is inevitable, let us make the best of our limited time on this plane of existence. Come join us at our Festival of Bones as we celebrate that which is inevitable and that which we are.
Event Schedule
Friday
4:30 PM: Site/Gate Opens (Main Hall)
6:30 PM: Fundraiser Dinner Distribution Starts (Main Hall)
7:00 PM: The Caffeinated Hedgehog Opens (Main Hall)
9:00 PM: The Caffeinated Hedgehog Closes (Main Hall)
10:00 PM: Gate Closes (Main Hall)
Saturday
8:00 AM: Gate Opens/Newcomer Table Opens (Main Hall)
9:00 AM: Minister of Lists Opens/Armored and Rapier Inspections and Authorizations Start (List Field)
9:30 AM: Thrown Weapons Range Opens (Thrown Weapons Range)
9:30 AM: Arts & Sciences Drop Off Opens (Arts & Sciences Building)
10:00 AM: Morning Court, Other Activities Pause (Main Hall)
11:00 AM: Activities Resume/Youth Activities Start (Sitewide)
11:00 AM: Target Archery Range Opens
30 Minutes After Morning Court: Thrown Weapons Reopens
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Order of the Laurel Meeting with Her Majesty (Meeting Hall)
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Fundraiser Lunch Distribution (Main Hall)
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Order of the Pelican Meeting with Her Majesty (Meeting Hall)
2:00 PM: Gate Closes (Main Hall)
3:00 PM: Coursing Ends (Coursing Field)
3:30 PM: Thrown Weapons Range Closes (Thrown Weapons Range)
4:00 PM: Martial Activities End/Field Teardown (Sitewide)
4:00 PM: Arts & Sciences Entries must be picked up (Arts & Sciences Building)
4:00 PM: Activities End (Sitewide)
4:15 PM: Runway of the Macabre Fashion Show Starts (Main Hall)
4:30 PM: Kickshaws Start (Main Hall)
5:00 PM: Evening Court (Main Hall)
6:30 PM: Feast Starts (Main Hall)
8:00 PM: Evening Activities Begin (Various)
8:00 PM: Wild Rose Tavern Opens
Sunday
11:00 AM: Guests Must Be Off Site
Printable/Downloadable Event Schedule
Activities
Arts & Sciences
Following Morning Court (around 11:00 AM) – 4:00 PM: Fiber Arts Petting Zoo and Fiber Solar (Arts & Sciences Building)
Are you interested in fiber arts, but not sure where to start?
Do you have a question about a particular fiber art, or want to improve your techniques?
Have you always wanted to try spinning or weaving, but aren’t ready to drop the cash
for a wheel or loom? Come try before you buy!
Mistress Ysabeau and Dame Laura will provide a smorgasbord of spinning and weaving
tools, fiber, and their experience to give you a chance to try your hand at making string
and fabric.
Tools to touch and try include:
- flax and wool distaffs with in-hand spindles
- drop spindles (top and bottom whorl)
- walking/wool/great wheel
- 8 shaft loom
- inkle loom with tablets
- inkle loom with string heddles
Additional options (by request, contact Laura Graley de la Moore ahead of time please) include: treadle spinning wheel, knitting needles, drum carder, lucet, kumihimo, finger-loop braiding, needle lace, drawn thread work, & cloth self buttons.
If you have a particular art or tool you’d like to try, please contact Laura Graley de la
Moore ahead of time so she can be sure it’s included.
Concurrent with the Fiber Arts Petting Zoo, we will be hosting a fiber solar: Please bring
your projects in progress and join us for a friendly gathering of crafters.
Fiber Arts Petting Zoo Sponsor: Laura Graley de la Moore (laura.graley@gmail.com)
Following Morning Court (around 11:00 AM) – 4:00 PM: Memento Mori Flash Fiction Story Contest (Arts & Sciences Building)
All Souls’ Day is the period when the veil between the worlds of the living and that of the dead is thinnest. It is the time when Death and the dead can interact with the living. Your narrator has observed or experienced such an interaction. They are telling their story. Submit an original prose story (introduces a conflict, climax, and resolution) of 300 words maximum.
- Point of View: Any
- Theme: Advice, warnings, complaints or observations by dead person(s) and/or Death to, or overheard by, living person(s).
- Setting: Pre-1600s
- “Memento-fy” your story: must use each of the following “Medieval Memento Mori” narrative devices at least once (and italicize usage): alliteration, simile, metaphor, dialogue, strong imagery (figurative language to evoke a sensory experience and mood), macabre imagery and either personification or juxtaposition.
- You must have a title.
- Must mention bone(s) in more than the title.
- No rhyming
- Must be descriptive and dramatic. Focus on word sounds, cadence and presentation. Tales are being told.
- Must be original works written by entrant and not just a translation or retelling of period stories on this theme.
- Note: “The Three Living and The Three Dead” and ”The Dance Macabre” were common Medieval tropes in both art and literature. You should NOT follow this trope exactly, instead, use the listed narrative devices set forth in the rules above that are based on these historical tropes and craft your own original story. However, it is permissible to allude to these tropes.
- Must be performed (but can be done by proxy)
- Judging criteria: technical requirements, originality, entertainment value and performability.
- Bring 2 extra story copies. If using your phone to read your story at the event, please present 2 typed or make 2 hand-written copies for the judges to use.
- One entry per person
Judging for the Memento Mori Flash Fiction Story Contest will occur at 3:00 PM.
For questions regarding this contest, please contact the sponsor either on Facebook messanger or via email.
Flash Fiction Story Contest Sponsor: Tehair MacDiarmada (Mundanely, Sue Gisler Metzler) (metzler.suzanne@yahoo.com)
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Pine Needle Basketry Class (Outside the Main Hall)
This is a 2 hour make and take class on Pine Needle Basketry for up to 10 Gentles. All are welcome. Pine needles and instructions provided. A 5$ donation for materials is appreciated.
We will discuss the history of Pine Needle Baskets and learn the techniques used by various First Peoples.
PLEASE BRING TO CLASS: sturdy sewing needles, strong thread any color, wax for your thread, scissors, pliars(jewelry pliars work well), and a small towel you don’t care if it gets dirty.
Pine Needle Basketry Class Instructor: Noble Bronwyn Skirlagh
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Memento Mori Confectionary Delight (Arts & Sciences Building)
Their Excellencies of Dun Carraig are sponsoring a contest for the best confectionery delight in the theme of “Memento Mori.” Documentation is encouraged (or at least let us know what inspired you), and all entries must include a full list of ingredients.
Judging for the Memento Mori Confectionary Delight competition will occur between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Best Use of Bones in Any Medium (Arts & Sciences Building)
We will also be sponsoring an A&S competition: “Best Use of Bones in Any Medium.” As this is a competition, documentation is required. (A basic documentation template can be found here: http://www.larsdatter.com/ezdoc/basic.pdf)
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Runway of the Macabre (Main Hall)
In keeping with the spirit of the season, entertainment will feature a final competition: “Runway of the Macabre”. This fashion show will entertain the masses while we wait for Feast to begin. Entrants are asked to dress to impress.
Here are some ideas to help you stay on theme:
- Memento Mori
- Your Personal Fear
- Medieval Goth
- Light versus Darkness
This fashion show will feature several categories:
- Canine: No documentation required. Goodies for all!
- Youth (up to 12): No documentation required. Goodies for all!
- Youth (13-17): Documentation is encouraged for those wishing to vie for the prize!
- Adult (18+): Documentation is required if you want to outshine everyone else on the runway and waltz away with the prize!
We ask all entrants to include a 3×5 card with their name and description of their ensemble for our Master/Mistress of Ceremonies – we’ll have cards on hand if you forget yours!
Armored Combat
9:00 AM: List opens for authorizations and inspections.
10:00 AM: Activities pause for morning court.
Following Morning Court (around 11:00 AM): Round robin tournament, bring your best weapons form. Number of pools determined by number of entrants.
1:00 PM: Point Control Resurrection Melee.
The list field will remain open for pick-ups until 4:00 PM. At which time all participants are asked to help with field teardown.
Bardic
Friday Night
Community/interest led open bardic inside the Main Hall.
Saturday
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Bardic Bearpit (Main Hall)
The Rules:
A roll of the bones will determine the first two bardic combatants and their theme. Each bard will perform a short piece, and judges will determine a victor (they may be swayed by the applause of those in attendance).
After the first combat, the victor remains in the “bear pit” and a new challenger selects a theme for the next performance. Again, judges determine the victor and the winner remains.
Combatants are limited to three victories in a row. Challengers may not select a theme they have already performed, or one their opponent has already performed.
The Themes:
To allow competitors to prepare, the following themes will be used. You don’t need to have a piece for each theme, and interpretation of the theme is up to you. If you are challenged with a theme you had not prepared, you can choose whether to yield or to provide a creative interpretation of how the piece you actually prepared fits the theme you were given.
- The Grim Reaper
- Crows or Ravens
- Flowers
- Remembrance or Goodbyes
- Autumn or Harvest
- Love and Death
- Bard’s Choice (can be repeated)
An Example:
The bones are rolled, and Lord John of Doe and Noble Flynn are selected, and their theme is “flowers.” Lord John sings a very sad song about laying roses on the grave of a beloved, and Noble Flynn tells a romantic story about two lovers picking flowers in a field. Noble Flynn is declared the winner and stays in. They are challenged by Lady Jane on the theme of “love and death.” Noble Flynn and Lady Jane each perform, and Noble Flynn wins again. Duchess Ermintrude is the next challenger, and she picks the theme “the grim reaper.” Again, Noble Flynn is victorious, but must withdraw after their third victory (and drink some water!).
Eventually, Lord John challenges Duchess Ermintrude. He has already used the theme “flowers,” and she has already used “the grim reaper” so both are off-limits. He may select any of the remaining themes or Bard’s Choice. (Adriana is keeping a list of who has performed what, and will remind participants if needed.)
At the end of the allotted time, the bard with the most victories will be declared the winner and will receive a prize. Their Excellencies will choose their champion based on observation of this tournament, but that champion may or may not be the tourney winner.
Saturday Evening
8:00 PM: Fireside bardic at the bonfire pit!
Coursing
30 minutes after Morning Court: Hound check-in and runs start
3:00 PM: Runs End/Course Teardown Starts
Calling All Hounds!!!!
Bring your humans to Festival of Bones so that you can capture the bone on the
Coursing List. How fast can you run? Zwart can run about 27 mph and I max out at
about 17 mph. We will have a prize for the fastest hound! Do you like to run, but just
aren’t speedy? That’s ok. We have a prize for the best hound who got off the couch to
try it. Don’t like to run at all? Don’t worry! Just come out and play. There will be Doggie
Bags for every hound at the event. Just check in at the Coursing table and grab your
bag. You have to be at least 1 year old to run, but no one is ever too old. We even
have something REALLY special for our eldest hound that runs.
Don’t forget your costumes!!! We will have a Costume Parade for the Hounds as well.
Zwart and I are working on some really cool costumes. The better to trick or treat!!!
In service,
Blawe Hund
SeaDogs Run Spokeshound
Dun Carraig Baronial Hound
Dance
3:00 PM: Shake Them Bones Class (Main Hall)
Join Magistra Sonya and shake your bones with period dance! All levels of experience are welcome for this class and partners are not required. Musicians are welcome to join us!
8:00 PM: Open Dancing (Main Hall)
Join us after feast for even more dancing! Magistra Sonya will lead us in fun period dances as we continue to shake our bones and celebrate life! All levels of experience are welcome and partners are not required. Musicians are welcome to join us!
Rapier Combat
9:00 AM: List opens for authorizations and inspections.
10:00 AM: Activities pause for morning court.
Following Morning Court (around 11:00 AM): Series of Tavern Brawls – “The Life of the Party”
A series of melees, we will keep mixing it up for the enjoyment of all. Fighters are encouraged to bring creative parry devices so long as they pass inspection. Foam mugs, side of lamb, have fun. Please reach out if you have any questions.
The owner of the Siren’s Wail Tavern, a reasonably reputable establishment on good days, invites you to enjoy this festive evening down at the edge of the docks. The tavern is in full swing, with ale and food for all, a gift of an anonymous benefactor. Tonight is about remembering what it is like to live and love life to its fullest. Until it isn’t, of course. Just remember to be on your best behavior; getting caught in a brawl can bring the guards down on you or worse, the wrath of the owner, Elspect Grimrose. Just be ready to fight or talk your way out of trouble
1:30 PM: Random Draw Double Elimination Tournament – “Good Til the Last Thrust”
- Double Kills refought once, then dead is most decisively dead for both duelists and will be recorded as a loss.
- Bring your best because you just may never know when it may be your last.
3:00 PM: Pointed Cut and Thrust Tournament – “The Last Bone, Save me a Slice”
- Torso, Hands, or Feet: 1 point
- Head: 2 points
- Arms or Legs: 3 points
Fights reset after a point is scored. Matches will conclude when the target number of points is reached. (5, 7, 11 -target number will depend on how many fighters enter the lyst.). Should both fighters reach the target number at the same time, a sudden death round will occur and the next fighter to score takes the match.
Do you have a bone to pick with someone? Why pick when you can just cut it off.
The list field will close at 4:00 PM. At which time all participants are asked to help with field teardown.
Target Archery
Following Morning Court (around 11:00 AM): Archery Range Opens
4:00 PM: Archery Range Closes
In the theme of Festival of Bones, there are skeletons, some need assembled, some need flesh removed, some just need help. Master Jonathas has devised a diabolical shoot for all skill levels with an overall prize and prizes for with a current rank each Royal Round rank.
Target Archery Marshal in Charge: Master Jonathas Reinisch (jonathas@redfoxden.org)
Thrown Weapons
9:30 AM: Range Opens
10:00 AM: Activities pause for morning court.
30 minutes after Morning Court: Beginning Thrown Weapons Class (1 hour)
After Class: Open Throwing
2:00 PM: Tournament
After Tournament: Open Throwing
3:30 PM: Range Closes
Trick-or-Treating
Throughout the day on Saturday, each activity will have treats available for your Trick-or-Treating pleasure. Please use this as an opportunity to visit activities you might not usually partake in and see what all the fun is about! This activity is open to everyone of all ages!
Newcomer Activities
If you are new to the SCA, the Kingdom of Atlantia, or the Barony of Dun Carraig, or returning after some time away, stop by the Newcomers table and join in a few activities.
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Newcomer Table Open/Gold Key (Loaner Clothing) Checkout
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Morning Court Newcomers’ Huddle
As a voice rings out in the morning air, calling everyone to gather for the pageantry of Court, meet with Lady Eilionora to learn in real time about various aspects of the Kingdom including awards, titles, who’s who, and more! We’ll be located near the edge of the crowd but hopefully close enough to see and hear.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Site Meander
Lady Eilionora will lead a meander about the site, stopping by each activity to watch, meet people, and learn about what the Society has to offer. This should take about an hour but timing may vary with discussions. Anyone is welcome to join in or drop out along the way.
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Lady Eilionora will maintain the Newcomers table throughout the rest of the day for questions and longer conversations.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Site Meander
Another meander will be begin at 3 PM before activities end for the day.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Evening Court Newcomers’ Huddle
Join Lady Eilionora again for the evening court for learning about Baronial awards as well as more Kingdom items.
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Gold Key Return for those not staying for feast.
After Feast: Gold Key Return, as needed
Youth Activities
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: The Carving of the Turnip
Gather ‘round the communal bench to hew the humble turnip into grim countenance. With blade and gouge, hollow its flesh so that its empty maw and cavernous eyes stand as silent sentinels of the Grave. No flame shall pierce its hollows; let the pale root itself signify Death’s austere beauty and the stark truth of our passing.
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM: The Making of the Bone Bracelet
At the House of Remembrance, skilled hands present genuine bone—cleaned and blessed—alongside lengths of sinew. Thread each polished fragment upon the cord, invoking ancestral memory with every knot. When complete, the bracelet’s clack shall whisper of mortality’s certainty and bind the wearer to the cycle of life and death.
Nine Men’s Morris
Test thy wit and mettle at the ancient board of Nine Men’s Morris, where tokens march ’cross a grid of black and white. With each placement, ponder Life’s fleeting moves; each capture, the soul’s departure. Seek to form thy threefold line, yet know that victory is but a breath, and defeat but the passage to the next earthly coil.
Spooky Coloring Sheets
For those whose hearts delight in shadowed art, claim from the Scriptorium sheets adorned with bats in flight, skeletal trees, and moonlit tombstones. Quills of pastel hue shall bring to life these spectral scenes. Let thy pigments flow, and in each brushstroke recall that even in color’s bloom, all must fade to dusk.
Page Academy Classes
Throughout the day, instructors of the Page Academy stand ready to impart skills both grave and gay: lessons in courtesy, penmanship with quill, and the lore of heraldry—each tinted with remembrance of our final dusk. Seek them forthwith, that thou mayst learn arts befitting both court and cemetery.
Feast and Kickshaws
Fundraiser Dinner
Join us Friday evening for a Lasagna Fundraiser dinner for Dun Carraig’s fighter practice site fund.
For $10 you will have your choice of several lasagna options and sides. Lasagna options include traditional beef, chicken, or veggie. Gluten free options will be available. Ingredient list to come per lasagna type.
6:30 PM: Fundraiser Dinner Distribution Starts for those who have purchased it (Main Hall)
Menu:
- McLaughlin Family Beef Lasagna
- Beef
- Onion
- Tomato Sauce
- Potatoes
- Parmesan Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Ricotta Cheese
- Eggs
- Lasagna Noodles
- Vegetarian Lasagna (Gluten Free)
- Zucchinni
- Eggplant
- Goat Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Ricotta Cheese
- Eggs
- Gluten Free Lasagna Noodles
- Olive Oil
- Bechamel Sauce Lasagna
- Beef
- Italian Sausage
- Garlic
- Onion
- Spinach
- Bell Pepper
- Basil
- Tomato Sauce
- Parmesan Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Lasagna Noodles
- Tirimisu (Dessert, Not Gluten Free)
- Whipping Cream
- Mascarpone Cheese
- Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Espresso
- Coffee Liqueur
- Lady Fingers
- Cocoa Powder
For questions about the menu, please contact Baroness Marguerite de Lyon (she/her/hers) (marguerite.de.lyon.sca@gmail.com)
Fundraiser Lunch
On Saturday a fundraiser lunch will be held to benefit Sea Dogs Run! The cost will be $10 and 150 lunches will be available for sale at Gate on Friday evening and Saturday!
For Friday evening, there will be a sign posted where you can send the money to for a lunch on Saturday (PayPal and Venmo links will be provided).
Options:
- Bratwurst on Bun
- Black Bean Burger on a Gluten Free Bun (Vegetarian/Gluten Free)
All lunches come with vegetable soup (vegetarian), an apple, and a cookie (gluten free cookies will be available).
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Fundraiser Lunch Distribution for those who have purchased it (Main Hall)
For questions about the menu, please contact Lady Martine de Burges (seadogsrun@gmail.com)
Tavern
Both Friday and Saturday evenings a selection of period games will be available in the Main Hall.
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Friday Night (Main Hall): Join us for The Caffeinated Hedgehog where we will serve free 4oz servings of Middle-Eastern Coffee (Brand: Mehmet Efendi) with or without sugar.
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM Saturday Morning (Main Hall): Join us for The Caffeinated Hedgehog where we will serve free 4oz servings of Middle-Eastern Coffee (Brand: Mehmet Efendi) with or without sugar.
Caffeinated Hedgehog Coordinator: Lord Lucius Iulius Nikolaos (nicknutwell@gmail.com)
8:00 PM Saturday Night (Main Hall): The Wild Rose Pub will serve a selection of mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages as well as some snacks. Donations to cover the cost are requested.
Merchants
Fletcher Smyth: Live blades, SCA armor, iron/copper/silver jewelry, and steel hardware for household & camping.
Cost
| Day Trip | Feast | Camping | |
| Adult (w/ SCA member discount) | $20 | $20 | $12 |
| Adult | $30 | $20 | $12 |
| Youth (6-17) | $5 | $20 | $12 |
| Child (0-5) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Cabins* | $25 |
*Note:
1. Cabins are available by pre-registration only. The cost is per bed. No dogs allowed in cabins. RVs are not allowed.
2. While the cabins have mattresses (roughly twin size), you will need to provide your own bedding. The cabins are heated, have electricity, and a bathroom with a shower.
3. Feast is sold out, but you can be added to the waitlist on the day of the event, or by contacting the reservationist, Mistress Ceridwen ferch Owain, at theceridwen@gmail.com.
SCORES Registration
SCORES pre-registration closed on 10/29/2025
Field Space
To request field space, please fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/hMt3S5dyquBVsrbC6
Site
Restrictions
None. Dogs are welcome on site, but not in the cabins. Please clean up after your pet.
Accessibility
The Camp Merrick site is fully accessible and ADA compliant, including accessible cabins, bathrooms, and dining facilities. The terrain is mostly flat grassy fields, and paved sidewalks, with gravel roads following to the cabins. The only steep terrain leads to the pier and firepit. Cabins are rustic but modern with their own bathroom and handicap accessible facilities, electricity, and a heater. Service animal friendly.
Site Map/Parking Instructions
Friday Parking: If you are camping, staying in a cabin, or just checking in for the event on Friday you are welcome to drive directly over to Gate (located in the Main Hall).
Saturday Parking: Only those who require handicap parking may bypass the General Parking area. If you have things to unload in the Main Hall or Arts & Sciences (A&S) Building, you are also welcome to bypass General Parking to check in at Gate and unload but you must return to General Parking after doing so. All others please park in General Parking and walk to Gate (located in the Main Hall). There will be signs directing you to Gate from General Parking.
Staff