Order of the Roundtable: For children and young people

Third Saturday of the month 2-4 p.m. 

Through ceremony, games, story-telling, and creative activities, the Order of the Round Table helps youth grow as useful and happy members of society. It promotes awareness of unity, stimulates love of nature and animals, and encourages a life of harmony and compassion.

For information on the group please contact Mark Roemmich at 630-668-1571 x334 or e-mail mroemmich@theosophical.org

What is the Round Table?

The Order of the Round Table is an international organization started in England in 1908 by Herbert Whyte, and it exists to inspire young people to be open and receptive to the ideas of a sacredness of life and a unity between all forms of creation. The Order is based on the noble principles of the legendary King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table who rode abroad, redressing wrongs and delivering the oppressed. However, since the world has greatly changed since the days of the great King Arthur, the members of our Order are not called upon to garb themselves in shining armor doing good at the point of a sword or spear. Instead, they are called to spread goodness by developing in themselves a virtuous life and by performing different actions of service that may inspire others to do the same.

The Pledge of our Order:

A clean life, an open mind, a pure heart, an eager intellect, a brotherliness for all, and a constant eye to the service of the King.

How is it Organized?

Membership in the Order of the Round Table is composed of Pages, Companions, Squires, and Knights. It is open to children ages 6 and up, without regard to race, social position, sex, or religious belief. Adults who are either a parent or friend of a youth joining are welcomed to join as well.

Each new member of the Round Table enters as a Page (children remain as Pages from 6-10 years old). In this stage the virtue encouraged to be practiced is kindness.

The second stage is that of Companion (ages 10-14). Here the virtue of helpfulness is emphasized.

Then the Companion becomes a Squire (ages 14-17). The virtue for this stage is courage, because while one needs courage   in life, courageousness  can  become aggressiveness without the refinement of kindness and helpfulness.

The final stage is that of a Knight (age 17+). The virtue for this stage is righteousness, a quality necessary to live a noble life.