What features make a clan tent appealing and engaging

[David Thorpe]

Two things...

By far the most popular items we have used are a large "clan map" of Scotland, displayed on an easel outside the tent, a book of surname origins and a three-volume set of tartans with a color plate of each. People approach the map looking for their clan, we help them find the origin of the surname in question, and sometimes are able to show them what "their" tartan looks like. This process most often has nothing to do with our clan directly, but after some conversation they leave feeling like they have learned something about their heritage. I have enjoyed this process a great deal, over and over.

Secondly, something for the kids. In addition to the ink stamp for their "passport" that some Games provide, we have used a hobby horse that they can "ride", stuffed plush kilted dolls, coos and sheep that they can pick up, and a game with small molded models of various animals - red stag, Highland coos, Scot terriers, Shetland ponies, etc., displayed on a scenic Highland layout - all native to Scotland except one, which the kids are invited to identify (a German Shepherd dog for the older kids, and an elephant for the wee ones). Candy or cookies are another draw for them.

I have never viewed clan tent hosting as primarily a recruiting activity for our clan association. If a kinsman unfamiliar with and curious about the association happens by, we try to provide the information they want. They are made to feel welcome (as are all visitors) and invited, but never pushed, to join us if they wish.

Tables and displays are arranged for easy, open access along side walls, with lots of extra seating for those who wish to rest and/or visit for a while. A cooler of bottled water, and sometimes some light snacks are handy as well.

I would also add that I enjoy visiting the tents of others as well, meeting and visiting with the hosts, and often picking up some bit of history related to their clans.

[Wolfhound Jack]

Well, for what it's worth, I think this is a brilliant thread - both the anecdotes of the good and the rants of the bad are providing good insight.

[creagdhubh]

Two things...

By far the most popular items we have used are a large "clan map" of Scotland, displayed on an easel outside the tent, a book of surname origins and a three-volume set of tartans with a color plate of each. People approach the map looking for their clan, we help them find the origin of the surname in question, and sometimes are able to show them what "their" tartan looks like. This process most often has nothing to do with our clan directly, but after some conversation they leave feeling like they have learned something about their heritage. I have enjoyed this process a great deal, over and over.

Secondly, something for the kids. In addition to the ink stamp for their "passport" that some Games provide, we have used a hobby horse that they can "ride", stuffed plush kilted dolls, coos and sheep that they can pick up, and a game with small molded models of various animals - red stag, Highland coos, Scot terriers, Shetland ponies, etc., displayed on a scenic Highland layout - all native to Scotland except one, which the kids are invited to identify (a German Shepherd dog for the older kids, and an elephant for the wee ones). Candy or cookies are another draw for them.

I have never viewed clan tent hosting as primarily a recruiting activity for our clan association. If a kinsman unfamiliar with and curious about the association happens by, we try to provide the information they want. They are made to feel welcome (as are all visitors) and invited, but never pushed, to join us if they wish.

Tables and displays are arranged for easy, open access along side walls, with lots of extra seating for those who wish to rest and/or visit for a while. A cooler of bottled water, and sometimes some light snacks are handy as well.

I would also add that I enjoy visiting the tents of others as well, meeting and visiting with the hosts, and often picking up some bit of history related to their clans.

***

And I have been a guest at your tent (Clan MacTavish), David. Tis a fine one indeed!

Best wishes,

[scabd]

Thank you for the comments so far. Please let me summarise what I think you have all said.
1. If you don't have a smile and a genuine welcome, the rest doesn't count.
2. Have visual aids, clan specific if possible, eg photo of clan castles, etc
3. Have things people can tactilely engage with, eg helmets, targes, kilts, etc
4. Have reference material, eg a clan map of Scotland, tartan book, clan book listing septs, etc
5. Demonstrate hospitality, eg a cup of tea, a piece of tablet, a wee dram, etc
6. Provide props to create photo opportunities

Is this what attracts and engages people at clan tents? If one couldn't do everything, is this the priority order?
Are these the things that clan tents are judged upon at Gatherings?

[MizzouScotsman]

Here are some pictures of the Clan Donald (Missouri) tent - It's a rather large tent (3 10' x 10' tents together) - We have a table of educational books for people to look at, lots of maps and clan associated items on the walls. A large board of Clan Donald tartans and our eye catching weapons display (that's me giving a talk on the different weapons of the period) The state commissioner and me (deputy state commissioner) are not seated very much as we are up and talking with everyone. By the end of the weekend, my feet are ready to fall off.

[MizzouScotsman]

Thank you for the comments so far. Please let me summarise what I think you have all said.
1. If you don't have a smile and a genuine welcome, the rest doesn't count. - YES
2. Have visual aids, clan specific if possible, eg photo of clan castles, etc - YES
3. Have things people can tactilely engage with, eg helmets, targes, kilts, etc - YES (especially kids. Kids old and young enjoy hands on things like targes and axes)
4. Have reference material, eg a clan map of Scotland, tartan book, clan book listing septs, etc - YES, education is what breeds the next generation of tent caretakers
5. Demonstrate hospitality, eg a cup of tea, a piece of tablet, a wee dram, etc - YES
6. Provide props to create photo opportunities - YES, nothing a dad likes better than to take a picture with his iPhone of his son holding a sword and a targe. Heck, even the moms get a kick out of it.

Is this what attracts and engages people at clan tents? If one couldn't do everything, is this the priority order?
Are these the things that clan tents are judged upon at Gatherings?

The most important thing of all, is you have to love it. People can tell you're passionate about your heritage. Sitting at the back of a tent chatting shows you don't care much. I rarely sit at the tent. Only time is when I've been up most of the day and I need a water break (it was almost 100 here in June in KC during the Highland games here) and it got bad at times with the black shirt on...lol.

[creagdhubh]

The most important thing of all, is you have to love it. People can tell you're passionate about your heritage. Sitting at the back of a tent chatting shows you don't care much. I rarely sit at the tent.

***

I couldn't agree more!

[Thomas H]

The most important thing of all, is you have to love it. People can tell you're passionate about your heritage. Sitting at the back of a tent chatting shows you don't care much. I rarely sit at the tent. Only time is when I've been up most of the day and I need a water break (it was almost 100 here in June in KC during the Highland games here) and it got bad at times with the black shirt on...lol.

+ 1

[ctbuchanan]

I agree with what has been posted by many. This is a photo of our New England Clan Buchanan Tent. It is a 'double wide', meaning two 10'x10' tents side by side. I would point out a few things as you look at the picture that have been mentioned by others: we use lots of color to make it attractive, you will see a cooler with ice water and other refreshments there for the taking, the board on the right is for children to get their photo taken as a 'piper' that gets a great response, the front is open inviting people to come in (do NOT place a table across the front blocking access IMHO). We have photos, books, display boards on clan history etc. I almost never sit down at the tent but am usually out front inviting people to approach me with questions. And last, but most important, as others have said you have to like being a convener and be friendly, friendly, friendly. Oh, and you should make yourself very knowledgeable on your history. ( I will humbly but proudly mention that this tent has won "Best Tent" awards in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and at the prestigious New Hampshire Highland Games. )

[scabd]

ctbuchanan mentions that this tent has won "Best Tent" awards in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and at the prestigious New Hampshire Highland Games. Getting back to one of the original questions, what was the criteria used to judge this tent?