Children’s Civil War Camp

Don’t miss this unique educational experience for children interested in history! Campers will enlist in a military unit alongside living historians to learn about camp life and military maneuvers. This 3-hour camp will feature  soldiers’ drills, equipment handling, and experiences of life during the Civil War, and wrap up with a mock battle!

Date: Saturday, May 7, 2022

Time: 10 am – 1 pm

Ages: 6 -12 years old

Location: Cedar Mountain Battlefield (9465 General Winder Rd., Rapidan VA 22733)

Give your child a glimpse into the life of Civil War soldiers and civilians. Participants will be mustered into service, join the army and learn to drill, march and fight just like real Civil War soldiers. Living history interpreters will lead them through the following experiences:

  1. Induction and interview with a regimental surgeon
  2. Equipment issuance – jackets, haversacks & replica muskets
  3. Manual of arms – Drill
  4. Maneuvers – Drill
  5. Combat

There will be a break for refreshments.

We suggest children dress comfortably for the event and wear sturdy footwear such as sneakers.

Parents are welcome to stay throughout the camp or drop their children off and return. Adults are invited to join a Friends of Cedar Mountain historian on a guided two-hour tour of the battlefield from 10:30 am to roughly 12:30 pm.

The camp and tour will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather; a notice will be posted here and on Facebook.

This camp is being offered by members of the Valley Guards 10th Virginia Infantry Regiment, an educational living history unit with members from across the Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley. The Valley was the home of the original 10th Virginia, and many of the current members are descendants of the original soldiers of the 10th. The purpose of the organization is educational: to help the general public increase their knowledge of, and interest in, the War Between the States. If you have been to the annual battle commemoration at Cedar Mountain, you have likely seen members of the 10th Virginia in action leading drills and answering questions about camp life.

Living history interpreters will be on site after the program concludes to answer questions and provide more insight into the life of a soldier.

REGISTRATION: Please register your child for camp and register yourself for the guided battlefield tour for adults by emailing [email protected]