Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Troop Camp and a Platoon Camp?
A Troop Camp is a five-hour, daytime experience for pre-formed groups of 20 or more people, and may occur any day throughout the year except during Rally Camps. Troop Camps can be scheduled from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. or from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
A Platoon Camp is an eighteen-hour, overnight experience for pre-formed groups of 20 or more people, and may occur any day throughout the year except during Rally Camps.
What is the minimum age to participate in the Civil War Adventure Camp?
The minimum age to participate is eight (8) years. Rally Camp participants under the age of eighteen will need to be accompanied by an adult. When reserving the Civil War Adventure Camp, please specify the age of each participant. This information helps our staff present age-appropriate educational programming.
How much does it cost to participate in the Civil War Adventure Camp?
For Groups:
The base fee for a daytime Troop Camp is $700.00 (the equivalent of twenty participants). Groups with less than twenty participants can also reserve camp for the base fee. Groups of twenty-one (21) or more people, up to 55, requires the base camp fee plus an additional $30 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $100 per camp is due at time of booking with the balance due at time of camp sign-in.
The base fee for an overnight Platoon Camp is $1,400.00 (the equivalent of twenty participants). Groups with less than twenty participants can also reserve camp for the base fee. Groups of twenty-one (21) or more people, up to 55, requires the base camp fee plus an additional $60 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $100 per camp is due at time of booking with the balance due at time of camp sign-in.
What does the cost of the program include?
The cost of the program includes uniform coat (on loan for duration of camp), a one-size-fits-all kepi (hat to take home), as well as unique and interactive educational programming. Troop Camps include a hot lunch and a cold afternoon snack. Platoon Camps and Rally Camps include a hot dinner, a cold breakfast, and overnight accommodations in period appropriate Civil War shelters.
What if I want to visit Pamplin Historical Park during our visit to the Civil War Adventure Camp?
If you are participating in a camp and wish to visit the Park on the day of your experience, you will receive 50% off of the Park General Admission price.
What time does the program start?
Troop Camps begin at either 9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. depending on the needs of the group. Participants should arrive at camp 30 minutes before their designated start time. The program will end at either 2:30 p.m. or 5 p.m.
Platoon Camp participants should meet Park staff at 3:30 p.m. on the day of the camp at the Hart Farm to complete required registration. Programming will begin at 4:00 p.m. The program concludes at 10:00 a.m. the following day.
Where do people sleep at the Civil War Adventure Camp?
All sleeping quarters at the Civil War Adventure Camp resemble those used by soldiers during the Civil War. The camp offers two-person common tents, four-person log huts, and sixteen-person frame bunkhouses. The common tents are unheated. All other sleeping quarters are heated with wood burning stoves. Each tent/hut is outfitted with mattresses and bunks.
My group has members of both genders, what do we do about sleeping arrangements?
Each tent/hut will be designated as male or female and camp participants will be assigned by gender to their quarters.
During Rally Camps, family members will be assigned to sleeping quarters regardless of gender. Individuals (without family) will be assigned to quarters by gender.
Is the Civil War Adventure Camp available year round?
Yes. The Civil War Adventure Camp is available for Troop Camp and Platoon Camp bookings throughout the year. The Civil War Adventure Camp may not be available on major holidays or on days close to or during Park Special Events. Fire pits and stoves are used in the cooler months for heat, but the Virginia climate is hot and humid in the summer and can be cold in the winter.
What is the group cancellation policy?
A non-refundable $100.00 deposit is required at booking for all groups reserving the Civil War Adventure Camp. If your group cancels your Troop Camp before 5 p.m. the day before the program or your Platoon Camp by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the program, you will be allowed to reserve another date within six months of the canceled date using the same non-refundable deposit.
What sanitary facilities are available for camp participants?
The Civil War Adventure Camp contains modern restroom and shower facilities. Time is scheduled for restroom breaks, and individuals can use facilities as needed throughout the program. Those who wish to shower can do so in the evening before taps or in the morning before reveille.
How do I make reservations for a Civil War Adventure Camp?
Reservations may be made by telephone, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. by calling (804) 861-2408 and asking for group reservations or by e-mailing groups@civilwaradventurecamp.org. Electronic reservation requests will be coming soon.
What should I bring with me to the Civil War Adventure Camp?
Each camp participant will be assigned a locker and a lock in order to secure personal items. Due to the size of these lockers, recruits should pack personal items in a single gym bag/knapsack. Locker keys will be worn by participants on a chain around their neck. Over-the-road-bus groups should prepare by asking participants to pack a small bag for use at the camp prior to arrival, ensuring that these bags are easily available upon arrival. Pamplin Historical Park is not responsible for loss of personal items stored in the lockers.
Each recruit should pack the following:
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
- Blue jeans
- Toiletries
- Bath Towel
- Change of clothes appropriate to the weather
- Soap
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Sleeping bags
- Flashlights
- Ponchos (in case of poor weather)
- Medications (if necessary)*
Please do not bring: Electronic devices, edged weapons (including pocket knives), firearms, or food items.
Open flame devices (matches and lighters) are permitted, but must be stored in the lockers during the camp experience.
Cameras are permitted, but must be stored in one’s haversack or quarters during the program. Photographs can be taken during breaks in the program.
*Please note: Hay is used for a variety of purposes at Civil War Adventure Camp. If you are allergic to hay, please bring any medications you might need.
What is the policy regarding firearms used in the Civil War Adventure Camp?
All recruits use wooden rifles for drill and are allowed to fire a blank round from a reproduction rifle. Pamplin Historical Park staff will load firearms during blank firing exercise. Individuals will fire from the standing or bench rest position.
Is the Civil War Adventure Camp accessible to individuals in wheelchairs?
Yes, the camp is compatible with ADA guidelines.
Can I take pictures during camp?
Cameras are allowed in the Civil War Adventure Camp during programming but must be kept in one’s haversack or quarters. Photographs can be taken during breaks in the program.
