Suppose you choose to be in the Infantry. You'll next want to approach the various infantry units and find out what they can do to help you get started. Units are identified by state, such as the 3rd Georgia Infantry , 2nd Vermont Infantry , 8th Louisiana Infantry , etc. These groups generally insist that you eat, sleep, breath Civil War authentically to the smallest detail. You may want to join a more moderate group in the beginning and then find out from your experiences what level of commitment you prefer.
Most units give discounts for family membership.
FTHA family membership allows you and your family into all FTHA events. The minor, minors parents, and the sponsor all sign medical forms and forms which permit the sponsorship. You must stay with the sponsor throughout battles. Most other Civil War reenacting organizations have higher age restrictions. It is really up to the host organization of each event to determine age requirements.