So... You are considering either a new unit, or a new hobby, or you wouldn't be looking here. I'll strive to give you some straight-up information, to help with you decisions.
Have you re-enacted before? Click here to skip over the basics.
Here is the text of an original recruiting poster for the Royal North Carolina Regt., "caused to be published at Hillsborough" NC, Feb 1781, by Col. David Fanning.
Basics of Re-enacting the American War for Independence:
Can I do something other than be a Soldier?
Is it expensive? Like any hobby, be it stamp collecting, golf, or boating, there is a cost in money, as well as time. There are ways to mitigate some of the expenses, and we try to help each other in the unit by making as much as we can ourselves, and loaning items until members are able to acquire things themselves. For a soldier persona, the kit would cost a total of approximately $1000, but that would include gun, tent, uniform, and all personal gear, and could be spread over a 12 to 18 month period. As for time, we usually have an event per month, and sometimes two, as well as periodic work-days or drill weekends. There is no firm commitment on attendance required.
What about rules? Every organization has rules, and we are no different. Some rules are specific to our unit, and not other organizations. In striving for authenticity, we ask men to be clean shaven, (Optional for women) but that is by no means a universal rule to the hobby. Other rules are imposed by the sites we go to, and vary by site. These usually have to do with where fires are placed, how close troops can engage, etc., and are listed in our info prior to an event. Umbrella Organizations to which our unit belongs also have standards to which we adhere, but normally unit rules are more restrictive, and would have precedence. Our rules are listed throughout this website, at the pages listed to the left. Look over Authenticity closely, as well as Camping.
What is an event like? For the most part, no two are the same, but there are some things normal to most events. Usually, we arrive Friday afternoon or evening. A shallow fire pit is dug, firewood laid in, and a camp fire lit. You set up your tent, with assistance from others if needed, and assist others as they come in. For Friday evening dinner, it's on-your-own, so either off to Fast Food, or cook something at the fire. Friday evening we socialize- it may involve singing, talking, adult beverages (Poured into a period mug), laying around the fire, or what-have-you! Saturday morning involves stoking up the fire, making coffee or tea, breakfast. An officer's meeting firms up the schedule for the day, and that is passed on to the unit. We may then drill, visit sutlers (period merchants), or lounge until lunch. Usually a battle is held after lunch, weapons are cleaned & put away, supper started, and some form of entertainment commenced. There may be a tavern Saturday evening, we may hold one ourselves, or simply repeat Friday night's festivities. Sunday morning begins the schedule again, similar to Saturday, sometimes with an addition of a period Church service. There may be contests & games over the course of a weekend, such as tomahawk throws, Rounders (an early baseball), scavenger hunts, skillet tosses, and a variety of scenarios in which you would be welcomed and encouraged to participate. Normally, vehicles would be allowed into camp at 3:00 on Sunday, and you take down your tent, pack the car, say goodbye for now, then hit the road.
About Food... We try to eat period type foods, especially when in public. As mentioned above, Friday evening's meal is on-your-own, and out of the public eye. Our breakfasts usually consist of a porridge of either grits or oatmeal, and maybe a meat. You provide your own lunch, and we strongly suggest what we refer to as "Haversack Munchies"... These could include fresh in-season fruit, jerked meat, cold chunk of meat, chunk of cheese, hunk of bread (not sliced white bread) or any period food that can be carried in a bag, and eaten without preparation. Suppers tend to be boiled, and some type of stew- beef or poultry, maybe with rice, or potatoes, whatever vegetables may be available etc... At some events, a supper may be provided by the host. We communicate before events to determine food needs, and generally call on those coming to the event to provide some items towards a meal, keeping the overall costs very low.
About Sleeping... It's just camping- instead of a Coleman tent, ours is canvas. The sites usually provide us with hay or straw; if you put about a half a bale down fluffed up, then throw a blanket over it, you've got a bed! Not a bad way to sleep, and pretty comfortable as well. If need be, a small cot will fit in your tent, it just needs to remain hidden. If you use a sleeping bag, make sure it's hidden and that the day-glo orange is not visible through your tent. Wool blankets work well, and give you a tent that you can have open during the day.
Shopping! Or how to save money... There are many opportunities for shopping at events, and lots of things that really look neat! HOWEVER, save your money, unless you want something to decorate your house. Our rules limit what you can carry with you, and not all sutlers or merchants sell appropriate gear! At least at first, we ask that you take a Sgt along with you on shopping expeditions, he'll guide your purchases, and help you save money by telling you why you should not buy something. We have some approved suppliers that we order from, and make a lot of our gear ourselves.
Can I do something other than be a Soldier? As in the modern military, the armies of the 18th century consisted of many others than just the soldiers. A wide variety of Petit Sutlers sold the troops items such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and liquors. Tailors, seamstresses, laundresses, cobblers, servants, quartermasters, surgeons, surgeons assistants, and many, many other occupations are available to the non-combatant. As the Tories became displaced during the War, another viable pursuit could be "Loyalist Refugee". These people fled to the protection of the army, often with just the clothes on their backs. Research is available on many of these impressions.
What do I do next? Read over the rest of the web site, look at the Authenticity and Camp sections in particular. If we still have not scared you off, Contact Us! We can exchange emails, meet with you, or discuss the unit further by phone. Before you decide to commit, we ask you to come to an event, and check us out. We may be able to outfit you for a weekend, to give you a chance to look at us, see how we operate, and get a feel for the hobby.
Up for something different?
Our philosophy of "less is more" might be for you.
We try to balance authenticity with fun.
We strive to keep politics to an absolute minimum.
Look at our authenticity guidelines.
Read over the other pages on this site, and see if our thinking fits you.
More Info? Contact US