Hello the camp! I do both Civil War and mid 18th cent reenacting. It can be hard to find the time if you live where the action is I am sure, but around here in Lousyanna, there are many more CW opportunities than 18th cent ones. I was 'drug into' CW by a buddy with a cannon who needed a crew several years ago. Now we are very active with a number of events in the arklatex area. The next big one is Mansfield/Pleasant Hill in April--the biggest battle(s) west of the Miss River [also called Sabine Crossroads]. You have gotten good advice about seeking out local units and finding out what they require as to clothing/uniforms and equipment. It can be kinda expensive to get equipped, but you can find used clothing and gear that can cut the costs in half--and look 'more better' than if afield 'all new and shiny'. Our battery started out with a single Parrot Rifle [cannon] but now has added a Napolean and a Mt Howitzer. These are expensive toys, but all have been donated to us! That is the only way we could form a battery--we'ens is all po'.