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STUDENT PREP PAGE

  1. Agree to pay close attention and follow the orders of the director, teachers, and YCLH staff throughout the training period and recreation.

  2. Be aware of safety for you and others at all times. Safety is top priority over any other rule. No one is to be hurt.

  3. Students must agree to obey their officers as though they were in the real military throughout the training and recreation.

  4. Students must provide certain parts of their uniforms.

    For the Civil War:

    Union troops will need a pair of light blue jeans [or a pair of plain red sweat-pants, if they wish to portray Zouaves] and black or brown shoes or boots [not cowboy boots]. Confederates may wear pants that are light blue, gray or tan. Shorts are not acceptable. If a student cannot provide black or brown shoes or boots, they should make a pair of gaiters. This way, they can wear the shoes they have and the gaiters will make them look realistic. Although gaiters can be black, tan or white, Zouaves should make only white gaiters.

    For the Revolution:

    Students should provide their own white, button-up shirt, especially if they are to portray an officer or a British or Hessian soldier. Black or brown shoes or boots [not cowboy boots, or Uggs or modern-looking combat boots] are the best for footwear. If these are unavailable, students should make a pair of gaiters.

    Gaiters:

    Although we normally provide boots for officers and cavalry, most students will need to make a pair of gaiters. To do this, take a very large pair of plain black socks [white or tan also works] and cut the heel and toe out of them. This allows the gaiters to be slipped on over the shoes. Sew a row of 6 [somewhat matching] small brass buttons on the outer calf of each sock from the knee to the ankle. A row of six pennies, hot-glued to each sock [gaiter] will also work well. When worn over the shoes, these can make even tennis shoes look "movie good". Gaiters are appropriate for both the Civil War and the Revolution.

  5. Students should provide themselves with a period lunch on battle day. Find out what soldiers of that time ate. Anything they would have had to eat is fair for you to have.

  6. Making cartridges

    Most students must provide their own cartridges for their ammunition. Cut 4"X4" or 5"X 5" pieces of paper [brown butcher's paper is like what they originally used, but white copy paper works, too] . Roll the papers into large tubes [not a skinny pencil-shaped tube, but big enough to fit at least your thumb in it]. Tape the seam with scotch tape [don't use staples] to hold the tube shape. Fold one end of the tube and tape it. You now have a container. Fill it most of the way up with plain white flour [don't pack it down] and twist the top shut. 40 of these should be enough. Students who do not have a musket or rifle will not need to make ammo.

  7. On battle day, leave all money, sunglasses [unless prescription], watches, necklaces, earrings, etc. at home. Sunscreen is strongly recommended.

  8. All YCLH equipment is to remain at school. Do not take any items home. Students agree to clean their equipment in a prescribed manner before turning it in.

  9. Students should provide their own movie makeup. Realistic looking beards and moustaches are a plus for Civil War. For Revolution, make a powdered wig.

  10. Students must agree to help clean the battlefield on conclusion of the event. Turn in any unclaimed, broken or damaged props or weapons to a YCLH staff member.

  11. Do some reading on your own time about the battle to be recreated.

  12. Be a good sport. Use good acting skills. Do not smile when you are in the camera shot!