About Encampment

Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters Encampment Mission

The purpose of the cadet encampment is for cadets to develop leadership skills, investigate the aerospace sciences and related careers, commit to a habit of regular exercise, and solidify their moral character.

Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters Encampment Vision

The vision for the cadet encampment is “an immersion into the full challenges and opportunities of cadet life.”

Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters Encampment Purpose

The purpose of encampment is for each cadet to:

• Develop leadership skills

• Investigate aerospace sciences and related careers

• Commit to a habit of regular exercise

• Solidify their moral character

Tri-Wing's Mission

To serve as a premier cadet training and leadership development opportunity within Civil Air Patrol. The encampment's challenging, yet positive, age-appropriate and military-like training model helps students push beyond their comfort zones with emphasis on personal growth. Student graduates will have explored a variety of aerospace and military careers, broadened their knowledge of various S.T.E.M. concepts, participated in physical fitness activities intended to develop camaraderie and a habit of regular exercise, focused on character development in a leadership setting, and participated in several unique training opportunities. These activities, which vary from year to year, may include orientation flights, forums with notable military/community leaders, emergency services training, team building exercises, firearms training, obstacles courses, etc. Tri-Wing also serves as a leadership laboratory for cadet cadre members to apply and hone their leadership skills in a dynamic training environment while offering senior cadre the opportunity to use their expertise/experience to support cadet training.  

Tri-Wing Encampment Format

Summer Tri-Wing Encampment, a Type-A encampment, is a week-long program typically held in June/July each year. 

Winter Tri-Wing Encampment, a Type-B encampment, consists of 1 weekend each month between January and March. 

Graduation Impact

Graduation from encampment helps to lay the foundation to a successful and fruitful CAP cadet career by opening doors to new opportunities.

• Cadet retention rates amongst encampment graduates is higher. Compared to cadets without encampment experience, graduates are more likely to renew their membership.

• Encampment completion is a pre-requisite to attend a Region Cadet Leadership School (RCLS) and many of the National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs).  

• Encampment completion is a requirement to become a CAP cadet officer and earn the General Billy Mitchell Award. CAP cadet officers are eligible to apply for several of the premier leadership activities (Cadet Officer School/Civil Leadership Academy) and can apply for CAP academic scholarships.