leaving for a very long time.

[Christian1863]

this is my first post in about a year now and if your wondering why its because I lost interest in reenacting and the civil war mainly due to people (mainly online) telling me my impression sucks which it does (Probably) and also due to me not being able to react I was 13 at the time now I'm 14 but I doubt anyone will let me on the battlefield. and I also have almost 0 dollars to keep up with reenacting. and I'm way to busy with Dr appointments and a lot of other things. so think of this post as a good bye for awhile. thanks to everyone for helping me out. -Christian.

 

[bdtex]

this is my first post in about a year now and if your wondering why its because I lost interest in reenacting and the civil war mainly due to people (mainly online) telling me my impression sucks which it does (Probably) and also due to me not being able to react I was 13 at the time now I'm 14 but I doubt anyone will let me on the battlefield. and I also have almost 0 dollars to keep up with reenacting. and I'm way to busy with Dr appointments and a lot of other things. so think of this post as a good bye for awhile. thanks to everyone for helping me out. -Christian.

As you can see, you'll get nothing but encouragement from the CWT members. I get the being busy with other things situation. My time for Civil War activity has been restricted due to other things the last year-and-a-half but my interest is as strong as ever. Hang in there and hang out here more often.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

There are lots of good suggestions (and words of encouragement) made above.

Like for any criticisms, decide which ones to accept as being valid (or constructive) for you.

If you choose to continue with your interest in Civil War history, then perhaps there are other ways to discover to nurture your interest - reading, attending presentations, collecting relics/artifacts, visiting sites and museums, participating in discussion forums, to name a few ways.

But if continuing in any reenacting pastime will likely adversely affect your personal health (mental or physical), then maybe such an activity is not worth it.

 

[Flybox1977]

I wouldn't let anyone push out of something you like doing. Ever watch the movie Rudy? He was the smallest, least talent football player to play for Notre Dame. But, how did he excel? Heart and and his lifelong dream to play football. He didn't listen to the naysayers. I myself, just started reenacting this past June. I'm no expert on period drill and uniforms. I only know the basics of the "how and why's" of the civil war. I agree with everyone, get off social media, stay involved with a good group of older CW mentors.
Because I got involved, my 10 year old daughter goes with me and leaves the modern world on weekends. She recently learned the role some women had as spies. She has chosen to play that role running between Union/Confederate camps and learning 1860's life from everyone. My point is, if you have fun doing something and possibly learning something that could make you a better peron, I say do it. No matter what people say.
Good luck with your future endeavors and remember, real friends don't just point out the wrongs, they then help you with fixing the wrongs. That's how we learn.

 

[52ndFandS]

The N-SSA might be an option too. I find live fire very therapeutic l. Focusing on going through the motions and all.

 

[bayonet]

My memory of reenacting is most of the Drummer boys were about your age. Maybe try that. I think there are restrictions on kids your age bearing arms for reenacting. On your health you didn't mention your issues but I'd say consume gallons of Milk and not that phony vegan stuff today. Me and my Brothers drank so much milk our parents could not afford it so they went with powdered milk (yuk!). We should of broken bones 10 times over with all we went through. Drink up! Plus we built a gym in the basement, no such thing as Health or Fitness clubs back then. Stay strong, the internet is full of fools whose courage comes from hiding behind a computer screen.

 

[7thWisconsin]

I started playing the fife when I was 12. If you´re the least bit musical, the fife is MASSIVELY cheaper than a drum, and more portable. I play the bugle, too, which was pretty cheap to pick up and fun to play. I also wargamed a lot when I was a teenager. A couple boxes of plastic minis are inexpensive, rules can be downloaded free (or write your own). I wargamed and played historic music before I reenacted. There are a couple things you can also do to keep the passion fires burning.

 

[Pollaco]

Ahhhh to be 14 again....

Don't worry about things young man, you have a good guiding star to be into this hobby/interest to begin with. Good luck!

You and several of the "younger" generation here gave me a shot of inspiration when y'all joined. I dont reenact so I really cannot give a whole lot of advice concerning that hobby but about all I can really say is that you'll be missed. What good are teachers if they dont have students? Just think, you probably know more about the Civil War than 85% of the population. Oh, concerning those Dr's. Appointments don't let that drag you down either, I'm keeping my doctors plenty busy as well. We are good for the Economy.

 

[bayonet]

I started playing the fife when I was 12. If you´re the least bit musical, the fife is MASSIVELY cheaper than a drum, and more portable. I play the bugle, too, which was pretty cheap to pick up and fun to play. I also wargamed a lot when I was a teenager. A couple boxes of plastic minis are inexpensive, rules can be downloaded free (or write your own). I wargamed and played historic music before I reenacted. There are a couple things you can also do to keep the passion fires burning.

We wargamed as kids too. 1 side The Americans the other the Germans (wonder why 1 side never played the Japanese). If we didn't have plastic guns we made some out of wood. Now a days kids have paint balls. We got alittle older and started shooting Roman Candles at each other. The trick was to light yours last. Ah fond memories chasing my younger brother with those flaming colored balls bouncing off his back.What Morons we were as my Dad called us!

 

[Tony Z]

We wargamed as kids too. 1 side The Americans the other the Germans (wonder why 1 side never played the Japanese). If we didn't have plastic guns we made some out of wood. Now a days kids have paint balls. We got alittle older and started shooting Roman Candles at each other. The trick was to light yours last. Ah fond memories chasing my younger brother with those flaming colored balls bouncing off his back.What Morons we were as my Dad called us!

Sounds like how we played! Never Japanese. A chum's mother made "Tommy guns" for all of us.

 

[52ndFandS]

I started playing the fife when I was 12. If you´re the least bit musical, the fife is MASSIVELY cheaper than a drum, and more portable. I play the bugle, too, which was pretty cheap to pick up and fun to play. I also wargamed a lot when I was a teenager. A couple boxes of plastic minis are inexpensive, rules can be downloaded free (or write your own). I wargamed and played historic music before I reenacted. There are a couple things you can also do to keep the passion fires burning.

The fife was rough for me to get. I never have used it in a reenacting context.

 

[Sheltowee]

Reading something like this causes me to reflect on this forum, and how I'm presenting to impressionable folks who might wander in. Looking at my own actions here, am I always engaging in debate/ conversation in a respectful manner?

I don't see any evidence that the OP had any issues with our CWT- and I hope this is the case. But someone- somewhere- inflicted a wound. Don't like to see this happen to a 14 year-old, especially.

I would be lying if I said there are never any posts here that don't approach the line of civility- and perhaps cross. And not everyone here is a leathery old fart who can take what they dish out. All this to say, sometimes I/we could temper our responses- without compromising truth or healthy spirit of debate.

Just a reminder for me. And overall, I see this forum as being a very positive place to hang out. Anyway..... maybe thinking too much into this?

 

[52ndFandS]

Reading something like this causes me to reflect on this forum, and how I'm presenting to impressionable folks who might wander in. Looking at my own actions here, am I always engaging in debate/ conversation in a respectful manner?

I don't see any evidence that the OP had any issues with our CWT- and I hope this is the case. But someone- somewhere- inflicted a wound. Don't like to see this happen to a 14 year-old, especially.

I would be lying if I said there are never any posts here that don't approach the line of civility- and perhaps cross. And not everyone here is a leathery old fart who can take what they dish out. All this to say, sometimes I/we could temper our responses- without compromising truth or healthy spirit of debate.

Just a reminder for me. And overall, I see this forum as being a very positive place to hang out. Anyway..... maybe thinking too much into this?

I dom think you're over thinking. I have to admit that I've come across as harsh. A few times I've gone back and amended and try to take a 'we'll call it a draw' sorta thing. We all have vastly different backgrounds, come different locations, and you're right it is a very positive place.

I'm such a fresh cut of fish to reenacting I'll admit I have no idea what I'm doing. Dawned on me last week I needed to walk more after I got waylayed by three airport terminals. But I asked a question about it and got a good and helpful answer.

I feel bad for this guy, seriously.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Heck you could always be a powder monkey!
I have been off Face Book for years and think it is wise to stay away,
We need guys like you to keep this impression going.
Best wishes and follow your dreams!

OTC
SCH

 

[Pollaco]

This forum just got a little weaker. So long friend.

 

[7thWisconsin]

Stan Lee used to say ¨Remember, every comic is someone´s first.¨ The reenacting version should be ¨every event is someone´s first.¨ (Or ¨Every impression is someone´s first.¨) We can get wrapped up in where we are in the hobby at the moment, and forget the journey that brought us to that point. This is why I actually mak a point of not judging others´ impressions. At all. Not my business. If they´re safe, that task belongs to their unit or to the event organizers and not to me.
I try to be as thoughtful and civil as possible when I post here. I do use the ¨would I want my mother to read that?¨ rubric before I hit post reply. Sometimes I fail and others have brought me back in the fold, but it´s been rare. There are certain members whose posts I avoid because I don´t like where the conversation goes, but I don´t think I´ve reported anyone in a long time.

 

[Rhea Cole]

I second the sentiments expressed upthread.

Something you may not be aware of is that the liability insurance for re-enacting & living history events costs thousands of dollars. As a rule minimum age for infantry is 16 & cannon crew 18. Violate those strictures & individual participants & the venue are open to ruinous financial costs. For very good reasons underage participants are not welcome.

That being said, local, state & national parks are always looking for volunteers. From the time they were arm babies our grand & great grand girls participated in NPS living history programs.

Frankly, if what you want is to be abused, misinformed & spend the rest of your life unlearning disinformation, do please stay online where ever it is you found those abusive goofs.

As an alternative to that, contact your local historical society, Civil War Roundtables, ask you history teacher, etc. there are a world of people out there who will bend over backwards to encourage & nurture your search for knowledge.

By the way, if, as you say your re-enacting impression sucks, be humble, be teachable & learn how to fix it.

 

[Nathan Towne]

I second the sentiments expressed upthread.

Something you may not be aware of is that the liability insurance for re-enacting & living history events costs thousands of dollars. As a rule minimum age for infantry is 16 & cannon crew 18. Violate those strictures & individual participants & the venue are open to ruinous financial costs. For very good reasons underage participants are not welcome.

That being said, local, state & national parks are always looking for volunteers. From the time they were arm babies our grand & great grand girls participated in NPS living history programs.

Frankly, if what you want is to be abused, misinformed & spend the rest of your life unlearning disinformation, do please stay online where ever it is you found those abusive goofs.

As an alternative to that, contact your local historical society, Civil War Roundtables, ask you history teacher, etc. there are a world of people out there who will bend over backwards to encourage & nurture your search for knowledge.

By the way, if, as you say your re-enacting impression sucks, be humble, be teachable & learn how to fix it.

Quick question:

What guns (cannon) have you fired?

 

[scooter748driver]

Hope you change your mind and stick around. Don't let others disuade your passion.

 

[Pollaco]

No need to quit, just remain "inactive" and give us a holler now and then.

 

[Sundance]

Please "stay calm and carry on". Relax and take it slowly. We all had our "downs" in life and they are what make us what you are. You can see everyone here likes Civil War passionate people like you.