Clan Tents

**Mael Coluim** · 12th June 08, 06:56 PM

Julie,
I asked the same question not to long ago. You might want to read through this thread for some other thoughts. Good luck!

**Balaamsass51** · 13th June 08, 03:55 PM

All the things mentioned so far are good, but I'll let you into a secret.

How do I know this secret?

My wife was one of the judges last year at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Ah, got your attention now I think.

After a while the good tents stand out. But what makes the difference?

Is there ALWAYS someone at the clan tent to greet people? Or are you all sitting down facing the center where the activities are going on, or eating, or talking with each other? Do you ignore the passer by? I know that several tents lost points because of ignoring the people who have come to the Games. What good is a fancy sword or the same books that all the others have or a flag or whatever if the visitor gets the impression that you don't CARE!

Enthusiasm my friends! That's the secret!

See you at the Games!

Matt

**macneighill** · 14th June 08, 09:58 PM

Odd question. Would anyone know of where I can purchase a map of Scotland, that shows clan territories, etc.? I've seen many sites that have maps posted. However, I have yet to find a website where I can purchase a map. Yes, this would be for a Clan tent, in case one wonders. Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!

**Glen C** · 16th June 08, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by macneighill

Odd question. Would anyone know of where I can purchase a map of Scotland, that shows clan territories, etc.? I've seen many sites that have maps posted. However, I have yet to find a website where I can purchase a map. Yes, this would be for a Clan tent, in case one wonders. Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!

Just go to amazon.com and search for clan maps. Good Luck!

**MacMoose** · 15th June 08, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by Balaamsass51

All the things mentioned so far are good, but I'll let you into a secret.

How do I know this secret?

My wife was one of the judges last year at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Ah, got your attention now I think.

After a while the good tents stand out. But what makes the difference?

Is there ALWAYS someone at the clan tent to greet people? Or are you all sitting down facing the center where the activities are going on, or eating, or talking with each other? Do you ignore the passer by? I know that several tents lost points because of ignoring the people who have come to the Games. What good is a fancy sword or the same books that all the others have or a flag or whatever if the visitor gets the impression that you don't CARE!

Enthusiasm my friends! That's the secret!

See you at the Games!

Matt

Very good point, Matt. The Lumsden tent won at the Mint Hill Games a few years back (a huge coup for such a small clan) and we were told it was due to the visitors that were polled on their way out, saying those "Lumsden lads were so nice and helpful".

You can decorate all you want, if you don't actually interact with the visiting (paying) public, then you are just holding a private party, aren't you?

Reach out, pull them in, ask if they are enjoying the Games, ask about their roots, etc. I tend to focus on the kids, as I feel if you get them interested in history and culture early on...well, it can only be good.

duchessofnc · 15th June 08, 03:24 PM

Absolutely! I agree on all points. If you can't muster up the ability to be excited about the games and being there, what is the point of doing it? And by not being excited and happy to be there, I don't see the point of paying to sponsor a tent. Unless you're one of those lucky souls who has a clan that actually pays for the sponsorship.

Of course I want to meet people from my own clan at the games. But if I can make history fun and exciting for even one person. That's the real point. I can't wait until the Waxhaw Games. That's going to be pure fun!

**macwilkin** · 16th June 08, 09:01 AM

One great tip for a clan tent I learned from one of the Texas Commissioners of the Clan Gunn Society many years ago is to never, never, never put a table across the front of your tent -- put the table off to the side, and actually invite visitors into your tent. It's even better if you have a couple of camp/folding chairs for new folks and/or old friends to set down and have a wee visit.

Regards,

Todd