With the Troops

Comment by Derek R. Polzer on January 20, 2010 at 7:32pm

migthy fine lookin' banjar ya' got there! ;)

Comment by Len Entrabartolo on January 20, 2010 at 8:43pm

Takes a keen eye to see quality craftsmanship....wait....you built it! Mighty fine piece of craftsmanship.

Comment by Len Entrabartolo on January 24, 2010 at 10:57pm

Dan,

I am an Assistant Scoutmaster of Califon Troop 192 in Califon, NJ and play with the Red Mill Serenaders and also a member of the 15th NJ Co. A. Due to my involvement in the Civil War, my troop is very active in Civil War activities, our town Memorial Day celebration which I started in 2002 and our American heritage. The boys you see me pictured with are from my troop.

About 5 years ago, a group of us reenactors got together and decided to stage a Civil War encampment here in NJ for the Boy Scouts, teaching them the Manual of Arms and School of the Soldier, together with seeing original artifacts which my group brings and sets up for them to see. They also are given 50 questions which they have to go speak with reenactors to get the answers to their questions and the patrol with the most correct answers wins a prize. The boys also cook period style and can compete for prizes. At the end of the day I run the campfire segment playing and singing period songs and we read letters from home written by both yanks and rebs. The next day the boys put on their own tactical with help from the commanders and soldiers and then it's back to the 21st century.

It has been very successful over the past 5 years and we hope to keep it going strong.

I'll be heading down to the EBG III in August. Hope to be able to meet up with you.

Thanks,

Len

Comment by John Masciale on January 25, 2010 at 9:58pm

We are members (comittee chair/advisor) of BSA NWSC Venture Crew 862, which is a Civil War reenacting crew. The boys are part of the 13th Tennessee Infantry Regiment, Company C. The girls are part of the Shelby County Soldier's Aid Society. We've been doing this for the past 10 years, and it has been really worthwhile. Len, we're looking forward to meeting you in August.

Comment by Len Entrabartolo on January 26, 2010 at 7:24am

John,

What a great way to bring the kids into the mix and get them involved. This site has made a difference for me in my understanding of the music of the period and my playing. I am really looking forward to the EBG III and meeting everyone.

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