Parents and Guardians
Letter from Esther Penner - Founder/CEO of Merlin's Code
A number of years ago, I came across a story of the Merlin/Arthur Legend that simultaneously enchanted and inspired me. This version of the legend contains the Code of Chivalry as Merlin taught it to Arthur. From the first time I heard it, it resonated with me in a profound way. Recognizing it as an elegant and powerful template for helping young people discover and live their best selves, I created a curriculum for this Code of Chivalry.
Merlin’s Code is a web-based LifeSkills and leadership training program for teens that does not require extensive parental supervision or chauffeuring. It is a life-enhancing, challenging, as well as an entertaining answer to the teenage plea, “I’m bored.” or “There’s nothing to do.” Our learning modules, Chivalry Reborn and Chivalry Unleashed, give teens permission to engage in a learning process that is “all about me”—in fact we encourage it. With the guidance of carefully selected and trained mentors, teens learn each of the twelve qualities that combine to form a Code of Chivalry, while also safely exploring the application of these qualities in their daily lives.
The curriculum content, while in places somewhat whimsical, is challenging, thought-provoking and stimulates imagination. We believe that the twelve qualities at the core of this learning opportunity, are embraced as good and valuable by most societies, cultures and religions. These qualities apply to both genders in spite of the fact that knights are stereotypically thought of as male. The primary restrictions for registration are age and the willingness to adhere to our Website Code of Conduct. We honor everyone’s right to live their lives with dignity and freedom. To the degree that Merlin’s Code supports and enhances that in your loved ones, I invite your participation.
Your support and assistance in providing all the requested registration information is greatly appreciated. The intent is not to be invasive but rather to screen out participants with less than chivalrous intent. While I believe it is important that young people start building trust with adults outside the family and school community, it is also important that parents are comfortable that these adults are worthy of such trust and that you understand what these relationships are about. Mentors
My personal code of conduct demands that I do my best to provide the same quality of care and instruction for your child as I would my own. For this and other reasons, I welcome hearing from parents. I prefer that parents know what their children are doing on our website and approve of their participation in this adventure. Your questions and comments are welcome as they help us provide an outstanding online community for chivalrous young people. Suggestions
I’d like to share an excerpt from the Merlin/Arthur Story that I view as a good metaphor for Merlin's Code.
Together Arthur and Guenivere, brought visions of a future for a land, and for its people. There was a reason to begin again. There was a purpose. Things started to matter again. People began to grow and change. As they began to trust, and to rely on each other again, meaning and value came to life. Their perspective changed. Perhaps not knowing exactly why, people found their choices seeming to make a difference. They began to dream and to fight for that dream and for freedom. The portals to the future were opened within this domain called Camelot, and the land and the people thrived.
Welcome to a timeless adventure and welcome to Merlin’s Code!
Living Chivalry,
Esther Penner
