First Time Tent Cavalier ?

**Thomas H** · 24th April 12, 10:17 AM

Good Day to all , I am hosting the tent (for the very first time ) for Clan Ferguson this year at an up coming game. I was wondering if anyone has any tip's or pointers ? do's and do not's.

I was all so wondering if - I need be concern about theft at the tent ?
Has anyone ever had items stolen from tent while at a Highland Game ?

I am very excited

that the clan is allowing me to host the tent. But nervous

I am not saying this happens ,Just wanting to check.

Thank you for any input.

**cessna152towser** · 24th April 12, 10:28 AM

Your clan website may have a Members section which gives advice on what to bring with you and on how to lay out the tent. I have co-hosted Clan Cunningham tents in USA and Scotland and also hosted a Clan Cunningham stand solo where it comprised simply of a table within a larger tent. Much of my "expertise" in hosting was gained from fellow clan members and from the clan society's website.
Find out in advance whether you are renting an assembled tent from the games organisers or merely a space on which you need to provide and erect your own tent, the practice on this varies from one games to another.
It is a good idea to have a guestbook so that visitors can be contacted again as potential future members.
Small gifts such as clan crest keyrings are always appreciated if your funds will run to it.
Check with the organisers as some will encourage you to offer nips of whisky to visitors while others have strict rules prohibiting the dispensation of alcohol.
I have never had any problems with thefts at Highland Games, although if you are hosting solo it is a good practice to get on friendly terms with the neighbouring clan tent so that someone from there is willing to watch your stall when you take a natural needs break.

**Guinness>water** · 24th April 12, 11:35 AM

I hosted my first clan tent last September. I had a wonderful time and became good friends with several other clan commissioners. As Cessna says above, make friends with the other clans next to you and yall can watch each other stuff.

Bring a guestbook and have everybody who enters your tent sign it. That way you can show your Chief that you were promoting the clan and you can give the membership dirctor some leads to follow up on.

Pictures and props. People love to look at stuff. I made some cheap and easy Targe(s) out of particle board and "pleather". Hang some of your tartan, or any tartan for that matter, on the back wall of your tent. A couple of books is nice. I also had a 3 ring binder with a bunch of membership forms and pre made info packets to hand out to those interested.

I know you will have a great time sharing your knowledge. Be sure to wear your kilt!

**Thomas H** · 24th April 12, 11:42 AM

Thank you all for the info I will use it well ,

**bdkilted** · 24th April 12, 01:36 PM

Rarely will you have anything stolen from the tent. Ideas give are great. If you can, find out the history behind some of the names (septs or common first names) in your clan. Telling folks about the history of their name is always a great hook. Get a map of Scotland and mark on it your clan areas. If you can get some pictures of castles in your area that is always great too. My wife makes fans out of card stock and Popsicle sticks and prints the clan crest on them. Only cost a few cents each and it is something "clan" related to give away. Check the clan convener/commissioner group for more ideas.

**ctbuchanan** · 24th April 12, 04:07 PM

I've convened our Clan tent here in New England for many years, no better way to spend a day or a weekend. As for things missing, it is mostly out of innocent ignorance. People will often think things are there for the taking, oddly this occasionally has included books. We keep our eyes on things and never leave the tent unattended. Here's a photo of my tent at a recent games.

**Muddy** · 24th April 12, 04:35 PM

I wish I was a Buchanan. I REALLY like that tartan as well as it's several varieties thereof.

**ctbuchanan** · 24th April 12, 04:53 PM

Thanks @Muddy - it does tend to catch the eye. As we oft say you can't be shy and be a Buchanan!
Cheers.

**Muddy** · 24th April 12, 05:12 PM

This is true but in the most pleasing of ways. It's not like it's "loud MacCloud" or anything. It's a stunning tartan.

**Thomas H** · 30th July 12, 06:56 AM

Sorry it has been so long , but I just figured out how to post pictures ,
I have conveyed two tents sence then one at the Savannah Georgia Games and one at the Blairsville highland Games.
here is a picture of the tent the Blairsville games .
Thank you every one for all your tips . It really helped me out alot.
Now I am gearing up to do the Stone mountain games tent for Clan Ferguson on OCT 20-2012