Article I — Organization

Section 1. Name.  This camp of the South Carolina Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) shall be officially known as the Brigadier General Samuel McGowan Camp # 40.  (Hereafter referred to in this document as the McGowan Camp or the Camp).

Section 2. Purpose.  The McGowan Camp, the S.C. Division, and the SCV in general, are strictly patriotic, historical, educational, benevolent, non-political, and non-sectarian.  The Camp will actively support and defend the SCV and Confederate history, to include responding to attacks on the colors, history or heritage.  In all matters, the guiding rule will be to do what is best for the Confederation and for the defense of the Confederate soldier’s good name and the principles for which he fought.

Section 3. Authority.  The Camp is organized under the S.C. Division, SCV, and the laws of the State of South Carolina, with its offices residing with the current elected commander and/or adjutant.  This Camp will follow the rules and procedures outlined in the Division and General SCV Constitutions, as well as the lawful directives of the Division Commander and Division Executive Council.  The presiding officer must use Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised as the guide for parliamentary procedure at meetings.

Article II — Membership

Section 1. Eligibility.  Membership in the McGowan Camp is as prescribed by the provisions of these by-laws and the S.C. Division and General Constitutions, SCV. All male descendents, lineal or collateral, at least twelve years of age, of those who served in the Confederate Army or Navy to the end of the war, or who died in prison, or while in actual service, or who were killed in battle, or who were honorably discharged, shall be eligible for membership, and have the right to vote.

Section 2. Application.  Candidates applying for membership in the SCV through the McGowan Camp must complete the official SCV application form, and provide reasonable proof of their ancestor’s war service record and genealogical history for review and approval.

Section 3. Sponsor.   An SCV member in good standing shall sponsor candidates applying for membership in the McGowan Camp.  The Camp Member will introduce the candidate to the Camp membership and sign the application form in the "Recommended By" space.  If the candidate is unknown to the Camp membership, the Camp Commander shall act as sponsor after inquiring into the candidate’s background and character.

 Section 4. Review of Applications.   The Camp’s appointed Committee on Admissions by default will be the Commander, Lt. Commander and Adjutant, although the Commander may appoint other members (it is recommended to keep the number at three).  The Committee must review all applications and documentation, and certify review and approval by signing the application forms (two signatures required).  The Camp Commander may also review, approve and certify applications.  The Committee or Commander should also announce applications for membership at a regular meeting of the Camp and report if the candidate’s application and proof of eligibility are satisfactory.  If the candidate is an immediate family member of a McGowan Camp member in good standing who is present at the camp meeting when a completed application is submitted, and the candidate is applying for membership under the same ancestor used by the relative who is a current member, the Camp may then proceed to vote on acceptance of the candidate at the same meeting.

Section 5. Voting on Candidates.   The Camp will vote on acceptance of the candidate into the Camp, if the application and proof of eligibility are satisfactory.  Membership in the Camp will be extended only after receiving a two-thirds vote of acceptance by the membership present.

Section 6.  Secondary Membership.   SCV members in good standing who are members of another camp are eligible to be members of this Camp, but because only one Camp may be claimed for general SCV or S.C. Division accountability and voting purposes, membership of this type will be known as Secondary Membership.  Secondary Members will not be counted for purposes of determining Camp delegates at division or national conventions.  Secondary Members will pay camp dues at the same rate as primary members.  Except as otherwise stated herein, Secondary Members will have full voting privileges at Camp meetings on all matters relating to the McGowan Camp and its local activities, provided the matter being voted upon does not violate the restrictions on voting at the Division and General SCV levels.  Secondary Members cannot serve as, nor vote in elections for, Executive-Committee-level officers of the Camp.

Section 7. Denial of Membership.  Membership shall be denied if the candidate does not satisfactorily meet the requirements for ancestry. Denial of membership must be for good cause, and cannot be arbitrary, or based on race, creed or religion.  Candidates denied membership by the Camp Commander and/or Committee on Admissions may petition the general Camp membership for admission and ask for a vote; however, the membership cannot override SCV ancestor and genealogical requirements.  Candidates refused membership by the McGowan Camp may request review of their applications by the Division Commander and/or may appeal to the General Executive Council of the SCV as specified in the S.C. Division and General SCV Constitutions.

Section 8. Associate or Honorary Membership.  The McGowan Camp may accept "Associate Members" who cannot meet the ancestor requirements for regular SCV membership, but whose interests and concerns conform to the goals and objectives of the SCV.  Such members can be active in Camp functions and activities, but may not receive a certificate of SCV membership, wear official SCV badges, hold office or vote in Camp elections or Division conventions.  Such members will not be counted for purposes of determining Camp delegates at division or national conventions. Dues for Associate members will be an amount equal to the normal camp dues plus S.C. Division dues, and the total of all such dues are retained for and applied to the Camp’s general funds.  Associate members will be voted on by the camp membership as per Article II, section 5.

Honorary members, recognized for their “Outstanding Service and Defense of Southern Heritage Issues in line with the goals of the SCV”, are exempt from dues.

Article III — Camp Officers

Section 1. Officers.  The Camp shall elect a Commander, First Lieutenant Commander, Adjutant, Treasurer, and Chaplain and Color Sergeant.  A Second Lieutenant Commander position may be filled or not at the discretion of the Commander. Additional officers may be elected or appointed as desired.

Section 2. Election of Officers.  At each Annual Camp Meeting held in an even numbered year, the Camp shall elect a Camp Commander, Adjutant, Lieutenant Commander, and Treasurer.  These officers shall be elected for a term of two years, and may succeed themselves in the same office to which they were elected.  Nominations for these offices may be made by the Commander or any primary Camp member in good standing, including the current officer.  A current officer wishing to retain his position, or any member eligible to fill the position, may nominate himself by declaring his candidacy at the time nominations are called for.  A second is not required for any nomination.  Nominations should normally be made at the meeting prior to the election, however this requirement may be waived by a majority vote.  If the election is unable to be held at the scheduled Annual Camp Meeting, then the election shall be held at the next regular monthly meeting at which a quorum of members are present.  Camp officers shall take office immediately following their election and swearing in, and shall serve until their successors are elected or appointed.

Section 3. Election or Appointment of Other Officers.  The Camp Commander, or Lt. Commander, may nominate the following elected officers: Chaplain, Historian, Newsletter Editor, and such other officers as he may deem necessary.  Upon approval of such nominations by vote of the camp membership, these officers shall serve in their respective offices at the discretion of the Commander, or until their successors are chosen.  The Quartermaster, Webmaster, and other Aides-de-Camp shall be appointed by the Commander and serve until replaced.  No member may be compelled to accept, or continue serving in, an office against his will.

Article IV — Duties of Officers & Members

Section 1.  Commander.  The Camp Commander shall be the executive head of the Camp with full responsibility and power to enforce the provision of these By-laws, the will of the Camp, the decisions of the Camp Executive Committee, and the Division and general SCV Constitutions, and to this effect he may issue all necessary orders. He shall be Chairman of the Camp Executive Committee, and shall decide all questions of law, order or usage. He shall be empowered to act for the good of the Camp, as circumstances, in his judgment, may require, in cases not provided for by these By-laws, subject, in all such decisions and acts to appeal to the Brigade and Division Commanders. During the interim between Camp meetings, he shall have full charge of the conduct of the affairs of the Camp, limited as stated above, amendable in all cases by the next monthly or Annual meeting. He shall appoint all necessary committees, and shall perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office.

Section 2.  Lt. Commander.  The Camp Lieutenant Commander shall perform the duties of the Commander in his absence, and as delegated by the Commander. In the case of the death or resignation of the Commander, he shall become the acting Commander until the Camp elects a new commander for the unexpired term.  In the event that the Lieutenant Commander succeeds to the office of Commander, he shall immediately request the Executive Committee to appoint, or hold a special election for, a new Lt. Commander to hold such office until the next scheduled election of that office.  He shall be a member of the Camp Executive Committee and shall assist the Commander in all matters pertaining to the Camp and as directed by the Commander. He shall specifically be responsible for recruiting of new members.

If the Second Lieutenant Commander position is filled, his duties shall be as assigned by the Commander and/or delegated by the First Lieutenant Commander.  The 2nd Lt. Cmdr. may perform the duties of the 1st Lt. Cmdr. in his absence or when the 1st Lt. Cmdr. is Acting Commander; however, the 2nd Lt. Cmdr. shall not assume the duties of Commander and shall not automatically succeed to the position of 1st Lt. Cmdr. should that position become vacant - he must be elected (by the camp membership) to fill that position.

Section 3.  Adjutant.  The Camp Adjutant shall be charged with the administration of the records, policies and mandates of the Camp.  He shall maintain an updated roster of the members of the camp and a supply of such forms as necessary to support Camp administrative functions (membership applications, transfer forms, etc.) and provide these to members as needed. He shall conduct Camp correspondence and issue orders under the direction of the Commander. He shall also compile a Camp membership strength report prior to the Division to determine the official authorized delegate and voting numbers. He shall perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office, including the duties listed for the Treasurer when these offices are combined, and serve as a member of the Camp Executive Committee and other committees as necessary. He shall be responsible for the collection of dues and fees, taking proper note of the paying member, his address, and other information necessary in the maintenance of Camp records.

Section 4.  Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall have charge of all funds of the Camp and place the same in a secure site as may be approved by the Executive Committee. Such money shall only be withdrawn by the Treasurer, Lt. Commander or Commander. The Treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all his transactions and render a detailed report to the Executive Committee at a Quarterly Meeting or at any meeting when requested. He shall collect dues and be the custodian of the Camp funds, sign all checks disbursing its funds, and report upon the condition of the Camp treasury when required by the Commander or Executive Committee and at the monthly meetings.  He shall present a detailed report, in writing, of income, and expenditures at the meeting. He shall be responsible for the collection of dues and fees, taking proper note of the paying member, his address, and other information necessary in the maintenance of Camp records.

Section 5.  Chaplain.  The Camp Chaplain shall perform all such divine and non-sectarian services as may be necessary in connection with his office, and is charged with the responsibility of the general morale and welfare of the Camp.  He shall specifically perform the duties of opening monthly meetings with prayer, and shall provide prayers, remarks and eulogies as required at all special meetings, events and ceremonies as called upon.  Upon notification of the death of a member, he will send a letter of condolence to the widow or surviving family of the deceased member, including the notification of the National SCV office with the “Last Honor Roll” form.

Section 6.  Historian.  The Camp Historian shall collect from year to year all records and data of value and interest for the Camp, and shall compile a history of the year’s activities during his term of office. He shall advise members as needed, and coordinate requests for historical information between individuals, Camps, other organizations, and the S.C. Division. He will further maintain and distribute listings of historical organizations, agencies, archives and private individuals, which may aid Camp members in research. He will also advise the Commander on historical projects in which the Camp may need to be involved and serve as a member of the Heritage Committee.

Section 7.  Quartermaster.  The Quartermaster shall be responsible for the operation of Camp stores, maintaining adequate stocks, and other items necessary for efficient operation. He shall account to the Commander or Adjutant as to expenditures. A separate Report of Accounting shall be prepared for the Executive Committee at the scheduled Quarterly meeting.

Section 8.  Color Sergeant.  The Color Sergeant shall insure the proper display of colors at all functions of the Camp and will lead members in salutes to the colors.  He may appoint assistants to aid in the performance of his duties as needed.

Article V — Camp Executive Committee

Section 1.  The administrative authority for camp business that must be conducted outside monthly meetings shall be vested in the Camp Executive Committee.  The Camp Executive Committee shall consist of the Commander, Lt. Commander, Adjutant, Treasurer, Chaplain and immediate past Camp Commander if he has served a full term.

Section 2.  The Executive Committee shall be charged with the performance of the duties elsewhere prescribed in these By-laws, and shall have all other necessary power in the administration and regulation of the affairs of the McGowan Camp, not especially delegated to and made a part of the duties of some other officer or committee.

Section 3.  The Camp Commander shall be the chairman of the Executive Committee and shall convene the meetings of the committee at such times and places as may seem to him proper, or upon the request of two other Committee members.

Section 4.  At least 3 members, one of which being either the Commander or Lt. Commander, shall constitute a quorum of the Camp Executive Committee.  In the case of a tie, a chairman of a standing committee who is in attendance and whose responsibility closely relates to the issue at hand may cast the tie-breaking vote. Otherwise, the vote of the Executive Committee member present that is highest in rank will be decisive.

Article VI — Camp Administrative Procedures

Section 1.  The Camp will use the forms, blanks, and books prescribed by General Headquarters or Division Headquarters for the normal conduct of business.

Section 2.  The Camp will schedule and hold regular meetings, generally once a month, but no less than once a quarter, actively recruit new members and develop programs for the education, support, preservation and perpetuation of Southern and Confederate history.

Section 3.  The Camp will hold a designated Annual Meeting for the purpose of election of officers and other special business, such as adoption or amendment of bylaws, on a date determined by the Camp Executive Committee, normally at the time of the regular monthly meeting in October, November or December.

Article VII — Annual Reports

Section 1.  The Camp Commander or Adjutant shall complete and submit an Annual Report, in duplicate in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the national constitution using the official form furnished by General Headquarters. One copy will be sent to the Division Adjutant and one to General Headquarters.

Section 2.  The Annual Report to Division will include a Camp roster and the required payment of Division dues.  The report to General Headquarters will include a Camp roster and the required payment of per capita tax.

Section 3.  The Annual Report will only list SCV members in good standing, and not include "Secondary", "Associate" or "Honorary" members.

 

 

Article VIII — Finance

Section 1.  The revenue of the Camp shall be derived from annual membership dues, and from other sources as may be available, such as sale of SCV and heritage related merchandise at local public events. The amount of the dues, determined by the Camp Executive Committee, shall be subject to the will of the Camp.

Section 2.  The Camp must pay annual dues (per capita tax) for every primary camp member in good standing to the Division and General Headquarters.

Article IX — Discipline of Camp Members

Section 1.  The Camp shall be the judge of and responsible for the conduct of its membership, subject to the provisions and restrictions of the Division and the General SCV Constitutions.

Section 2.  Members may be suspended or expelled from the Sons of Confederate Veterans for failure to pay dues or upon a proper showing of cause. Charges shall be based upon disloyalty, neglect of duty, dishonesty, conduct unbecoming a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, or detrimental to the objects and purposes of the Confederation.

Section 3.  The Camp must provide any charged member at least two weeks notice by registered mail of any proposed action of suspension, and must provide the member with an opportunity to be heard.  The Camp shall inform the Division Commander or Division Executive Council of any proposed action of suspension, which will insure that proper procedures are followed.

Section 4.  A suspended or expelled member has the right of appeal to the Division Executive Council, the decision of which shall be final. Appeals will be coordinated through the Division Commander or Division Executive Council who will insure that proper procedures are followed and the rights of the individual are protected.

Section 5.  Automatic suspension shall be imposed for six (6) months arrearage of dues.  Reinstatement shall be under the conditions outlined in the S.C. Division Constitution.

Article X — Prohibitions

Section 1.  No discussion of religious subjects, except where they pertain to the history and heritage of the Confederacy, nor any discussion of political subjects that are identifiable with a political party, nor any endorsement of candidates for political office.  Furthermore, no mention shall be made of political party meetings, candidate rallies, or any partisan political fundraising events.  Under no circumstances shall political (candidate or partisan) solicitation be conducted, condoned, or tolerated during regular meeting hours or SCV functions.  In addition, no mention shall be made of any visitors or member’s intended political aspirations or current political office when the intent is in a manner to tacitly endorse the candidacy of that visitor or member. These general prohibitions do not abridge or forbid the expressions of the consensus of the Camp on actions of the government, local, state or national, provided that there is no identification with any political party.

Section 2.  This Camp, except upon majority approval of the Camp membership, shall contract no debts.

Section 3.  No assessment shall be levied upon Camp members other than annual dues & fees required for SCV membership, except by a majority vote of the Camp membership.

Section 4.  The use of the seal, badges or name of this Camp or the SCV for business or advertising purposes, and the giving of its badges to persons unauthorized to wear them are prohibited.

Article XI — Seals, Badges and Flags

Section 1.  The pins, badges and other official items bearing the logos of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and other items approved by the Camp that bear the Camp name are the official emblems of this Camp.

Section 2.  The official flags of this Camp shall be the Confederate Battle Flag (Army of Northern Virginia style), the South Carolina State Flag as adopted in 1861, and the current United States Federal Flag.  Other flags including the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd National Flags of the Confederate States, the Bonnie Blue, and Regimental or Company flags carried by Confederate Soldiers may be flown at official camp meetings and functions in an appropriate manner such that the official camp flags are displayed most prominently.  The Commander, or highest-ranking officer present, has final discretion on other flags that may be flown by the camp.

Article XII — Official Observances

Section 1.  The Camp shall observe Confederate Memorial Day, on or near May 10th, with proper ceremony and solemnity.

Section 2.  Special Observances as announced at meetings.

 

Article XIII— Committees

Section 1. Standing Committees.  There shall be the following standing committees:

A.  Heritage Committee shall be composed of a chairman and at least one (1) other member. The chairman may request as many additional volunteers as desired and may limit the membership of the committee to a reasonable size except that he shall not restrict it to less than five.  They shall be charged with planning and implementing a consistent program for protecting and promoting the positive image of Confederate heritage and symbols.  (All camp members are expected to assist and participate in Heritage efforts whether or not they’re on the Heritage committee.)

B. Events Planning Committee shall be composed of a chairman, and up to three (3) others.  They shall be charged with coordinating sites and related details for all camp activities not specifically assigned to another committee or member.

C. Awards Committee shall be composed of the Camp Executive Committee, and one member at large.  They shall be charged with organizing a program to properly recognize and suitably reward individuals, Camps and other units for achievement and merit in various categories and under certain rules clearly defined and widely published.

Section 2. Special Committees.  Other special committees may be established as necessary by a vote of the Camp provided their purpose and the duration of their commission is specified.

Section 3. Commander.  The Camp Commander shall be a member of all committees ex officio.

Section 4. Vacancies.  Committee membership shall be filled on a volunteer basis, subject to approval of the Commander. The chairman of each of the Standing Committees may be appointed by the Commander, or elected by the committee members, subject to approval of the Commander.  Vacancies may be filled in the interval between monthly meetings upon approval of the committee chairman.  The chairman shall report the interim appointment at the next monthly meeting and if there are no objections the interim member shall become a regular member of the committee.

 

Article XIV — Representation at Conventions

Section 1.  The official representation of the Camp at the annual Division Convention shall be by official delegates as specified in the Division Constitution.  In addition to the official delegates, any member of the Camp in good standing has the privilege to attend the convention.

Section 2.  The Camp must have a least one official, registered delegate present at the Division Convention to cast its votes and shall attempt to have at least two (2) official delegates present to represent it. The Camp may have as many as one (1) delegate for every ten (10) active members in good standing, and one additional delegate for a fraction of five or more.  All delegates, except Camp Officers, shall be nominated or volunteer and be approved by the membership at one of the monthly camp meetings in the 3-month period preceding the Convention.

Section 3.  One delegate must be designated as the Chairman of the Delegation.  If the Camp Commander is in attendance, he will serve as the Chairman of the Delegation.  The Chairman is responsible for presenting the Committee on Credentials a letter of credentials issued by the Division and signed by the Camp Commander or Adjutant identifying the members of the delegation. If for some reason the Chairman of the delegation is not in attendance, the delegates present may elect a chairman from their number.

Section 4.  Representation at the National Convention shall be as prescribed in the General Constitution.

Article XV — Voting

Section 1.  Each Member of the Camp in good standing, including Secondary Members, is entitled to vote and make motions at Camp meetings at which they are in attendance. There shall be no voting by proxy, however, an active member who knows he will be absent for a scheduled vote may submit his vote in writing, signed by him, through another member in attendance. 

Section 2.  Members in good standing are defined as members who have paid their annual dues to the Camp, the SCV General Headquarters and Division for the current year, and who are not currently subject to any disciplinary status.

Section 3.  In all motions properly made at Camp meetings, the Camp Commander or Adjutant shall put the question for a voice vote and record the results in the minutes.  The voice vote "ayes" and "nos" shall be conducted sequentially and counted and tallied if called for by any member and seconded by another, or at the discretion of the Commander or Adjutant.  Alternatively, a show of hands may be substituted for either a group or sequential voice vote.  If a roll call of members shall be called for by any member, and seconded, then the members shall be called in order, and the votes shall be recorded by each member's name in the minutes in a manner such as "Members voting [for / against] the motion include . . . ."  The Camp Adjutant shall then announce the tally of the vote for and against the motion and the tally recorded in the camp minutes.  Any member may request a vote by written ballot on any motion brought before the Camp, unless an objection is raised by another member and sustained by a two-thirds vote of the members present.  (A second is not required for either the request for a written vote, or for the objection.)  Written votes will be in effect "secret" ballots, except that any member thus voting has the same right, as in a voice roll call vote, to have his vote be recorded by name in the minutes, in which case he need only write his name on his ballot.  The order of precedence in the forms of voting outlined above is, from lowest to highest: voice vote (or show of hands), roll call vote, and written ballot, such that a request for a roll call vote takes precedence over the normal voice vote, and a request for a written ballot takes precedence over a request for a roll call vote.  However, once the vote is conducted, the vote shall not be retaken simply to repeat it in another form except in the case of a group voice vote where the outcome is in doubt.

Section 4.  In voting for officers, a majority of all votes cast shall be necessary for a choice.  When there is but one candidate for an office, upon motion, and by unanimous consent, a formal ballot may be waived and the candidate elected by acclamation.

Section 5.  A quorum shall exist at Camp meetings when one-third of all Members in good standing are represented as provided above.  A simple majority vote shall carry approval or defeat of any motion or resolution presented for vote before the Camp, except where specified otherwise in these By-laws or in Robert's Rules of Order for standard motions of Parliamentary Procedure.

Section 6.  One month prior to South Carolina Division Elections and SCV National Elections, during the monthly meeting, the Camp Commander, Lt. Commander, or the Adjutant must present, to the Camp, the list of delegates running for office.  By the same method of determining the Vote in Section 3 of Article XV, the Camp may determine how their delegate count is to be cast. 

1.      At the will of the Camp, a two-thirds majority present, the Camp may decide to “Block Vote” to individual candidates.

2.      It may determine to “Split” their votes. 

3.      A third option, by two-thirds majority present, may also decide to empower the “official” delegates attending the convention to decide, at the convention, how the Camp’s votes shall be cast, Block or split.

 

 

Article XVI — Official Ladies

Section 1.  Official Ladies may be affiliated with the Camp as set forth in the General Constitution of the SCV, including a Matron of Honor, Sponsor, Chaperone, and three Maids of Honor.

 

Article XVII — Official Publication

Section 1.  The official publication of the McGowan Camp shall be the monthly camp newsletter.

Article XVIII — Dissolution Clause

Section 1.  In the event of dissolution, the residual assets of the McGowan Camp shall be turned over to the S.C. Division, SCV.

Article XIX — Amendments

Section 1.  These By-laws may be amended or revised at any Camp meeting by the vote of two-thirds of the total authorized representation thereat, provided that the proposed amendment shall have been announced at the prior meeting and/or published on the camp web page or sent to the membership via email or regular postal mail at least one week prior to the current meeting.  The prior notification can be waived if at least 50% of the total membership is in attendance and there is no objection.  (Corrections of spelling errors and formatting changes are not amendments that need to be voted on.) The Camp Commander, or his designate, will maintain a current copy of the Constitution on file for purposes of revision when necessary.