Bringing Chivalry Today to Schools, Libraries, Camps and Churches
Chivalry Today provides a variety of presentations for schools, youth groups and libraries tailored to fit the unique needs, interests and learning levels of their students or members. While the descriptions below represent some of our more popular offerings, we are always willing to coordinate with teachers, homeschool parents, camp facilitators, librarians and church activity directors to create a unique offering to meet your teaching goals.
The Chivalry Today Educational Program is able to offer these engaging, live presentations due to the generous donations of parents, website visitors and contributors like you who value quality educational resources.
If you would like to support Chivalry Today’s ongoing effort to bring a greater understanding of the history and ideals of chivalry to today’s youth, please donate to support our outreach program. We thank you for your generosity!
Live Presentations
- King Arthur & The Code of the Round Table (K-6th grade)»
- Castles & Catapults: Siege The Day! (5-10th grade)»
- Vigil: The Making of a Knight (7-12th grade)»
- Deed Of Arms: Knights In Action (7-12th grade)»
- Customized Presentation (any grade)»
Schedule your Live Chivalry Today Presentation now!»
Class Projects
Also take a look at these Class Projects we have prepared for teacher use.
King Arthur & The Code of the Round Table
- Age/Grade Range: 5-11 years (K-6th grade)
- Length: 40 minutes
- Educational Standards: Reading/storytime lessons and character education
Kids love watching the stories they read spring to life, which is why King Arthur & The Code of The Round Table is Chivalry Today’s most popular live presentation. In this presentation, program director Scott Farrell (shown at right speaking at a summer camp in San Diego as part of their “knights’ quest” event) takes on the character of King Arthur to spark children’s interest in discovering the tales of Camelot, and to help them understand what it means to live by a code of honor.
The talk is filled with delightful props and engaging stories about the Knights of the Round Table. With King Arthur to guide them, children see that chivalry isn’t “dead,” and it isn’t lost in the days of Camelot — it lives on in the leaders, mentors and role models they see in the world around them.
This presentation covers the following character issues:
- Justice - Understanding the importance of lawfulness and fairness;
- Honesty - A knight must be truthful and trustworthy;
- Generosity - Making sacrifices for the benefit of others;
- Courage - Having the strength to stand for what’s right;
- Gender Issues – Could a girl sit at the Round Table? (Actually, yes! There were women Knights of the Round Table!)
King Arthur & The Code of the Round Table is adapted from Scott’s popular portrayal of King Arthur in the American Rose Theatre’s 2006 production of the musical Camelot (pictured left, with Scott Farrell as Arthur and award-winning actress Amanda Kramer as Guenevere). This presentation — which includes the whimsical story of young Arthur and the Sword in the Stone — has been seen and enjoyed by thousands of students and children (and parents too!) in schools, libraries and churches throughout California.
This presentation is perfect for library storytime gatherings, reading groups focusing on the tales of King Arthur, Scouting organizations or any youth-oriented gathering with a “knights in shining armor” theme.
Please contact Chivalry Today today about pricing and availability of King Arthur & The Code of the Round Table.
— Cindy Sandback, Summer Day Camp Program Director; Black Mountain Cub Scout District
Castles & Catapults: Siege The Day!
- Age/Grade Range: 10-15 years (5-10th grade)
- Length: 60 minutes
- Educational Standards: The decline of Roman society (Calif. BoE content standard 7.1.1); geographic features that influenced European politics and archetecture (Calif. BoE 7.6.1); and the social, military and political significance of castles as part of the European feudal system (Calif. BoE 7.6.3).
The castle of Chepstow needs a new siege engineer, and kids will get a “virtual tour” of the walls and towers of a medieval castle as they prepare to take on the job of an apprentice engineer! This fun, engaging presentation is full of hands-on activities as kids get to take an active part in learning about life in a castle, in both war and peace. Attendees will also have the opportunity to operate an authentically built, scale-model siege engine (like the students at right, shown eagerly waiting to fire an onager, catapult and trebuchet) and see an impressive video of a full-sized reproduction of a trebuchet in action.
Learning objectives include:
- Castle Form and Function: Why were castles designed and constructed in such a unique way?
- Life On The Inside: A look at the people who make up the community within a medieval castle;
- Start Your Engines: Scale-model catapults and other “siege engines” demonstrate the tools and tactics needed to take the strongest fortress ever built;
- More Than War: Understanding how the rules of chivalry and honor were put into practice, even in the brutal world of siege warfare.
This presentation includes a Powerpoint media display of some of the finest castles in England with a focus on the history, function and archetecture of the buildings. Some form of audio-visual equipment will be necessary in order to bring Castles & Catapults to your venue — a high-tech computer display or big-screen digital projector will work, but so will a good old-fashioned TV cart. Please contact us for technical details.
BONUS:
To further enhance the educational potential of Castles & Catapults, this presentation can include a hands-on opportunity for each student to construct their own tabletop catapult out of craft sticks. Additional cost (for time and materials) may be necessary depending on the number of attendees; please ask about this optional portion of our presentation when you contact us.
Please contact Chivalry Today today about pricing and availability of Castles & Catapults: Siege The Day.
— Brett J., Eagle’s Peak Middle School, Escondido CA
Vigil: The Making of a Knight
- Age/Grade Range: 13-18 years (7-12th grade)
- Length: 60-90 minutes
- Educational Standards: This presentation explores the relationship between knights, royalty and the church (Calif. BoE content standard 7.6.4), the rise and development of the feudal system (Calif. BoE standard 7.6.3), the role of the knight in the development of Parliament and individual rights (Calif. BoE standard 7.6.5 and 7.11.6), the history of the Crusades (Calif. BoE standard 7.6.6), the interaction between Christian and Muslim cultures in Spain (Calif. BoE standard 7.6.9), and the influence of Arthurian tales and the romances of chivalry in the discovery and exploration of the New World (Calif. BoE standard 7.10.1).
Where did armored warriors called knights come from? Was there more to knighthood than just swords, armor and violence? Did chivalry ever really exist? And most importantly, how does the Code of Chivalry continue to infuence social conventions — from politics to dating etiquette — in the modern world of today?
Students often struggle to understand the brutal yet colorful period that is called the Age of Chivalry. Calling upon historical chronicles and literary sources, program director Scott Farrell (pictured at right, with a group of knight-candidates eager to practice the skills of chivalry) brings the social, political, military and literary aspects of the medieval world to life as he explores the history of knights and the place of chivalry in Western European feudal culture.
Additionally, the presentation also examines issues of ethics, morality and character development as students consider how the principles of the Code of Chivalry have shaped social and legal policies including military doctrine, professional ethics, law enforcement and the justice system in the 21st century.
Topics discussed in this presentation include:
- Knights, Ladies and Courtly Love — The powerful effect of a new image of love and romance;
- Finances and the Feudal System — Keeping a manor transformed a warrior into a manager;
- Ladies and Chivalry — The changing social influence chivalry gave medieval women and the reality of the uncommon (but very real) female knights in shining armor;
- The King’s Law — Law enforcement techniques of the 13th century, and the role of the knight as keeper of the peace;
- The Ideals of Chevalerie — Medieval writings that provide an authentic look at a practical code of honor.
This presentation is a great tie-in with a campus Renaissance faire as it helps students understand the social role of the knight and the lady, and how they interacted with peasants, merchants and the clergy. It is also a perfect way to prepare students for a field trip to a museum or live jousting show, or to turn a “movie day” featuring a film with a medieval setting into a teaching opportunity.
Please contact Chivalry Today today about pricing and availability of Vigil: The Making Of A Knight.
— Eileen LaVine, 7th Grade Teacher, Parkway Middle School, San Diego
Deed of Arms: Knights In Action
- Age/Grade Range: 13-18 years (7-12th grade)
- Length: 90 minutes
- Learning Objectives: Dispelling romantic myths and “Hollywood” images of armored knights in battle and duels; giving students an objective view of the social values founded and demonstrated in the jousting tournaments and duels of medieval society; and introducing students to the literary sources that document the skills and customs of knighthood. This presentation will address many of the Calif. BoE curriculum standards for the study of the political, economic, religious and social structures of medieval Europe, 7.6.1-9.
The ultimate exercise in historical interpretation — bringing lessons in medieval history to life!
This presentation allows students to witness a demonstration of a knightly “deed of arms” — a show of martial skill in which warriors proved their skill and valor before an audience of their peers (like the one taking place at a Southern California middle school campus, shown at right) in an attempt to prove they were worthy of the title knight.
The Deed Of Arms is not a scripted “knight sword-fighting performance,” but rather a contest of skill with replica (safety) weapons — a real demonstration of Western martial arts. As such, students will be expected to participate in the event … not as combatants, but as judges. The presentation begins with a lesson in the history of tournaments, duels and “deeds of arms” as students prepare to judge the skills they’ll see demonstrated in combat (from the perspective of nobles, clergy and peasants). At the conclusion, they’ll use their knowledge to determine the winner of the day based on skill, courage and chivalry.
Since the Deed Of Arms is colorful and full of exciting action, it makes a perfect centerpiece to an on-campus Renaissance faire, or any sort of activity in which students are expected to “dress the part” and learn through involvement. We will gladly coordinate with you to make sure the Deed Of Arms fits in with your lesson plans and campus activities.
Please contact Chivalry Today today about pricing and availability of Deed of Arms: Knights In Action
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Customized Education Presentation
Chivalry Today is always willing to coordinate with teachers, homeschool parents, camp facilitators, librarians and church activity directors to create a unique offering to meet your teaching goals.
Please contact us today to inquire about creating a customized educational presentation to fit your assembly, gathering or classroom needs.
Powered by Hackadelic Sliding Notes 1.6.4
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Scott,
Entertaining and thoughtful! Thanks for letting me reprint this as a review at Troynovant.
… as dead as rotary phones, vinyl records and cars with tailfins. Chivalry evolves with the times.
I think evolving car fashions will return the tailfins at some point; doubtful about the others.
You’re doing great work in revitalizing the standards of chivalry.
Exceptional post. Perhaps there are pirates out there – like Captain (Dr.) Peter Blood – who would act with restraint when pillaging and rampaging, etc. Then again, given the behavior of the modern Somalian Pirate, these blokes are too determined and hungry to act with good manners. Not to sound self-promotional, but I am currently writing about the Virginia Military Institute’s “Code of the Gentleman”, which I think you will find interesting for obvious reasons.
http://www.edthegent.com/2009/04/etg-examines-vmis-code-of-gentleman.html
and
http://www.edthegent.com/2009/04/etg-on-virginia-military-institutes.html
Enjoy and best,
EtG
Posted for Sonny Scott:If I might add. I was at my Aunt’s house once when I was young. After
the meal, I cleared my dishes while my cousins left their dishes on the table. I really didn’t think about it, I just did it. But on the way home, my mom told me how very proud she was that I had carried my dishes to the kitchen without
prompting. 50 years later, I still remember that.
Parents; don’t forget to recognize and comment on good behavior in your child or in another. I am sometimes embarrassed when someone notices that my child did something good, and I failed to notice it because it had become accepted in our household.
Thanks Sonny S. – That is a perfect example of how young people will rise to the occasion (and even enjoy it) if we make being polite and helping others an “honor” instead of a “chore.”
This touches on something I’ve thought for a long time. Kids today are given so much, allowed so much, and disciplined so little (in general) that I think a lot of the hard life lessons necessary to produce well-rounded, responsible adults are many times missing. In our zeal to give our children what we didn’t have, are we producing new generations of lazy, spoiled citizens?
Excellant history
Scott,
A clever and thought-provoking comparison. Thanks!
Bob
hey i love this website!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is only one success – to be able to spend your life in your own way.
Andrew Lang, famous 19th century Scottish author and historian, described St. Joan of Arc as the Flower of Chivalry.
http://www.maidofheaven.com/joanofarc_quotes_autobiography.asp
I wholeheartedly agree.
I think a return to Chivalry is an excellent idea. Many of my friends are more inclined to be sarcastic, or even impolite in their communications. While I tend to adapt when I am with my friends, I am more comfortable treating people with respect, and following many of the rules of chivalry. Having said that, I am almost certain that mounting a horse and jousting is not something I would be willing to take on as a liesure activity, I do think it would be fun to watch…politely, that is!!!
OMG! I stumbled upon this blog doing a search for King Arthur and was so surprised to see my own Arthurian book listed! One of only three! And to be next to Bernard Cornwell and Mercedes Lackey–what an honor. Many thanks!
For anyone interested, book 2 (The Recruit) is also available. I’m hard at work on book 3 of the series, working title The Warrior.
Wonderful site.
May the new year be filled with wonderful blessings!
Debra
Brilliant piece.
Hi Scott,
Thank you for posting the article about the EarlyAct FirstKnight program. This program is actually furnished by the Knights of the Guild and the Randall Parr Organization, which is a non-profit that partners with Rotary Clubs across the country. Students use a daily chivalry & business ethics curriculum throughout the entire year, participate in service projects in the community, and receive awards through monthly knighting ceremonies where they receive accolades, medals, and the opportunity to be knighted. Before a program is launched at a school, we actually provide a live-action Tournament of Champions on the school campus with jousting armored knights, warhorses, and special effects, performed on the school campus.
This program is currently serving 30,000 students in Texas, and just launched in South Carolina as well. Our vision is to take this program nation-wide and make a lasting impact in schools everywhere. Thank you again for sharing this program with your visitors, and please let me know if I can provide any additional information.
Sincerely,
Jefferson Pike
Mid-Atlantic Regional Director
Knights of the Guild
http://www.eafk.org
http://www.chivalryconcepts.org
(704) 701-4642
Great post. I’ve been looking for this exact information for a while now. Bookmarked!
Thanks for writing this subject. I had been searching for good information about it.
What a powerful image…and it indeed gives you a sense of our alienation with what matter the most: the people, that is the pinacle of chivalry.
Luneiro´s last blog ..Beautiful World
Nice. They also had a good story. Regretfully, I too have often felt intimidated to help a woman or young girl because I am a male 40-something. It’s tough sometimes.
I agree with much of what Mr Bowman has said, but , I am courious as to what he sees as the specific events that began the downfall of the gentleman and what events completed it. What is it about WWI began the destruction and what about Vietnam completed this process?
My 2 year old holds the door for his mother. He usually says “ee ya go mama!” I demonstrated this by opening the doors for her and making him wait until she was in.
Businesses are not made of numbers only, but of personal relationships. I have found the greatest key to success is in cultivating what the arabs call “toufiq” which is the root of Fatawa or Islamic chivalry which played a big role in the development of medieval European chivalry. Through faith and good actions a person becomes blessed by God with special insight and blessings. I have done business in this way and it resonates with people at a deep level. Doing what is best for others even as bankrupsy looms takes faith to conquer fear and greed.
That is something to admire and respect.
I’m a huge Star Wars fan. I feel I’ve derived a great deal of value from the series. I also think some of David Brin’s comments are a bit off base, and I’ve had a hard time verifying his claim that George Lucas holds a benign dictatorship as a governmental ideal. Anyways, as regards some of his criticisms of the Jedi Knights and especially Yoda… I got from the full scope of the series that Yoda is, frankly, wrong on so many counts. The end of Return of the Jedi has Luke essentially rebelling from the directive his mentors gave him to kill his father. One way to interpret Darth Vader’s redemption is that it’s all about his son and saving him… and I’m not sure that’s the only message that we can take or even necessarily should take from that. Rather, I prefer to see Vader has realizing his fatal flaws in that moment and throwning the Emperor to his doom for greater reasons than just to save Luke from death, but to eliminate the single greatest threat to… well, since the introduction of the prequel trilogy, the entire universe. The very balance of the Force. The Republic fell in part to corrupt senators, and their willingness to sacrifice freedom and democracy for security, and also in part due to the incompetence and loss of value of the Jedi Knights. Their willingness to sacrifice their values to preserve an obviously corrupt Republic, while ignoring the complaints of the Seperatists simply because they knew the head of the Seperatists was a Sith Lord was a fatal flaw.
The Phantom Menace kind of gives us the Qui-Gon Jinn(Liam Neeson) character as the most ideal Jedi hero. He cares more about people than he does necessarily adhering strictly to his orders. Unfortunately he’s enamored of who he believes to be the Jedi messiah and doesn’t work to get the boy’s mother out of slavery. It all culminates in Qui-Gon being the otherworldly mentor to both Yoda and Obi-Wan in their exiles, and their eventually training of Luke Skywalker that results in both Luke’s defiance of his teachers’ own prejudices and flawed judgements as well as an improved version of what it means to be a Jedi Knight. Luke Skywalker, utlimately, is THE representation of the ideal Jedi hero at the end of the Saga. Not Yoda, and not Obi-Wan Kenobi. It’s interesting that David Brin interprets Luke as being the most ideal, and I think that’s George Lucas’ point ultimately. Anakin Skywalker is an imbalanced version of Luke, in so many ways. Luke’s desire to help the oppressed is really rather unselfish, utlimately, while Anakin had it but it ultimately was hampered by his own selfish regard for those he loved(seems he treated them rather more like possessions to me than people) and his own desire for glory in battle and heroic fame. Luke Skywalker is the new template for a Jedi Knight by the end of Return of the Jedi, and he’s been instructed to pass on what he has learned.*
I should note, in the Star Wars Expanded Universe of books and comic books, Qui-Gon Jinn is actually said to have sent a great deal of money to Anakin Skywalker’s mother before he died which she gave to Cliegg Lars(her husband in Attack of the Clones) so he could use it to buy her freedom.
This post is horrible. All statistics and nothing hearty that can be taken to the grave.
I’m looking for inspiration to be a man damnit!! Not some petty excuse to avoid being one. I would rather be proactive in action and know that I was wrong than sit back and avoid making a decision!