Awards are an important part of the SCA. We are a volunteer organization, and the way we are “paid” is by the positive feeling we get by contributing to the SCA, whether at the local level, in the kitchen, as a kingdom officer, etc. Awards are a public “Thank You” or acknowledgement of accomplishments, and can act as an encouragement to a person to continue in the same vein or direction. Most awards are given at the pleasure of the Crown of each Kingdom, though groups within a Kingdom often have local awards that are given at the pleasure of the local figureheads. Very often, awards are given when the Crown of local representatives receive recommendations for that person -- recommendations from people like you. Awards are often accompanied by scrolls or regalia that are made by the community. (Awards don’t take the place of a personal, individual, word or note – so don’t forget to say “Great Event” to an event steward or send a “Loved your Feast” email to a cook!)