Murder Melee in the Meadow XL

June 5–8th, 2025

Germania Park Campgrounds, 4221 Trinity Church Rd, Binbrook, ON L0R 1W0

Information

Murder Melee returns for another year of combat and camaraderie at Murder Melee in the Meadow XL!

Pitch your camp beside the beautiful Lake Niapenco, with forest and open clearings to provide both shade and sun. Take to the fields for heavy and rapier melees, or take aim at the archery and thrown weapons ranges.

Other planned activities include a lively mead social, bardic, Queen’s Tea, and a wide array of A&S classes! For our younger attendees, we’ll have the ever-popular piñata and tug-of-war.

So prepare your tents, pack your armour, and prepare for merriment with a little touch of friendly murder!

New to the SCA?

We’re always delighted to welcome newcomers! For more information on what to expect, please see the Frequently Asked Questions section on the Who We Are page.

Entry

Event Gate (Troll) opens on Thursday, June 5th for site setup and closes Saturday, June 7th at 12:00 PM. Gate open/close times are broken down in Gate Hours & Location. ​If there is no attendant at Troll, please seek out an Event Steward or the Head of Gate to assist you with checking in.

Attending with Children

SCA events are open to people of all ages, but parents of children will need to sign a waiver at the Event Gate for their children.

However if you are bringing a child for whom you are not the parent or legal guardian, you will need to bring:

  1. A complete signed minor waiver (PDF) or signed blue card
  2. A complete signed minor medical waiver (PDF) (2 copies)​

Please see Ealdormere’s Attending with Children page for more details.

*Important notice about youth activities

Parents or guardians MUST be present with their minors (children less than 18 years old) if they are participating in any youth martial or non-martial activities.

Entry Fees

Adult Camping

$4500Thursday—Sunday
  • $55 for non-members

Adult Camping

$4500Friday—Sunday
  • $55 for non-members

Weekend Camping

$4000Saturday—Sunday
  • $50 for non-members

Day Trip (any single day)

$3000anytime
  • $40 for non-members

Youth (under 18)

Freeanytime
  • Free for non-members

Adult Camping

$4500Thursday—Sunday
  • $55 for non-members

Adult Camping

$4500Friday—Sunday
  • $55 for non-members

Weekend Camping

$4000Saturday—Sunday
  • $50 for non-members

Day Trip (any single day)

$3000anytime
  • $40 for non-members

Youth (under 18)

Freeanytime
  • Free for non-members

*Cheques must be made out to “SCA – Ben Dunfirth”

Location

Germania Park Campground

4221 Trinity Church Rd, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0

Gate Hours

Thursday:

Open 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Friday:

Open 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Saturday:

Open 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Please note: If there is no attendant at Troll, please seek out an Event Steward or Head of Gate (Vivian of Ben Dunfirth) to assist you with checking in.

An overnight security guard will be stationed outside the entry gate between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM, as requested by the Germania Club. If you are entering outside of gate hours, please provide the security guard with a pass:

Camping

To register a campsite, please fill out the form below to send your request to the Campsite Coordinator, Countess Arlette of the Rozakii. Refer to the Site Map section below to view available campsites.

Efforts will be made to accommodate site preferences and maintain a layout similar to last year, however all placements will be subject to available space.

Site Map

Note: Site map is subject to change.

Map courtesy of Prudence Underwit

Please click map for expanded view

Hand-drawn map of the Murder Melee camp site on a table
Duke Trumbrand throwing a shot at Sir Kellen's helmet

Full Schedule

All currently listed times are subject to change without notice. Please see the sections below the full schedule for descriptions of each event.

A spreadsheet breakdown of the schedule is also available below:

Thursday:

5:00 PM – Event gate opens

5:00 PM – Tavern kitchen reserved

11:00 PM – Event gate closes

Friday:

8:00 AM – Event gate opens

All-day – Thrown Weapons | Yeoman of the Wolf

Anytime – Archery | Another Tournament

8:30 AM – Tavern kitchen reserved

10:00 AM – Thrown Weapons | Range opens

12:00 PM – Archery | Yeoman of the Wolf

1:00 PM – Rapier | Pick-ups until 4 PM (Fighting Field)

2:30 PM – Queen’s Tea (Tavern)

3:00 PM – Town Hall kitchen reserved

4:00 PM – Baudouin’s Mead Social (Tavern)

5:30 PM – Rapier | Tavern Treasure Tournament (Tavern)

6:00 PM – Armoured | Authorizations (Archery Field)

6:30 PM – Armoured | Novice Tournament (Archery Field)

9:00 PM – Bardic | Drafts Jubilee (Tavern)

11:00 PM – Event gate closes

Throwing Range is available for open-throw: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM & 2:00–4:00 PM.

Archery Range is available for open-shoot: 10:30 AM–5:00 PM.

Saturday:

8:00 AM – Event gate opens

All-day – Thrown Weapons | Yeoman of the Wolf

Anytime – Archery | Another Tournament

9:00 AM – Order of Chivalry Meeting (Town Hall)

10:00 AM – Okami Chaya opens (Tavern)

10:00 AM – Rapier | Authorizations (Fighting Field)

11:00 AM – Rapier | Melees (Fighting Field)

11:30 AM – Armoured | Authorizations (Fighting Field)

11:00 PM – Armoured | 5-Fighter Melee (Fighting Field)

12:00 PM – Archery | Yeoman of the Wolf

12:30 PM – Armoured | 10-Fighter Melee (Fighting Field)

1:00 PM – Armoured | Grand Melee (Fighting Field)

After Melee – Children’s Piñata

After Piñata – Children’s Tug-of-War

1:00 PM – A&S Class | Mend It, Don’t End It (Tavern)

2:00 PM – A&S Class | Caribou Tufting (Fighting Field)

2:00 PM – Rapier | Academy of Defense Trials (Fighting Field)

2:00 PM – Archery | Their Majesties’ Royal Champion Shoot (Archery Range)

2:00 PM – Thrown Weapons | Their Majesties’ Royal Champion Throw (TW Range)

2:30 PM – A&S Class | Rage Against the Machine: Intro to Hand Sewing (Tavern)

3:00 PM – Order of Thorbjorn’s Hammer Meeting (Town Hall)

3:00 PM – Rapier Class | Harnessfecten | The Fighting Field

3:30 PM – A&S | Scriptorium (Town Hall)

4:30 PM – Landed Barony Round Table (Tavern)

5:00 PM – Newcomer’s Corner (Tavern)

6:00 PM – Evening Great Court

9:00 PMish – Barbarian Un-Court

8:00 PM – Event gate closes

Throwing Range is available for open-throw: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM & 2:00–4:00 PM.

Archery Range is available for open-shoot: 10:30 AM–5:00 PM.

Sunday:

Site tear-down

Youth of Ealdormere pulling on a tug-of-war rope with assistance from Duke Roak in a grassy field at Murder Melee

Major Events &
Youth Activities

Please note: All activities are currently pending and are subject to change without notice.

Thursday:

Site set-up

Friday:

No major or youth activities planned

Saturday:

Their Majesties will meet with Their Order of Chivalry.

Their Majesties will meet with Their Order of Thorbjorn’s Hammer.

A themed piñata created by Her Grace Hyrrokin is raised as a great beacon of joy for the youth of Ealdormere. It is then ceremoniously thrashed until it rains sweet, delicious candy upon its assailants.

IMPORTANT: Parents or guardians must be present on the field.

Not yet having quenched their thirst for violence, the youth of Ealdormere compete in a grueling tug-of-war against the Barbarian household. So strong are the children of Ealdormere that they once tore the great tug-of-war rope clean in half!

IMPORTANT: Parents or guardians must be present on the field.

Their Majesties will hold a Great Court, inviting all Baronial Nobles of the Kingdom to sit with them and address the populace.

Sunday:

Site tear-down

The Barbarian household's tag embroidered on a bolt of linen

Arts & Science and Social
Activities

Please note: All activities are currently pending and are subject to change without notice.

Thursday:

No planned activities

Friday:

Her Excellency Meredyth, at the behest of her majesty, Queen Mægwynn, invites all people of the realm to come enjoy refreshments at the Queen’s Tea!

*Sponsored by the Barbarian Household

Gather with other mead enthusiasts at The Tavern. Bring your own chalice and something to share! Nibbles welcome! 

Contact L’honorable Seigneur Baudouin de Domrémy if you have questions.

Host: Ascelyn of Ben Dunfirth

Once a year we bards unearth our abandoned drafts, half-finished thoughts, and not-quite-there works to share and ask: “is this anything?” Half workshop and half purge, bring anything and everything bardic that you want to get over the finish line…or just get out of your system.

Saturday:

Hosted by: Marioun Golightly

These are informal workshops and social gatherings, a chance to spend time doing our art together.

Bring your own projects or make use of the provided materials which are now available from the scribal fund for education. Please encourage anyone interested to make use of the Scriptoriums as basic supplies will be provided. Watch for announcements, on the Scribal College Web Page and Facebook group, of which events those materials will be available.

  • Donations of tools or materials are welcomed.
  • There will be a donation bank at the Scriptorium if you wish to help the scribal fund.

We can all learn from one another so anyone of any skill level is welcome to share their knowledge and skills.

We will need volunteers: to arrange with autocrats for table space in well-lit areas ( preferably in open areas of events), to make sure scriptoriums are advertised on the event web page and Facebook events, and to take care of materials.

This is an opportunity to teach through in an informal setting. Please contact Mistress Marioun at kathygolightly1@aim.com if you would like to head up a Scriptorium at an event. You don’t have to be an expert, just willing to help.

Teacher: Domina Helena Katerina del Roero

Teacher: Laura Battista

Information pending

Teacher: Ren Swiftwater

Class is restricted to 16 participants.

Cost: $10 or Honourarium

Join us for a hands-on workshop in the traditional art of Caribou tufting—a delicate and beautiful Indigenous craft that uses the soft hair of the caribou to create textured, raised designs. In this class, you’ll learn the techniques of shaping and stitching tufts into a unique, eye-catching pin you can wear with pride.

Caribou tufting originated with the Dene and Métis peoples in northern Canada, where caribou were essential to survival and cultural expression. More than just art, tufting is a way of honouring the land, the animal, and the knowledge passed down through generations.

—

For folx asking about the honorarium piece for my class: Traditional gifts vary by Indigenous culture, but some widely respected options include:

1. Tobacco (Loose or in a pouch) – Tobacco is one of the most common and meaningful gifts, especially for Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and those offering teachings or ceremonies. – It is typically given with both hands as a request or in gratitude for shared knowledge.

2. Cloth (Fabric) – Many Indigenous cultures use cloth in regalia, ceremonies, and gifting. Offering high-quality fabric (often red, blue, or other vibrant colors) is a sign of respect.

3. Food – Traditional foods like wild rice, maple syrup, berries, dried fish, or smoked meat are meaningful gifts. – If offering store-bought food, choose high-quality or culturally relevant items – can be relevant to YOUR persona as well (please, no peanuts)

4. Handmade or Culturally Significant Items – does not have to be indigenous culture, can be related to YOUR persona. – Blankets are also given as a gesture of warmth, protection, and care.

5. Bundles or Personal Gifts – Some people offer small medicine bundles containing sage, cedar, sweetgrass, or other sacred items. – A well-thought-out personal gift (like art, or a useful tool) can also be appreciated. The most important aspect is intention—gifts should be given with sincerity and respect.

Host: Baroness Sciath

Sciath hosts a round table discussion about landed baronies.

Host: Sir Brand Thorwaldsen

Brand discusses a topic of interest (TBD) with newcomers.

Sunday:

No planned activities

Duchess Kayla using a pink greatsword throws a shot at THL Katsu.

Armoured & Rapier
Activities

Please note: All activities are currently pending and are subject to change without notice.

Thursday:

No planned activities

Friday:

Run by: Cesare Ambrogino di Salvazzi

Just some good ol’ casual stabbing. Pick-ups end at 4:00 PM sharp.

Run by: Cesare Ambrogino di Salvazzi

There is treasure in the tavern. Some want to keep it safe, some want it for themselves – but it is the last one standing that will keep it.

Armoured fighters who are not yet authorized may undergo the authorization process by fighting another opponent under the marshal’s instruction and review.

You must be authorized for less than 3 years and must not have won a tournament prior to be eligible for the Novice Tournament.

Saturday:

Rapier fighters who are not yet authorized may undergo the authorization process by fighting another opponent under the marshal’s instruction and review.

A tournament of 10 on 10 rapier combatants participate in a melee battle. Teams of 10 will compete against other teams in a best-of-three battle.

Armoured fighters who are not yet authorized may undergo the authorization process by fighting another opponent under the marshal’s instruction and review.

Join the action in a round-robin tournament featuring 5-on-5 armoured melee combat! Teams of five will go head-to-head in intense best-of-three battles. Spears, shields, and swords abound!

5 + 5 = 10! Team up with a nearby 5-fighter group and join forces for even bigger melee action!

Take part in a round-robin tournament featuring 10-on-10 armoured combat. Each team of 10 will face off in best-of-three melee battles, testing teamwork, strategy, and skill in the field.

Coloured tape will be provided to mark helmets and designate the newly formed teams.

Gather whoever’s still standing and roll them together like a Katamari Damacy ball to form two final teams for an all-out Grand Melee!

Coloured tape will be provided to mark helmets and designate the newly formed teams—then fight until you can’t fight anymore!

Description pending

Teacher: Giovanni de Enzinas

How to fight in armour with spear, sword and dagger.

Sunday:

No planned activities

Archery & Thrown Weapons
Activities

All range activities are weather and marshal dependent.

Thursday:

Range setup. Archery range may be available depending on completion time.

Friday:

Throwing Range is available for open-throw: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM & 2:00–4:00 PM.

Archery Range is available for open-shoot: 1:00–5:00 PM.

MITs are encouraged to provide assistance running the range. Range may open longer—dependent on other marshal’s availability.

The Yeomen of the Wolf is a martial company within the Kingdom of Ealdormere, open to anyone who participates in ranged weapons activities.

Its mandate is to inspire participation in all types of ranged weapons activities; and to expand the frequency and variety of ranged weapons events and tournament types throughout the Kingdom.

See the Yeoman of the Wolf Ealdormere Wiki page for more information.

The Yeoman of the Wolf will be two rounds of six weapons.

The Yeomen of the Wolf is a martial company within the Kingdom of Ealdormere, open to anyone who participates in ranged weapons activities.

Its mandate is to inspire participation in all types of ranged weapons activities; and to expand the frequency and variety of ranged weapons events and tournament types throughout the Kingdom.

See the Yeoman of the Wolf Ealdormere Wiki page for more information.

Run by: Don the Duckman

Archers are welcome to participate in Another Tournament at any time during the event.

To begin, simply declare your intent to participate to the marshal, Don the Duckman, before you start shooting.

Saturday:

Throwing Range is available for open-throw: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM & 2:00–4:00 PM.

Archery Range is available for open-shoot: 10:30 AM–5:00 PM.

MITs are encouraged to provide assistance running the range. Range may open longer—dependent on other marshal’s availability.

The Yeomen of the Wolf is a martial company within the Kingdom of Ealdormere, open to anyone who participates in ranged weapons activities.

Its mandate is to inspire participation in all types of ranged weapons activities; and to expand the frequency and variety of ranged weapons events and tournament types throughout the Kingdom.

See the Yeoman of the Wolf Ealdormere Wiki page for more information.

The Yeoman of the Wolf will be two rounds of six weapons.

The Yeomen of the Wolf is a martial company within the Kingdom of Ealdormere, open to anyone who participates in ranged weapons activities.

Its mandate is to inspire participation in all types of ranged weapons activities; and to expand the frequency and variety of ranged weapons events and tournament types throughout the Kingdom.

See the Yeoman of the Wolf Ealdormere Wiki page for more information.

Run by: Iohn Spooner

Their Majesties will be observing this tournament closely, assessing participants on their skill, passion, and enthusiasm throughout the competition. Each entrant will be tasked with the precise throwing of:

  • 6 spears
  • 6 axes
  • 6 knives

Note: Their Majesties will select their Thrown Weapons Champion based on their observations, not solely on tournament scores or rankings.

Run by: Don the Duckman

Their Majesties will be observing this tournament closely, assessing participants on their skill, passion, and enthusiasm throughout the competition.

Note: Their Majesties will select their Archery Champion based on their observations, not solely on tournament scores or rankings.

Run by: Don the Duckman

Archers are welcome to participate in Another Tournament at any time during the event.

To begin, simply declare your intent to participate to the marshal, Don the Duckman, before you start shooting.

Sunday:

Range teardown

Site Rules & Accommodations

General Site Rules

The fighting and fencing fields have seasonal campers that are part of the Germania Club, please be respectful of these folks and no activities in that field after 6:00 PM. Do not go into the seasonal campers’ area.

There is a memorial grove that will be clearly marked with rope—please be respectful and do not enter the memorial grove.

The site is discreetly damp. We ask that you kindly do not travel with alcohol and consumption stays within your camp.

Check-In & Security

Upon arrival, please check in immediately at the event gate. All entrants will be asked a series of questions—this is a requirement of the Germania Club. We kindly ask that you treat the volunteer gate staff with patience and courtesy while they carry out this duty.

An overnight security guard will be stationed outside the entry gate between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM, as requested by the Germania Club. If you are entering outside of gate hours, please provide the security guard with your membership card, the event site flyer, or a pass:

2025 Murder Melee Pass (JPG) >

2025 Murder Melee Pass (PDF) >

Parking

Please note that parking has changed from last year:

  • Camper Parking will be located in the lot by the front gate.
  • Daytripper Parking will be available in front of the Tavern.

Event staff will be present to help direct you where to park.

There are roadways to help you get close to your camp—please unload and park your car as promptly as you can. Please do not block the roadway. It must remain clear at all times.

Safety cones mean don’t drive there —there are soft ground areas, septic beds, and other undrivable areas.

Camping

Camping spaces are by registration. Please make sure you fill out the Camping Registration form below so our Campsite Coordinator can place you in the most appropriate space.

If you have a wagon or camper, please check before parking it—we want to make sure you don’t damage the site, and you can get it out at the end of the weekend.

Noise restrictions are in place between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM. Please be respectful of your neighbours and the seasonal campers.

Fires

Firewood will be provided. Camps are welcome to have above-ground campfires. You may bring a portable firepit or build a fire on flat ground.

Please do not dig any firepits.

Small propane camp stoves are permitted. If you plan to cook on-site, please use your stove safely and clean up thoroughly after your meals.

Facilities & Furniture Use

The Tavern and the Town Hall are reserved for scheduled classes and other designated events. Please be respectful of the posted time slots and those using the spaces.

The kitchens and fridges in both buildings are not for general use. If you wish to use either kitchen, you must make arrangements with the event stewards in advance.

Furniture such as picnic tables and chairs belonging to the event site may be moved but must be returned to their original location before the event concludes.

The playground is for use by small and supervised youth.

Potable Water & Showers

Drinking water will be available on site. The water is filtered but sourced from the nearby lake. If you have concerns about water quality, we recommend bringing your own drinking water. Please remember to bring your own containers for filling and transporting water to your campsite.

There are no showers; however, you are welcome to swim in the lake (the same lake as the other Melees, just on the other side). Please exercise caution and bring a buddy as there are no lifeguards.

Pets & Wildlife

Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome—please ensure you clean up after your pet.

Ticks are ever prevalent—please use caution if you go into the long grass or woods.

Toilets & Waste Disposal

There are flush toilets in the Tavern and Town Hall and port-a-johns in the camping fields.

Please do not wash your camp dishes in the bathroom sinks.

This is a garbage-in, garbage-out site. Please bring garbage bags with you and be prepared to take any waste back home with you.

Okami Tea House

The Okami Household will be hosting a Tea House on Saturday in the Tavern, open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, while quantities will last.

Please bring your own drinking mug.

Iced Drinks

  • $2 | Iced Tea (Green & Black, sweetened with honey)
  • $2 | Iced Coffee (Illy, sweetened with honey)
  • $2 | Lemonade (Add Strawberry Puree +$0.25)
  • $3 | Strawberry Hwachae (Dairy Free)

Hwachae is a Korean Cold Soup made with: Strawberry, Strawberry Puree, Sago/Tapioca Pearl, Coconut Milk, Honey, & Ice

Hot Drinks

  • $1 | Hot Tea (Green, Black, Peppermint)
  • $2 | Coffee (Illy)

Event Staff & Volunteers

Event Stewards

THN Bellatrix Hespeler (They/He)

Fischer of Ben Dunfirth (They/Them)

Contact

Head of Gate

Vivian of Ben Dunfirth (She/Her)
Contact

Campsite Coordinator

Countless Arlette of the Rozakii
Contact

Armoured Combat Marshal

His Royal Hamness Tristham the Barbarian (He/Him)

Contact

Youth Combat Marshal

Dominus Howell James of Town’s End (They/She)

Contact

Fencing Marshal

David of Ben Dunfirth (He/Him)

Contact

Archery Marshal

Baron Don the Duckman (He/Him)

Contact

Thrown Weapons Marshal

THL Iohn Spooner (He/Him)
Contact

Seneschal

Ren (They/Them)

Contact

Royalty Liason

Baron Alex Gladstone (He/Him)

Contact

Event Page Coordinator

Fischer of Ben Dunfirth (They/Them)

Contact

Known World Ambassador

Countess Anne (She/Her)

Contact