Now that you want to participate with a camp impression, there are a few factors to take into consideration. If you do not plan to sleep in camp at night (stay in motel or trailer), you will only need a few basic items, such as seating and work space. If you decide to stay in camp for the night, you will need tent, bedding and cooking gear.
Don't forget that while you are starting out your fellow reenactors will be happy to help out. Ask if anyone has tent space available or an extra tent they will loan out. In warm weather, you can sleep under someone's shade fly in your sleeping bag. Many reenactors stay in their trucks or with friends who live near the reenactment.
Remember that it is not necessary to purchase everything. As you get to know your fellow reenactors and form friendships, cooperative arrangements are often a good way to share equipment. Ask around for used equipment for sale, and be sure to check the classified advertisements in your club's newsletter.
Our general guidelines will help you examine what types of items you need to bring for your impression and what limitations you may encounter.
This is the number one question you must answer for yourself before you decide to spend the night in camp. If you don't like "regular" camping, chances are you will like camping at a reenactment even less, since there will be fewer modern conveniences. Be sure to try it for a weekend by bunking with other reenactors before you purchase camping gear.
There are a few basic, hard facts about camping that you have to face. How would you react to finding crickets in your sleeping bag upon awakening? Can you stand to go two or three days without a shower? Bugs and dirt are facts of life in the great outdoors. Precautions can be taken to reduce the chance of six-legged roommates and wash-basin cleansing will help, but there will be times when you, dirt, and bugs become close acquaintances. Can you go a few days with only a lowly, blue, comfort station available for your necessary ablutions? Are you bothered by being in close quarters with other campers?
It is not necessary to camp out to reenact effectively. Camps are open from 9:00 to 5:00, and that is the only time you are really required to be in camp and in character. You are free to spend the rest of the time in your own pursuits and in your choice of accommodations. A percentage of reenactors regularly stay in nearby motels or in trailers and modern tents in the event parking area.
I'm here to tell you, however, that you will miss what I consider to be the very best part of the reenactment. When the public leaves, you get quality time with your reenacting friends in a delightful ambiance of days past. Sharing supper cooked over an open fire, singing old tunes and enjoying the long neglected arts of conversation with a group of costumed reenactors are joys worth savoring. It is a magical trip to a vital time in history that will enrich you. After an evenings jollity, as you lie in your tent, even the surrounding sounds hearken you back in time--camp fires crackling, laughter, singing, horses stamping, soldiers snoring...
Be sure to research what types of items your character will require to effectively reenact the impression you have chosen. Keep these items to a minimum to preserve your sanity and your back.
A blacksmith will need to bring along quite a bit of heavy equipment. A member of the Sanitary Commission may only need to bring a sewing project and chair. A politician will only need fine clothes and a soapbox. Be sure you are up to the amount of equipment your role will require.
If you camp out, aim to have an authentic camp with period correct equipment and tents. If you use modern camping equipment, camouflage those items or keep your tent closed during public hours. This is often necessary when you are just starting out and have not yet acquired all your gear. Be warned that even with the tent ties closed, some members of the public will still peek inside. Please cover modern items.
The type of transportation you have available will effect how much gear you can schlep along. Needless to say, a large pickup truck can carry more and bigger items than the family sedan. Don't get too ambitious if space is limited.
Miss Vera has a one-ton van and it is packed to the rafters for reenactments. She presents a terrific impression at camp with her myriads of period correct equipment. Miss Fannie has a tiny truck and is limited on space. She has a camp that makes use of camouflage to disguise modern, space saving items like air mattresses. Flexibility is the key to comfort when space is limited in your vehicle.
Many reenactors get so much into the hobby that they eventually make their vehicle purchases based upon the needs of their hobby! I often hear them discussing the need for a bigger truck or a nice, big utility trailer.
Some types of gear can be darn heavy. Although folks at reenactments are always willing to lend a hand with unloading, you will have to load and unload your stuff by yourself when you are home. Try to distribute your supplies into smaller boxes instead of one big box if possible. Extra boxes will also give you additional seating.
Plan ahead for packing your vehicle--try to have someone around to help you with the big stuff. Use a dolly to haul heavy boxes from your storage shed to the truck. Use safe lifting techniques to avoid strain.
Don't plan on roughing it if it will be rough on you. Some of our younger reenactors are capable of sleeping on the cold ground will just a thin woolen blanket. The rest of us have reached an age when that is just not worth the pain and groaning. Plan for a degree of comfort that will leave you smiling when you get up in the morning.
Although we portray a period in the past, we are fortunate to live in an era when life is easier, comforts are taken for granted, and more is known about health than was known in the mid 1800s. By all means, get your night's rest in a bed that is comfortable, either a straw, wool or feather tick; an air mattress, foam pad, or canvas cot. Just be sure to conceal modern items.
It is a good idea to go in partners or as a group on your impression if possible. The more the merrier, and if there are other folks involved, they can cover for you if you need to take a break. In the summer heat, being "on stage" for 8 hours straight can be tiring. Your partner(s) can take turns with you in your presentation so that your body and voice get regular breaks. You can share cooking and set up chores to lighten your load.
Some items, such as tents or tradesmen's tools, represent a significant investment. If your funds are limited, stick to a role that allows you to share tent space and requires equipment that is reasonably priced.
Be creative and resourceful in acquiring your gear. Go in as partners or a group on an impression so that you can share the costs of supplies and equipment. Here is a tiny sampling of the cooperative arrangements I have personally participated in to help save a few shekels:
The Sanitary Commission works on a quilt at reenactments. They sell raffle tickets for the quilt to purchase supplies for the next year's quilt.
When I needed a tent and a soldier needed sleeping quarters for his daughter, he donated some dollars to the large tent I purchased. His daughter is a delightful roommate and we have shared our dorm with many other new reenactresses.
By going partners with Miss Vera on the Soldier's Respite, we have been able to split the task & cost of providing our equipment.
We take turns providing and preparing meals. This way we don't have to prepare every meal and it is more economical to share meal costs. Often we can make economical use of items we have on hand, such as Miss Vera's home grown eggs & fruit and my freezer full of fish and game.
Whenever I discover a great deal on reenacting items that are too good to turn down, even if it's something I don't need, I go ahead and get them. These make marvelous trade items. I have often acquired long desired items by trading off these bargain goods.
You will have ample opportunity to benefit from the advice of veterans, they are more than happy to share their ideas and experience. Spend some time checking out the encampments of your fellow reenactors for ideas and inspiration.
Image courtesy of Library of Congress
