Voyage on the

Sea of LearningCommander’s Responsibilities 101

Entry LevelCSS Shenandoah

Purpose

To provide basic and conceptual training to Camp Commanders in operations,

protocol and procedures of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

CSS Virginia

This session will give a basic overview of what a Camp Commander’s

responsibilities are. There are two additional training sessions that give a

more in-depth presentation of this job. To receive your certification, you must

complete all of the of the training sessions.

Camp Commanders provide leadership and guidance to the Camp they have been elected

to serve. Although Sons of Confederate Veterans Camps are democratically run, he

provides direction to the Camp and is the final authority over operations and activities. Most

importantly it is his responsibility to maintain the morale and esprit de corps of the Camp, which

is crucial in recruiting and retention.

OVERVIEW

Overview (cont.)

Camp members only see the end result as Commanders stand before the membership and lead meetings. Most are totally unaware of the

many hours of thankless work behind the scenes that occur on a daily basis. This course is designed to provide basic information to aid a

Camp Commander in his efforts to fulfill the obligations of his office.

Be Prepared!

Be familiar with ALL “Forms and documents” on the SCV website, especially those that you

and your Adjutant will see regularly:

• Application for Membership

• SCV Linage Worksheet

• Application for Transfer

• Application for Life Membership

Be Proficient with

• SCV Camp Procedural Manual

• YOUR Camp Constitution

• YOUR Division Constitution

• SCV National Constitution

CSS Alabama

Find Camp Meeting Place

Do NOT meet in members’ homes

Develop a Written Agenda to Manage your Meetings

Example:

1. Call to Order2. Invocation (Camp Chaplain)3. Pledge of Allegiance to United States Flag4. Salute to the Confederate Flag5. Delivery of the Charge (Cadet Member) 6. Introductions around room7. Adjutant’s Report 8. Old Business 9. New Business 10. Introduction of Speaker (Lieutenant Commander)11. Tonight’s Program12. Benediction (Camp Chaplain)

Develop a Confederate Speaker and DVD List

Look & Act the Part!• “Dress for Success” – Know your camp and

dress accordingly: i.e. jacket and tie or khakis and nice golf shirt; NEVER shorts, flip flops or non-business attire

• YOU are the leader of your Camp – ACT like a leader

• Set up meeting room with flags and officers at the front

• Shake the hand of EVERY man that comes through the door

Do the Job!• Conduct meetings in a businesslike manner• Stick to the Agenda – keep it moving• ALWAYS have a program at meetings • Find a Camp project• Delegate! – find jobs and responsibilities to get

others involved• Find a Camp newsletter editor and USE HIM• Facilitate Friendships• If you don’t know what to do…ASK• Know when it’s too much

Question and Answers

You will now be taken to the quiz section of this training session.