Bears Gate
Overview
Bears Gate is a student organization and household within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), based at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Founded in 2023, Bears Gate exists to recruit and support newcomers to the SCA, particularly students, and serves as a gateway to historical recreation, martial activities, and the arts and sciences.
Though not an official SCA branch, Bears Gate is widely recognized throughout the Kingdom of the Outlands for its enthusiastic outreach, high visibility, and its signature motto: Ursa Porta ("Bear Gate").
History
Bears Gate was founded in 2023 by Lady Caírech liath ingen Alpin. It was established as an official student organization at the University of Northern Colorado and quickly became a vibrant hub for students interested in the SCA.
The household formed in response to a renewed interest in medieval studies, martial combat, and hands-on craftsmanship among college-aged newcomers. It serves as a modern continuation of student engagement in Greeley, which was once home to the now-defunct Canton of Bofharrach.
Activities and Mission
Bears Gate focuses on:
- Supporting student participation in local and kingdom-level SCA events.
- Providing newcomer-friendly introductions to the SCA’s arts, sciences, and martial activities.
- Creating an inclusive, fun, and educational space on campus.
- Maintaining close ties to the Barony of Unser Hafen and the greater Outlands community.
The group is well-known for its approachable atmosphere, vibrant social media presence, and creative student-led initiatives.
April Fools 2024
Weiner Porta
April Fools 2025
Andreas Gate
Officer Core
As of 2026, the Bears Gate officer core includes:
- Head of Household: Aife Cham ingen Saebrethaig
- Deputy Head of Household: Gregor of Bears Gate
- Priest (Treasurer): Viðbjǫrn Orðlokarr
- Captain of the Grizzly Guard: Aurelius Marinus
- Arts and Sciences Captain: Dryantilla Aelia
- Social Media Captain: Gilbertus de Messina
| Role | Bear |
|---|---|
| Head of Household | Caírech Liath ingen Ailpin |
| Deputy Head of Household | Gregor of Bears Gate |
| Social Media Captain | Aife Cham ingen Saebrethaig |
| Arts & Sciences Captain | Faelan Becc |
| Captain of the Grizzly Guard | Yngvarr of Bears Gate |
| Priest (Treasurer) | Viðbjǫrn Orðlokarr |
| Role | Bear |
|---|---|
| Head of Household | Caírech Liath ingen Ailpin |
| Deputy Head of Household | Gregor of Bears Gate |
| Social Media Captain | Vacant |
| Arts & Sciences Captain | Hilarion Angelos Akropolites |
| Captain of the Grizzly Guard | Hadden |
| Priest (Treasurer) | Toby |
Regalia
Membership Necklace
Members of the household are initially referred to as Cubs. Once Cubs have met both the Head of Household and the Deputy Head of Household, they become full-fledged Bears. Upon becoming a Bear, members are granted a necklace with a bear tooth charm.
Arts & Sciences Captain Necklace
The Arts & Sciences Captain of Bears Gate is given a necklace with a multitude of charms and beads. The most prominent charm on the necklace is a cicada made of clear, iridescent resin but is often referred to as a scarab.
Lantern and Candles
At Unser Hafen Newcomers in January of 2025, members of Bears Gate were gifted candles and decorative lanterns at court by Saito Takauji. Uji, once a member of Bofharrach presented these in rememberance of the now-defunct canton and referred to Bears Gate as "lighting the way". The lanterns were incorporated as household regalia, they are passed between outgoing and incoming officers during Gregorian Bear ceremonies.
Grizzly Guard Shield
The Captain of the Grizzly Guard carries a shield, decorated on the front with concentric segments of blue and yellow. It was constructed by Sir Ryu. Traditionally, the shield is able to be painted in a manner and style that suits the Captain at the time, and the reverse of the shield is signed by all current and previous Captains.
Banner
[In progress]
Notable Members
- Lady Caírech liath ingen Alpin – Founder of Bears Gate and early advocate for student participation in the SCA.
- Evpraksiia Muromskaia – Member of Bears Gate and current Co-Social Media Officer for the Kingdom of the Outlands.
- Gilbertus de Messina – Social Media Captain of Bears Gate and Chatelaine of the Barony of Unser Hafen.
- Hilarion Angelos Akropolites – Current Barbican Herald of the Barony of Unser Hafen.
- Dryantilla Aelia – Current Pencerdd Bard of the Barony of Unser Hafen.
Gregorian Bears
At Spring Coronation in the 60th year of the Society (AS 60), Lady Caírech liath ingen Alpin, Gilbertus de Messina, and Hilarion Angelos Akropolites were named the first Gregorian Bears. This honorary title recognizes members of Bears Gate who have grown beyond the status of newcomers through consistent participation, skill, and leadership.
The title is named in honor of Gregor of Bears Gate, the original and current Deputy Head of Household, and reflects the household’s spirit of mentorship and growth. Gregorian Bears serve as role models for newer members while continuing to contribute meaningfully to the SCA and their local group.
Relationship with Unser Hafen
Bears Gate operates within the geographical boundaries of the Barony of Unser Hafen and enjoys a strong, collaborative relationship with the Barony. Members frequently attend and assist with baronial events and practices, and many also serve in baronial and kingdom-level offices.