Summer 2026 Cadet Encampment

• Location: Camp Fretterd Military Reservation, Reisterstown, Maryland
• Dates: July 26 to Aug. 2, 2026
• Cadet Arrival: July 26
• Cadre and Staff Report Date: July 24

The cadet encampment, led by Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing, serves as a week-long leadership laboratory and a cornerstone experience of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. Encampment is where cadets apply what they have learned about leadership in a complex, real-world environment. Cadets participate in leadership instruction, drill and ceremonies, physical training, aerospace education, and character development while operating in a structured, team-based environment. 

Who Should Attend

• First-time cadets who have completed Achievement 1 (Curry Award) and are ready to participate in a structured leadership environment.
• Cadets who have completed encampment and want to take on leadership roles responsible for training, standards, and execution.
• Adult members who provide supervision, mentorship, and operational support to ensure a safe and effective encampment.

What to Expect

Encampment is a structured, immersive experience with full training days that include:

• Leadership Instruction
• Drill and Ceremonies
• Physical Training
• Aerospace Education
• Inspections and Team-Building

Cadets will live in a supervised environment and should be prepared for an active schedule and summer conditions.

Space is limited to 180 first-time cadets. Applications are processed in the order received.

Tuition

• $325 for first-time basic cadets
• $200 for cadet cadre
• Free for senior members

Application

Submitting a Registration Zone application is a request to attend the encampment and does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants will receive confirmation no later than late May.

➡️ Go to the Encampment Application Page

Encampment Commander

Lt. Col. CJ Wilkinson

Wilkinson joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in April 1999, later earning the Ira C. Eaker Award and serving as cadet commander for the 2002 Nevada Wing Cadet Encampment. He is the commander of the Andrews Composite Squadron, National Capital Wing, and is a former director of cadet programs for the wing.

 

Wilkinson holds a master rating in cadet programs and has completed the Level V of the Senior Member Professional Development Program. He has led cadets in more than 13 encampments, has served as an instructor at the Cadet Officer School (NCSA) since 2009, and is the director of the Civic Leadership Academy (an NCSA).

 

An active-duty Air Force major, Wilkinson is an intelligence officer assigned to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. He previously served as a combat systems officer and electronic warfare officer, deploying to Afghanistan as a mission crew commander on the EC-130H Compass Call. His assignments have included the Supreme Allied Headquarters Europe, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Joint Staff Directorate of Intelligence, and the National Military Command Center.

Encampment Correspondence

Please use encampment@natcapwg.cap.gov to ask questions and for any other correspondence about the encampment.