Encampment. Is it worth it?

[SergeantElbow]

I'm thinking about going to winter encampment, but I'm not sure if I want to spend the $250 to go.  Is it worth it to go to encampment?  What's the most important reason to go?
Thanks!

[davidsinn]

I'm thinking about going to winter encampment, but I'm not sure if I want to spend the $250 to go.  Is it worth it to go to encampment?  What's the most important reason to go?
Thanks!

You can't get your Mitchell with out it.

[dwb]

Cadets who attend encampment are much more likely to stay in CAP longer than those that put it off.

[davidsinn]

Cadets who attend encampment are much more likely to stay in CAP longer than those that put it off.

That is very true.

[MIKE]

You can't get your Mitchell with out it.

Or do NCSAs.

[Eclipse]

What's the most important reason to go?

To see the "real" CAP outside your home squadron. 

Encampments are designed to reinforce and grow the things you are learning at your unit, and give you a large arena to practice them in, whether you're in a followership phase or leadership phase.

It will also give you a place to experience a number of things outside your "comfort zone", but still in an environment that is benevolent to your success.

In my opinion outside activities, especially encampments, are one of the most important facets of the program.

[Airrace]

What's the most important reason to go?

To see the "real" CAP outside your home squadron. 

Encampments are designed to reinforce and grow the things you are learning at your unit, and give you a large arena to practice them in, whether you're in a followership phase or leadership phase.

It will also give you a place to experience a number of things outside your "comfort zone", but still in an environment that is benevolent to your success.

In my opinion outside activities, especially encampments, are one of the most important facets of the program.

WELL SAID!

[addo1]

My advice - GO! Encampment is something that is highly educational, and at times very stressful - BUT, it is an experience that you will never forget. You will meet people in your flight that you will keep in contact for the rest of your cadet career. Like others mentioned, encampment is required to recieve the Mitchell award along with being able to attend NCSAs ( National Cadet Special Activities). Those two reasons are very small compared to the lasting benefits which you will recieve. You will be taught information that will help you to progress through the program much better and faster than if you do not go. I have been to a few encampments myself -both as a basic and on staff, and I have never regretted it yet. Go and have a good time - its worth it! 

[jimmydeanno]

Is it worth it to go to encampment?

ABSOLUTELY!  Encampment is probably the most rewarding experience of your CAP Cadet Career!  The friendships you make, the challenges you overcome, the stuff you get to do are absolutely amazing.  I've gone to 6 encampments in my time in CAP and wish that I had more time to go to more!

What's the most important reason to go?

I'd say that the most important reason to go is the personal growth and development you gain from the experience.  It'll push you to do things you've never done before.  It will challenge you mentally and physically.  You'll get to experience what it is like to be in a close knit team and be part of something successful.

You should go.  It'll be the best $250 your parents ever shelled out.

[ZigZag911]

It's a GREAT experience...fun as well as educational! You see the horizons of CAP beyond the local unit, meet interesting people (probably get yelled at by some of them, but that's part of the experience), see the USAF up close.

[RickFranz]

An encampment is well worth your time and effort.  I will going to my 17th encampment this Winter in Kansas.  I guess some things you just don't out grow. 

[SergeantElbow]

Thank you for all your replies.  I'll share them with my parents when we make our decision.

[Cecil DP]

I'm thinking about going to winter encampment, but I'm not sure if I want to spend the $250 to go.  Is it worth it to go to encampment?  What's the most important reason to go?
Thanks!

If it's a problem of money, some Wings have scholarships or reduced rates. Or you might speak to your DCC  or Squadron Commander about the unit subsidizing some of the costs. 

[Stonewall]

I'm thinking about going to winter encampment, but I'm not sure if I want to spend the $250 to go.  Is it worth it to go to encampment?  What's the most important reason to go?
Thanks!

Attended my first encampment as a cadet airman 22 years ago.  I think it cost $125.  I can remember almost every minute of that encampment and still have our end-of-encampment skit memorized. 

After 22 years in CAP, that encampment was the most important experience I can speak of.  I have tons of awesome memories, both as a cadet and senior, but that first encampment pretty much set the tone for the rest of my CAP career. 

Is it worther it?  Yes.

[AirAux]

By doing the winter encampment, it will give you the opportunity to apply for staff positions at the next summer encampment.  That is always worth a thought..

[Майор Хаткевич]

By doing the winter encampment, it will give you the opportunity to apply for staff positions at the next summer encampment.  That is always worth a thought..

Yep, could easily make 4-5 stripes and apply for Flight Sergeant, or an advanced training flight.

[C/MSgt. White]

From my experience in WAWG's Cascade Falcon XIV Basic Encampment, it matures you drastically depending on how seriously you take it, Basic develops new leadership skills, And it is like a magnet. It keeps pulling you back into CAP (in the good way)

[flyguy06]

You have to have attended and encampment in order to go to a National Cadet Special Activity (thats what NCSA stands for for in case you werre wondering.the others didnt specify that)

Now look at it lke this. If you go to the winter encampment you can then go to a NCSA in the simmer 2010. If you wait to go to the encamopment in summer 2010, then you wont be able to do a NCSA until summer 2011. Why wait that long when you can go now and get a NCSA under your belt next summer.

Thats the advice I give to my cadets.