FAQs
WHAT IS ENCAMPENT?
Encampments are week-long activities offered by each Civil Air Patrol Wing. The activity serves to build a foundational knowledge of Civil Air Patrol, leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character.
Cadets can expect to be challenged both mentally and physically during a busy and exciting week of hands-on leadership training, aerospace events, guest speakers, and local site activities.
A Civil Air Patrol Encampment can be the most significant and worthwhile training experience of a CAP cadet’s membership.
WHY ENCAMPMENT?
The encampment training and classes themselves are directed and taught by experienced CAP cadets who have already graduated from their first encampment. The entire encampment is overseen by CAP senior (adult) members.
Each staff member, both cadet and senior, is devoted to the development of the corps and volunteers their time during encampment.
If a cadet wishes to earn their General Billy Mitchell Achievement and become a cadet officer, attend certain NCSAs or serve at an encampment as a staff member, they must first attend and graduate from a basic encampment.
Cadets returning as staff will be challenged even further through the leadership roles they will fill and staff duties they will perform. All cadets will have the opportunity to be introduced to the military, learn to overcome challenges, develop time-management skills, enhance their interpersonal skills, and have a great time.
HOW DOES SUPERVISION WORK?
Each cadet is part of a flight of approximately 10 other cadets. Each flight has two cadet staff members who are in charge of the flight. These cadet staff members have attended encampments in the past and have been chosen from an application process to serve in these positions. Each flight has at least one senior (adult) staff member assigned directly to it. These senior members are called Flight Training Officers. In addition to the Flight Training Officers, there are approximately 40 senior members and cadet staff members who serve on staff for this encampment. Included in this staff are a chaplain and a health services/safety officer.
Every adult member and cadet member over the age of 18 have completed training known as the Cadet Protection Program. Staff members are also trained for homesickness and accommodations are made for disabilities.
HOW DOES SAFETY WORK?
The ultimate responsibility for the cadets and the week's events rests on the Encampment Commander.
We understand that you have entrusted the encampment staff with the safety and care of your child during the week. We do not take that responsibility lightly.
WHAT CAN A CADET EXPECT?
Cadets should expect a challenging but incredibly rewarding week of leadership, aerospace, fitness, character, and CAP. We encourage cadets to speak to their friends and mentors who have already attended an encampment to learn more about the experience.
HOW DOES COMMUNICATION WORK?
We do not allow cadets to have phones or electronics during the week to ensure that they remain focused on their training and bonding with their flight. However, the staff will be working to allow cadets to receive mail throughout the week. If there is a situation where a cadet must contact home, arrangements will be made. We will never ban a cadet from contacting home in an emergency situation. In the event of any serious problem, we will contact you promptly.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
We have provided a convenient packing list for Encampment so you know exactly what to bring.
