Camping

While we cannot recreate an occupied city of Boston for this event, we can do our best to resemble an accurate camp for both British and Colonial forces alike. Camps were planned and organized to fit the needs of an army. Just like our dress, how we camp for the weekend also leaves an impact on the visitors’ impressions of 18th century military life. We should, in all possible cases, refer to documented research to recreate and interpret. However, we also acknowledge the needs of the 21st century hobbyist.

To help visitors experience life in Charlestown as well as in the British and Provincial camp, we have designed the following rules and guidelines. Further details of the camp will be shared with participating units ahead of the event for optimal planning. But rest assured, the camp design will not only bolster authenticity—it will foster fellowship between all participants.

1. Registration will be open on Friday June 20 between 1pm and 10pm, and Saturday June 21 from 7am-9am. Unit commanders from each army should check in with their respective QM for camp assignment. Vehicles will not be allowed in camp After 9:00 am Saturday morning.  

2. Departure will begin at 2:00pm Sunday June 22. Vehicles will be allowed in camp by 2:00pm, and must be gone by 8:00pm.

3. With the smaller amount of space at this site, we strongly encourage units to pare down the amount of stuff they bring. It is not only more accurate, but it will help. We ask that you limit one mess fly and one supply tent per unit. If possible supply tents be wedge instead of wall tents to ensure enough space for all.

4. Period depictions of camp life often bear little resemblance to what we see at reenactments. We will be laying out the camps according to military doctrine, and we expect the event QMs to enforce the layouts. To this end, rather than individual units being spaced out in their own insular enclaves, the dining areas will be lined side by side opposite the rows of tents in a sort of “tavern road.” Note, your unit’s sleeping area and dining area may not be adjacent.

5. Please refrain from bringing 19th century items, or “reenactorism” items such as lantern stands, obviously modern furniture and lighting

6. Gas/propane grills, charcoal grills and generators are prohibited.

7. Event hours are Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-2pm. During those hours all soldiers, officers, and non-combatants must observe appropriate camp discipline. That means private soldiers are expected to address Officers and NCOs with proper respect. All modern items must be out of sight of the public and other reenactors.

8. Wearing modern jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, rings (other than wedding rings) by both men and women is discouraged.

9. Impressions based on movies or television is not appropriate for this event. Sandals, coonskin caps, fringed buckskin, cut-off modern pants, drawstring caps, and sleeveless bodices are not appropriate or encouraged for this event.

10. All male participants are required to have no more than THREE DAY facial hair growth. NO one with a mustache or beard will be permitted to take part in the event.

11. Please keep all modern amenities such as coolers, plastic tarps, etc. well hidden during the hours when the museum is open (This includes the toys, electronic games, strollers, playpens etc. Infants and young children are expected to be in appropriate clothing during event hours).

12. For the consideration of all, no radios, televisions, tape or CD players, or other electronics are permitted in the camps. Any instruments in camp must be period appropriate.

13. Cell phones if truly necessary, should be turned off, or on “vibrate”; and ONLY used out of the sight of the public.

14. Please refrain from using modern drinking containers, such as paper coffee cups and water bottles during event hours. All units are expected to keep their camps clean and clear of garbage.

15. No pets allowed at this event

16. All weapons, both edged and firearms, shall be used and stored in a safe and deliberate manner at all times.

17. This is a densely populated area. We must be respectful of the residents who are allowing us to use the site outside their doorsteps. Please keep quiet hours from 10:00PM - 7:00AM

18. This event endorses the safety guidelines put forth by the Continental Line and the Boston Garrison. These

19. Absolutely NO WALK ONS will be allowed to this event. Anyone who tries to attend the event and is not affiliated with a registered unit will be asked to leave the event.