About the Squires Advancement Program
Historical Perspective
In Medieval times a squire was a young man in training to become a knight. Squires learned through service. There were different levels of squires, in various stages of training. Before a young man even became a squire, he began his training as a “page.” He would be trained in courtesy and chivalry, attending to the knight, his lady, and their guests, as well as attending to duties that included care of the household and table, the stables and horses, and campsite. As he was trained by squires and served the knight who was his mentor, he learned to hunt and fish, how to protect himself with a shield, to use a sword, and to ride a horse while carrying a lance.
This training continued when he became a squire. Squires became specialized in different duties, and were named accordingly. A knight might have a “squire of the chamber,” a “squire of the table,” and a “carving squire,” whose duties are fairly obvious from their titles.
A knight’s senior squire was called the “squire of the body.” The “squire of the body” was responsible for the actions and supervision of the other squires. When his knight went into battle, the “squire of the body” would accompany him, to assist him with his personal needs, including armor and armaments. If the knight was injured the “squire of the body” would tend his wounds, or, if the knight were killed, he would see to it that the body was buried.
Therefore, like the squires of old, through the Squire Advancement Program, Squires will advance through various levels of training. There are five levels of advancement. The five levels, in order from lowest to highest are (click on level for details):
Moving from level to level is a matter of achievement and recognition, not of privilege or authority, and requires certain activities to be accomplished in the areas of:
Responsibility for circle activities remains with the circle officers and committee chairmen. Thus the term “level” is used, rather than “office” or “rank.”
Congratulations
to our Squires