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 Correspondence

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