Youth Leader Roles
Especially for those new to Heroic Youth, sometimes there can be confusion about the Youth Leader Roles in Hero Quest and Summit. Here is a quick summary of the general roles of each male and female position in the Heroic Youth Hero Quest program.
These descriptions focus mainly on days two and three, Summit, when the young knights and handmaidens are led by the youth. But the same hierarchy and structure will exist during Hero Quest, during the youth simulation. Master Knights and Princess will still be the leaders and everyone will be in the camps or kingdoms to which they have been assigned. *Ages listed are approximate.
Master Knight
(Age range 16-18)*
A Master Knight is the leader in charge of his Camp. He exemplifies duty and self-mastery. He encourages the other boys in his camp by living the Standards and the Hero's Creed, by example, as well as with his words.
You will work with your Master Knight partner to achieve your desired goals, and take charge in Camp meetings to keep everyone focused and on task.
You will receive and review each camp member's Everyday Warrior Journey (EWJ) report, as well as submit your own EWJ report, each week on time. You will respond to each member of your Camp’s report with praise and encouragement related to what was reported. You will keep an eye on who in your Camp is participating regularly and who you should be reaching out to in order to encourage participation.
You will work to ensure every member of your camp is fulfilling his role, feels included, and that there is unity in your Camp. You will set an example by attending trainings and meetings on time, and with a positive attitude.
In Noble House meetings, you will work with your Master Knight partner and the Princesses to run the meetings, making sure that the objectives are met and ensuring that everyone's voice is heard.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Please note: There is an additional fee that will be collected after assignments go out to cover additional trainings and supplies for Master Knights.
Princess
(Age range 16-18)*
A Princess is the leader in charge of her Kingdom. She exemplifies grace and righteous power. She encourages the other girls in her Kingdom by living the Standards and the Hero's Creed, by example, as well as with her words.
You will work with your Princess-pair to achieve your desired goals, and take charge in Kingdom meetings to keep everyone focused and on task.
You will receive and review each kingdom member's Everyday Warrior Journey (EWJ) report, as well as submit your own EWJ report, each week on time. You will respond to each member of your Kingdom's report with praise and encouragement related to what was reported. You will keep an eye on who in your Kingdom is participating regularly, and who you should be reaching out to in order to encourage participation.
You will work to ensure every member of your Kingdom is fulfilling her role, feels included, and that there is unity in your Kingdom. You will set an example by attending trainings and meetings on time, and with a positive attitude.
In Noble House meetings, you will work with your Princess-pair and the Master Knights to run the meetings, making sure that the objectives are met and ensuring that everyone's voice is heard.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Please note: There is an additional fee that will be collected after assignments go out to cover additional trainings and supplies for Princesses.
Squire
(Age range 15-17)*
The Squire is the right hand of his Master Knight. Your job is to support your Master Knight in whatever needs to be done (see a need, fill a need) to help your Master Knight succeed. You are a part of a team. Your Camp's success is based in part on how well you are able to 'stay at your post' and support your Master Knight in whatever way he may need.
You will submit your EWJ report to your Master Knight on time each week.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Lady in Waiting
(Age range 15-17)*
A Lady-in-Waiting is the 'right-hand' of her Princess. Your job is to support your Princess in whatever needs to be done (see a need, fill a need) to help your Princess succeed. You are a part of a team. Your Kingdom's success is based in part on how well you are able to 'stay at your post' and support your Princess in whatever way she may need.
You will submit your EWJ report to your Princess on time each week.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Royal Guard
(Age Range 14-18)*
Royal Guards have an emphasis on the care of physical needs as well as being the example of courtly language and behavior in your Noble House. You assist with food, snacks, equipment, and general care of the members of your House during Noble House meetings and Hero Quest.
During Summit you will serve in your partner Kingdom, assisting the girls with these duties.
In all places, you will be a gracious example of courtly behavior by bowing, using titles, and setting stellar examples of respect and courtesy.
You will submit your EWJ report to your Master Knight on time each week.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Shield Maidens
(Age Range 14-18)*
Shield Maidens have an emphasis on the care of physical needs as well as being the example of courtly language and behavior in your Noble House. You assist with food, snacks, equipment, and general care of the members of your House during Noble House meetings and Hero Quest.
During Summit you will serve in your partner Camp, assisting the boys with these duties.
In all places, you will be a gracious example of courtly behavior by curtsying, using titles, and setting stellar examples of respect and courtesy.
You will submit your EWJ report to your Princess on time each week.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Page
(Age range 12-15)*
A Page is a vital part of your Camp.
You are the designated person to do official communication between Camps and Noble Houses. You are also the 'welcoming committee' for your Camp.
You will attend and participate in Camp and Noble House gatherings, keeping an eye out for those who look like they are not feeling included. You should reach out to your Master Knight after each meeting and let him know if you noticed anyone being left out.
You will submit your EWJ report to your Master Knight on time each week.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Flag Bearer
(Age range 12-15)*
A Flag-Bearer is a vital part of your Kingdom.
You are the designated person to do official communication between Kingdoms and Noble Houses. You are also the 'welcoming committee' for your Kingdom.
You will attend and participate in Kingdom and Noble House gatherings, keeping an eye out for those who look like they are not feeling included. You should reach out to your Princess after each meeting and let her know if you noticed anyone being left out.
You will submit your EWJ report to your Princess on time each week.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Guardian Commanders
(Age range 15-17)*
Guardians have a special focus on EWJ victories and service.
You are an integral part of your Camp as you all work together to find ways to serve and foster unity.
The Guardian Commander's job is to reach out to your Guardians and create plans on ways they can serve the members of their Camp and their Noble House.
You encourage your Camp each week to submit EWJ victories to Lord Zak and Lady Sarah to share with the rest of the youth leaders.
You will also encourage the Guardians to participate in Noble House meetings and other trainings. Guardians are often the newest members of Heroic Youth so your special job is to make them feel seen, valued, and heard.
If you notice any concerns, you will report them to the senior Master Knight.
You will submit your EWJ report to the senior Master Knight on time each week.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Valkyrie Commanders
(Age range 15-17)*
Valkyries have a special focus on EWJ victories and service.
You are an integral part of your Kingdom as you all work together to find ways to serve and foster unity.
The Valkyrie Commander's job is to reach out to your Valkyries and create plans on ways they can serve the members of their Kingdom and their Noble House.
You encourage your Kingdom each week to submit EWJ victories to Lord Zak and Lady Sarah to share with the rest of the youth leaders.
You will also encourage the Valkyries to participate in Noble House meetings and other trainings. Valkyries are often the newest members of Heroic Youth so your special job is to make them feel seen, valued, and heard.
If you notice any concerns, you will report them to the senior Princess.
You will submit your EWJ report to the Senior Princess on time each week.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Guardians
(Age range 12-15)*
Guardians have a special focus on service.
They are an integral part of their Camp as they work together to find ways to serve and foster unity.
They work with their Guardian Commander to create plans on ways they can serve the members of their Camp, Noble House, and personal family each week.
You will submit your EWJ report to your Master Knight on time each week.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Valkyries
(Age range 12-15)*
Valkyries have a special focus on service. They are an integral part of their Kingdom as they work together to find ways to serve and foster unity.
They work with their Valkyrie Commander to create plans on ways they can serve the members of their Kingdom, Noble House, and personal family each week.
You will submit your EWJ report to your Princess on time each week.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Royal House Members
The Royal House is made up of the Crown Princess and Royal Master Knight, along with their Royal Lady-in-Waiting and Royal Squire, Royal Flag Bearer and Royal Page, Royal Valkyrie Commander and Royal Guardian Commander, and Royal Shield Maiden and Royal Royal Guard. The Royal House is usually made up of former Princesses and Master Knights, helping to train other youth leaders in their roles, and assisting the Crown Princess and Royal Master Knight.
For Event, Hero Quest, and Summit attire, please refer to the guidelines here.
Please note: There is an additional fee that will be collected after assignments go out to cover additional trainings and supplies for Royal House Members.
*Age ranges listed are approximate
Attire/Costume Guidelines for Youth Leaders
All youth leaders agree to the 5 Commitments which includes appropriate attire for all events including the main Hero Quest and Summit events:
Commitment #2 - Dress and Grooming
I commit to dress modestly, allowing my actions and character to be the main focus. These guidelines include:
- Shorts or skirts must be modest in length
- Tops have sleeves
- Modest necklines
- Shirts cover midriff
- No images on clothing that are graphic, degrading, or profane.
- Close-toed shoes
- Hair in naturally occurring colors (blond, brunette, auburn, etc. not blue, purple, green, etc.)
- For main events - male youth to be clean-shaven and tidy haircuts, and all appropriate costumes as described for your individual role.
I understand that I can be asked to leave if I do not follow these guidelines.
In addition to that commitment, we have included guidelines for youth leaders costume attire for Hero Quest and Summit:
- Pants: Wear non-denim, long pants, preferably Dockers-style, or at least solid color athletic pants. Denim is too hot, doesn't dry well, and causes chafing with the amount of walking and running we do. No shorts permitted.
- Shirts: Your shirt will be mostly covered by your tabard. You can wear a t-shirt (be wise about what slogans may be printed on your shirt) or a dress shirt. It works well to buy a thrifted dress shirt and cut off the collar then use leather cord to lace up the top two button holes to create a medieval-style shirt. No sleeveless or cut-off shirts permitted.
- Footwear: Comfortable close-toed shoes are a must. Cool looking boots might be tempting but it's most important to protect your feet with the amount of walking we do. The grass is often wet in the mornings so it's best to lean toward shoes that do well in the damp as opposed to canvas shoes like converse. Shoes must be worn at all times.
- Hats: hats for shade are encouraged but not required. They should be a style with a brim all around rather than baseball cap style and should not have any slogans on them. Small labels are fine.
- Armor: Armor is discouraged. In fact, no armor pieces should be worn that cover your tabard in any way. Arm bracers are ok, but no pauldrons or chest pieces or chainmail. You are going to be working too hard to add that extra weight.