How do you motivate others or improve the hobby?

[jacifus]

Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

For the last two years, I have not been able to participate in the hobby I love, mainly due to serious knee problems. (3cm of cartlidge that isn't THERE!)

My question: In most of your units, do you have ways for reenactors to participate that are health challenged? I am trying to find out how to fit in, due to my limitations........:confused_

[Uncle Pig]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

Isn’t that what the artillery is for?


Thanks,
Mark C. Foster

[ephraim_zook]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

I guess the first question would be to what extent is your mobility limited?
Are you ambulatory but with limited activity?
Walk with crutches?
Must you sit most of the time?
Are you stuck in a wheelchair?

I would look for an impression that would keep you close to HQ -- possibly clerk, commissary or QM staff. Make it a functional impression -- not a decorative thing. An alternative -- Christian Commission or Sanitary Commission. Is there a historic site or fort nearby that allows reenactors to play there? A "desk job" at Fort Delaware might work for someone here in the northeast.

I'm finding, with increasing age, a need to take it easier. There are things out there. You need to look outside the box for ways to participate. If the events you attend don't allow for such roles or impressions then maybe look a bit farther afield.

Good luck!
Ron Myzie

[Dale Beasley]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

Jaye,

Ron hit up on some very good points. Unless you are bound to a wheelchair, and unable to carry your gear, you should be able to find what you need.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

If you prefer to stay with a military impression , there is the Veteran's Reserve Corps for Federal and Home Guard or other militia-type impression for Confederate. Those would be quite authentic to a person with limited range or mobility. Perhaps the best impression, though, would be that of a citizen. Don't for a moment think that being a civilian is a let-down compared to a military impression as there are a thousand things to do when it comes to portraying an authentic civilian, several of which could allow you to maintain some kind of tie to the military if you prefer.

[Longbranch 1]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

jacifus,

I feel your pain. literally...

95 % of the time I can tough it throughthe field portions of events. ( Generally with a most Progressive Mainstream unit)

But if I do have to fall out of ranks, ( Something I believe is under represented in the hobby), I wander back to the Surgeon, Commissary, HQ orArty, and find a way to make myself useful. With my Co. Officer's permission of course.
The Commissary is always first choice :)
Or, you can always desert!

Just a thought.
Kevin Ellis, 26th NCT

[Chuck Reynolds]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

I volunteered to be my units cook, they were thrilled. I can't march.
Chuck

[jacifus]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

I can't do a whole lot of marching....like over a couple of miles.

[jacifus]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

I am with a Progressive unit, and I can participate in the battles with no problem. Where the problem comes in, is at major functions, like 145th Gettysburg, that is coming up. I went to Franklin about two years ago, and after about 3 miles, I couldn't hardly even walk, because the pain was ridiculous. At some of the big events, there is a lot of marching.

[jacifus]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

Isn’t that what the artillery is for?

Thanks,
Mark C. Foster

I'm not THAT desperate yet...hehe, of course those guys certainly eat well! :D

[Cfarrell]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

Not every event is a ground pounding, grass crushing, bug stomping 15 mile march. Some are! Pick and chose your events...a winter quarters event at Mansfield SCA in Jan. for example wouldn't have a long march - a lot of drill, though. Something like the up coming Outpost...well that might not be the best event for you.

Regards,

[Chihuahua]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

Pards,
Several years back, I had a severe bout of tendonitus in my right elbow. Carrying my Enfield was painful. For two events I simply but my arm in a make-shift sling and made myself useful around the camp tending the fire and such.
I've got to believe it's period authentic to have a soldier with a temporary injury or illness hanging with his unit.
Mark Warren
Hairy Nation

[Hank Trent]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

Not every event is a ground pounding, grass crushing, bug stomping 15 mile march. Some are! Pick and chose your events...a winter quarters event at Mansfield SCA in Jan. for example wouldn't have a long march - a lot of drill, though. Something like the up coming Outpost...well that might not be the best event for you.

Totally agree. I'd say a combination of the event and the role makes more difference than military or civilian, and by looking for upcoming events and suggesting possible roles that would minimize walking or climbing, you can find activities that fit your abilities. Civilian is not necessarily physically easy. Being a military clerk and cook a few weeks ago was much easier physically than scrambling over hills and fences a few days ago as a civilian. The physically easiest roles I've done this year were a military prisoner of war, and a lawyer arguing a case. The absolute hardest, and the first time I'd really felt like I was pushing myself to my limits at an event, was a civilian walk.

I'll also agree with what others have said about big mainstream events. Beer-battle-ball events spread out over acres and acres may take more walking just to get back and forth to water, battle site, camp and activities, than history-heavy events where there's an expectation someone will be portraying a disabled person.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[jacifus]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

Not every event is a ground pounding, grass crushing, bug stomping 15 mile march. Some are! Pick and chose your events...a winter quarters event at Mansfield SCA in Jan. for example wouldn't have a long march - a lot of drill, though. Something like the up coming Outpost...well that might not be the best event for you.

Regards,

Yes, I agree with you about picking the events, unfortunately, what happened to me at Franklin is a perfect example of misinformation. I was told it was primarily a static camp event, with the exception of the battles, (and YES, I know well, that is NOT authentic), and the first day ended up being nothing but marching & fighting, etc., but I do try and pick events.

[Cfarrell]

Re: Reenactor w/Health Problems......Fitting in..

Logistics for larger events like Franklin and other NSA (national) events tend to get mixed and confused. Some commanders at NSA events are like politicians...they'll say one thing to someone to get them committed then turn around and say something totally different to the next Joe Blow. They want to command a battalion not a platoon. (No disrespect intended :D) I learned a long time ago to take what NSA commanders say with a grain of salt.

On the other hand - authentic events which are much smaller then national events are more carefully coordinated. Logistics are smaller and easier to handle with 100 men then are with 10,000 men. For the most part what they advertise is what you'll see happen.

Regards,