The individual who starts the process of organizing a Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War becomes known as the Camp Organizer once he is appointed as such by the Department Commander. It is a step that should not be taken lightly as it requires the expenditure of much time and energy and once it is begun it must be carried through until the charter is obtained.

The first step is to contact the Department Secretary for the necessary forms and instructions to begin the task. The creation of a Camp requires a minimum of 5 members. Permission can be obtained from the Department Commander to start a Camp which consists of five members. This can be a combination of new members, transfers from other camps or Members-at-Large and dual members. Associates cannot be listed or sign a Camp Charter. They can become affiliates of the new Camp, however, they cannot be counted as part of the 5 members required to organize. Juniors can be listed on the charter but cannot be counted toward the number needed to form a Camp.

Form 23, Application for Permission to Form a Camp, obtainable from the Department Secretary, is to be completed and returned to him in two copies. It is also wise to make a third copy and retain it for the new Camp records. This form requests permission from the Commander-in-Chief to start a new Camp. A Charter fee or $25.00 must accompany this form. The requested Camp name may be determined by the Camp membership. The Camp number is to be assigned by the Department Commander, however, the Camp may suggest a number for consideration. The name and number is reviewed by the Department Commander and if there is no duplication of either, and if the process for naming the Camp as outlined by the Department Secretary is followed, Form 23 is then approved and forwarded to the National Secretary. The Department Commander then issues a Camp Organization Authorization to the Camp Organizer. This grants permission to hold organizational meetings, elect temporary officers, recruit members, etc.

If the Commander-in-Chief approves the request, the National Secretary will mail a packet to the Camp Organizer with the forms necessary to complete the process, along with a checklist which, if followed, will assure that all steps in the process are taken and in the proper order. This will prevent delays and misunderstandings and will shorten the process.

In the packet will be a set of instructions for organizing a Camp. There will also be a computer print out with National Member-at-Large Brothers living in the general area of the new Camp. They should be contacted to ascertain if they would like to become members of the new Camp.

There will also be a US Treasury Internal Revenue Form SS-4 with an instruction sheet. With this you can obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Each Camp is required to have its own EIN. When forwarding this form, make sure that a notation is made so that the number you receive is attached to the National Organization Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War EIN, which is #0429. You will also need an EIN to open a checking account for your new Camp [do not use your or one of your member's Social Security number to open a checking account for the Camp].

The packet will also contain one copy of the National Constitution and Regulations and a copy of the Camp and Department Officer Job Descriptions. These should be read and understood by all persons seeking office in the new Camp. The Regulations will contain all the answers needed for the National, Department and Camp organizations.

A National Supply List will be included for all supplies that can be ordered from the National Quartermaster, such as the Badges of the Order, forms needed by the Camp Secretary and Treasurer, membership certificates and membership cards, cash books, etc. One copy of the Order's Recruiting Manual, which offers tips and suggestions on the recruiting of and retention of members, will be included. Twenty Application for Membership forms and brochures which tell about our Order, and which can be given to prospective applicants, are included.

Form 26 is to include the names, age, residence and membership type of the Camp members. The names that are to appear on the Charter are taken from this form. In order to make sure the names are spelled correctly, the name is first to be printed or typed in the space provided. As a reminder only Members are eligible to have their names on the Charter. Associates and Honorary Members cannot be listed on the Charter. One copy is to be forwarded to the National Secretary, through channels, and one copy forwarded to the Department Secretary, while retaining one copy for Camp files.

A Camp Charter Check-Off Sheet is provided to make sure that all speps are followed in the process. This will speed up the process and the necessity of having forms returned for correction or the request, by National Secretary, for information that should have been sent in, but was forgotten in the process.

Form 26 1/2 New Camp Data Sheet will list the Camp Officers, meeting dates, location and time of meeting. One copy is to be forwarded to the National Secretary through channels, one copy is to be forwarded to the Department Secretary, while retaining one copy for Camp files.

Upon completion of the Camp Charter by the National Secretary, it will be mailed directly to the Department Secretary for the necessary signatures. The Department Secretary will contact the Camp Organizer to arrange a Charter presentation.

Each Camp will prepare a set of Camp Bylaws as outlined in the National Regulations, Article IX, Sections 1 and 2, and submit same to the Department Secretary for the review and approval of the Department Commander.