Forming a Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) camp, or joining an existing one, is a personal decision, and the reasons for doing so can vary from individual to individual. The SCV is a hereditary, historical, and educational organization composed of male descendants of Confederate soldiers. Here are some common reasons people choose to form or join an SCV camp:

1. Preserving Confederate Heritage: Many people join the SCV to preserve and promote the history and heritage of the Confederate soldiers and the American Civil War. They view it as a way to honor their ancestors and ensure that their stories are not forgotten.
2. Commemorating Ancestors: Joining the SCV can be a way to pay tribute to and commemorate the service and sacrifices of their Confederate ancestors. This often involves participating in events like memorial services, reenactments, and monument preservation.
3. Educational Outreach: Some SCV camps engage in educational efforts to teach the public about the Civil War, its causes, and its impact on American history. They may sponsor lectures, presentations, and other educational activities.
4. Historical Research: SCV members often engage in historical research to better understand the lives and experiences of their Confederate ancestors. This research can lead to a deeper appreciation of history and heritage.
5. Community and Fellowship: Joining an SCV camp can provide a sense of community and fellowship with like-minded individuals who share an interest in Confederate history. It offers opportunities for social interaction and camaraderie.
6. Preservation of Monuments and Memorials: Some SCV camps are actively involved in the preservation and maintenance of Confederate monuments, cemeteries, and other historical sites.
7. Advocacy and Legal Support: In some cases, the SCV has been involved in legal battles to protect Confederate heritage, such as the defense of Confederate symbols and monuments. Joining a camp may involve participating in such advocacy efforts.

Once a group of prospective members has formed, several things must be accomplished prior to applying for a charter, but these things can be accomplished often in one meeting, thought sometimes it takes longer.

1. Your camp must elect four officers: A Camp Commander, Lt. Commander, Adjutant (a secretary-treasurer), and a Chaplain. These are required to be filled in order for a charter to be granted.
2. You must decide on a name for the camp. New camps are often named for a prominent local Confederate veteran, an ancestor of one of the camp members, or a famous Confederate leader. Often, a long-dormant camp is reactivated. You can find out if the SCV has ever been active in your community by checking our roster of inactive camps. If the SCV has had a camp in your community before, you can apply for the old camp number. You have the option to keep the name or change to a new one.
3. You must approve a set of camp by-laws & a Constitution. Officers from your local camps, brigades, or the Texas Division can provide you assistance with this task. A blank generic camp constitution can be downloaded from this link Generic Camp Constitution.
4. You must sign a charter application form, and submit the required funds (charter application fee, and any new member dues) to the Texas Division Adjutant to begin the approval process.

Typically, when a camp organization gets underway, SCV members from nearby camps, local Brigade officers, and even Division officers will be available to provide any assistance needed. You can rest assured that if you need any assistance, there will be someone there to provide it.

If you would be interested in learning more about starting a new SCV Camp in Texas, or would like to return the SCV to your local community, contact any of the Officers for the relevant Brigade. They will put you in contact with SCV officers in your area to assist you in organizing a camp.