Idaho Wing Mountain Eagle Encampment

 

Date:	June 13, 2024 - June 22, 2024
Location:	Gowen Field Joint Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho
Min. Age:	N/A
Cost:	$330.00

 

 

---

About the Activity

What is Encampment?

Encampment challenges you. It pushes you so you’ll grow. Are you self-disciplined? Can you lead? Can you truly work as a team? These are some of the questions the cadre will help you answer for yourself as you participate in awesome, hands-on activities and tours. Specifically, our goal is to inspire you to

• develop leadership skills,

• learn about aviation, space, and technology,

• commit to a habit of regular exercise, and

• live the Core Values.

As cadets of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, your training will emphasize not only leadership and character, but fitness and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) as you explore career opportunities in those areas and so much more.

Leadership Training Ground

Summer encampments serve as week-long leadership laboratories. They offer cadets the opportunity to further develop leadership skills under the careful supervision of highly trained adult leaders.

Cadets develop leadership potential, discipline, time management, and interpersonal skills while at the encampment. They learn how to overcome challenges and succeed through critical thinking.

Encampment challenges you. It pushes you so you’ll grow. Are you self-disciplined? Can you lead? Can you truly work as a team? These are some of the questions the cadre will help you answer for yourself as you participate in awesome, hands-on activities and tours.

Aerospace and STEM Education

Civil Air Patrol’s award-winning aerospace education program promotes aerospace, aviation, and STEM-related careers with engaging, standards-based, hands-on curriculum and activities. It generates interest in STEM careers through aviation-, space- and technology-focused activities associated with astronomy, flight simulations, model and remote-control aircraft, robotics, rocketry, weather, hydraulic engineering, and computer programming.

High-Adventure Activities

Cadets want and need to get their hands dirty and push themselves beyond their normal comfort zone through adventure-based learning. With “challenge” being one of the cadet life’s key traits, CAP encourages cadets to participate in youth-scaled high adventure activities. During Encampment, this could be in the form of a confidence course, nature hikes, Team Leadership Problems, or a variety of other activities as they are available.

Before any activity, we go through a Risk Management process to assess the potential risks and mitigate them. All activity, even just marching to dinner, has some risk but our job is to make sure that nobody is subjected to unnecessary risk. The goal is to provide challenges for our cadets to overcome, giving them confidence and self-esteem that is not easily shaken as well as memories they will not easily forget!

We will make reasonable accommodations so that cadets who have special needs or physical limitations can safely participate in these challenges (e.g.: provide an extra spotter, provide a boost over obstacles, etc.). However, if the nature of this activity is inappropriate for a cadet’s particular abilities, the Encampment Commander, or his designee, may limit that cadet’s participation. Although encouraged, cadets who feel that they cannot negotiate a specific challenge are not forced to do it.

Fitness Activities

The Active Cadet Fitness Program's goal is to increase cadets' physical fitness and to motivate them to develop a lifelong habit of regular activity. 

Activities- Get moving!  The heart of the cadet fitness program is activities.  Cadets will experience a range of fun and structured activities.

Academics- To get the most benefit from the program it's important that cadets understand the concepts of fitness, training, nutrition, and more.  Cadets learn about these ideas in both classroom and hands-on lessons and then put them into action in their daily lives.

Attitudes- Cadets develop a positive relationship with fitness through the support of their peers. 

The Cadet Physical Fitness Program is aligned with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program (PYFP). PYPF is a comprehensive fitness program that promotes physical activity and fitness to improve the health of America's young people.

Flight Experiences

Depending on the weather and availability, encampment activities can include orientation flights aboard CAP aircraft, military aircraft flights such as helicopters, cargo, or tanker aircraft, drone flights, flight simulators, and more.

The Facility

Gowen Field Joint National Guard Base has hosted the Idaho Wing Mountain Eagle Encampment for the last 8 years. The Army and Air National Guard have provided Cadet Encampment Students with truly unforgettable experiences year after year. 

Barracks

Families can count on CAP to provide a safe, wholesome environment at all cadet activities.  Cadet life is a regimented experience marked by firm rules, clear consequences, and ample adult supervision.  Most of all, leadership by positive example is our best tool for creating a space where cadets can thrive. All of this starts with simply making their bed.  It is the first task they complete each morning.

Dining Facility

Encampments will provide every participant with three full, well-balanced meals daily, excluding travel days. Upon receiving the meal, cadets will have at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted, training-free time to eat. This is their time to socialize, enjoy their meal, and strengthen bonds of friendship.

Parent's Introductory Briefing

Parents or Guardians are encouraged to attend a parent briefing while their cadet is going through in-processing on the first day of the encampment. We will give you an overview briefing of the encampment, what you can expect to look for on the encampment's Facebook page, and information about the graduation parade.

 

---

 

Encampment Adult Leaders

1st Lt, CAP	Damen Therkildsen	encampment@idwgcap.org	Encampment Commander
Capt, CAP	Kevin Brizzi	encampment@idwgcap.org	Commandant of Cadets
2nd Lt, CAP	Patricia Alvey	encampment@idwgcap.org	Deputy Commander for Support
1st Lt, CAP	Ben Snell	encampment@idwgcap.org	Chief Training Officer

 

 

Position Specific Dates

Students:

15 June 2024: 

All Students are to report for encampment student in-processing no sooner than 1200 MT and no later than 1530 MT on 15 June 2024. Cadets shall report in ABUs at the Building 400 parking lot with all items on the packing list. Individual exceptions may be coordinated with the permission of the Commandant of Cadets.

22 June 2024:

Students will be dismissed from the encampment on 22 June 2024. Students will be released to the parking lot at Building 400 after all final paperwork has been signed, issued encampment equipment has been returned, and encampment staff is greeted by parents or guardians.  All students should be released by approximately 1500 that afternoon.

 

Staff: 

7 June 2024:

Virtual Required Staff Training for Mountain Eagle Encampment will be held on 7 June 2024. This Staff training is for the staff members who will not be able to attend the in-person Staff Training. 

13 June 2024: 

All staff are to report for encampment staff in-processing no sooner than 1245 MT and no later than 1330 MT on 13 June 2024. Cadets shall report in ABUs at the Building 400 parking lot with all items on the packing list. Individual exceptions may be coordinated with the permission of the Encampment Commander.

22 June 2024:

Staff will be dismissed from the encampment on 22 June 2024. Staff will be released to the parking lot at Building 400 after all final paperwork has been signed, issued encampment equipment has been returned, and all final tasks for the encampment staff have been completed. All staff should be released by approximately 1500 that afternoon.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Students:

Cadets:

• Possess Achievement 1 at the time of Application

 

Staff:

Cadets:

• Have completed encampment and received encampment credit in eServices. 

• Have completed Cadet Protection and show credit in eServices if over 18 years old. 

• Staff will need to complete the required staff training 

• Required Staff Training: TBD

 

Senior Members:

• Have completed Cadet Protection and show credit in eServices.

• Staff will need to complete the required staff training 

• Required Staff Training: TBD

 

How to Apply

***16 May 2024 Update***

The student and senior member registration deadline has been extended. 

 

If you need to edit your registration please follow the steps listed below. You cannot edit any attached documents after you submit them. 

1. Open your confirmation email

2. At the bottom of the email click "View Receipt" (This will take you to the RegFox receipt)

3. Scroll down on the receipt to "Would you like to create an account?" and click "Set up account now" (This will take you to a RegFox account portal)

4. Click "Claim my account" and enter the email you entered in the event application. (This will send you a confirmation email)

5. In the email you will receive, click "Activate Account". You will need to create a password.

6. After you claim and create an account. Click on "Registrations" 

From there you can edit the user input data for the Encampment Registration

 

---

All participants for Mountain Eagle Encampment will use the linked RegFox website below to input information, upload signed documents, and pay for their event fees. Applications will be accepted from 15 March through 15 May. NO ACTIVITY APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED AFTER 15 MAY 2024. Upon the end of the application deadline, your application will be reviewed and you will receive an email about the status of your application. If your application is approved, you will shortly receive reporting instructions, a packing list, and details for payment. Please remember to save your confirmation email. You will not be able to update your application without the sent link.

 

NOTE: If you have difficulty viewing PDFs using Google Chrome, use these instructions.

 

All Participants: 2024 Mountain Eagle Encampment Application

Cadets: 

Upload a PDF version of your CAPF 60-81, CAPF 160, CAPF 161, and CAPF 163 (if applicable) to the "Required Form Submission" section in the application.

 

Senior Members: 

Upload a PDF version of your CAPF 60-81, CAPF 160, and CAPF 161 to the "Required Form Submission" section in the application.

 

Cadet Cadre Position Application Form: 2024 Cadet Cadre Position Application 

Cadre Position Application Deadline: 31 March, 2024

 

 

Required Forms:

(CAPF 60-81): Application for CAP Encampment or Special Activity

(CAPF 160): CAP Member Health History Form 

(CAPF 161): Member Emergency Information

Note: Form 163 for cadets under the age of 18.

(CAPF 163): Permission for provision of minor cadet over-the-counter medication

 

---

Important Information:

This RegFox site is your primary application for Idaho Wing Encampment. It is important to follow the instructions precisely in the application. We understand that some of the questions are duplicates of those found on the required forms, but they must be answered on this form as well. Any injuries, disabilities, or chronic illnesses, that may prohibit various activities, sustained after the completion of these forms must be reported immediately to encampment staff. 

The required forms should be submitted as a PDF document that is either FILLIABLE typed or SCANNED. Please ensure all pages are saved to one file when uploading each form. You can only upload one file per slot at the end of the form.

 

CAP Member Health

Safety is the number one priority of all Encampments. If after the time of application your Fitness Category changes please contact the Encampment Staff to explain your fitness limitation/restriction. Cadets may be asked by the Encampment Medical Officer to complete a CAPF 162 physical exam to ensure they are ready to participate in the rigorous activities of encampment. All pre-existing conditions should also be reported and updated for the knowledge of the Encampment Staff. 

Food is prepared by trained food service professionals in a professional kitchen and is served cafeteria-style. A balanced diet with appropriate calories to support the activity level of the cadets is provided. Food allergies and medical dietary restrictions should be addressed during the application process and every effort will be made to accommodate these requirements. 

Please ensure all prescription medications are listed on CAP Form 160, and over-the-counter medications are signed for on CAP Form 163. Members are expected to carry life saving medications, such as EPI-PENs or INHALERs, on their person throughout the duration of the activity. Cadets bringing necessary prescription medication must be able to reliably self-medicate. All prescription medication brought to Idaho Wing Encampment is required to be in its original container IAW CAPR 160-1 4-4. Some medications will be kept by the medical staff, at the discretion of the Medical Officer In Charge. If a medication is kept by medical staff, administration times will be managed by the medical staff, but the cadet will self-medicate.

 

Tuition and Fees

The encampment cost is an all-inclusive activity fee that covers all needs for the week. The activity fee for this year’s encampment will be $330 per participant. This activity fee will cover lodging, meals, course materials, Encampment t-shirts, and more. This year, Mountain Eagle Encampment is using the RegFox software to process your application and payment. Please make sure you have received your event ticket from RegFox after you complete your application.

It strongly suggested that all cadets attending this year's encampment apply for the Cadet Encampment Assistance Program (CEAP) scholarship offered through the National CAP Headquarters. All Encampment Staff are strongly encouraged to apply for an Idaho Wing scholarship if they are ineligible for CEAP or did not receive CEAP funding. 
 

Financial Support Information:

---

Thanks to Air Force support, CAP has special funding available to cover encampment fees and uniforms with an emphasis on serving economically disadvantaged cadets through the Cadet Encampment Assistance Program or CEAP (say, "seep"). An inability to afford an encampment should not hold back cadets who want to participate in an encampment. Priority is given to first-time encampment attendees, but graduates wanting to attend a second or third encampment are welcome to apply. Help with tuition and uniform expenses is available. All are encouraged to apply. Please see the Cadet Encampment Assistance Program page for more information. CEAP opens on 1 March for Summer Encampments and 1 November for Winter Encampments. 

---

Thanks to the support of the Idaho State Legislature, Idaho Wing can offer scholarships to its members to attend Idaho Wing Encampment and other activities. If members do not receive funding from the Cadet Encampment Assistance Program they are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. The Idaho Wing Scholarship is only available to members who meet and actively participate in squadrons in Idaho Wing. An inability to afford an encampment should not hold back members who want to participate in an encampment. Please complete an Idaho Wing Form 173-3, Scholarship Application, and email the completed and signed form to admin@idwgcap.org. 

The Form 173-3 is listed here: https://idwg.cap.gov/resources/useful-documents 

 

 

Packing List and Contraband Policy

Packing List:

Encampment Staff suggests that all items be marked with CAPID or cadet’s initials (123456 or J. CURRY). There are washing machines and dryers available in encampment student lodging and laundry will be done throughout the week. All listed items on the packing list are required unless stated otherwise. 

Pillows, blankets, and bedding will be provided to all members of the encampment. Please do not bring a pillow, blanket, sheets, or sleeping bag. Wool Blankets are provided. If you have a wool allergy, please notify the Encampment Staff and bring a conservative, solid-color blanket.

Encampment Staff is not responsible for misplaced or unclaimed items. All items must fit in ONE suitcase and ONE garment bag. If you wear contacts, the Encampment Medical Officer recommends that you bring glasses IAW CAPR 39-1 instead.

Contraband Policy:

Our goal is to have a safe event with no incidents. This policy is to provide a safe environment for all cadets and staff. Most accidents or incidents occur due to negligence and some items listed are contraband because they create distractions for yourself or others. 

 

Cell Phone Use Policy

Cell Phone Use Policy

I understand that I am not permitted to carry a cell phone or smartwatch during the activity and my cell phone or smartwatch will be secured by the Senior Staff of Idaho Wing Encampment.

• I will have the opportunity to call home and notify my parents/guardian that I have arrived safely. Once I make the call, the cell phone and smartwatch will be secured by the Idaho Wing Encampment Staff.

• Other than the time listed above, cell phones are considered contraband.

• If I need to use a cell phone to contact my parents/guardian or for other emergency reasons, I will notify my flight commander and TAC Officer to gain access to a phone.

• I understand that the only phones I may use are my own or a phone provided to me by the Senior Staff in the Administration building.

 

Be familiar with this policy and be prepared to sign a copy of this form at check-in.

 

Encampment Graduation

Student Graduation Requirements: 

To graduate and earn the Encampment Ribbon, you must participate actively for at least 80% of the encampment program, adhere to the Core Values, and complete all academic assignments to the satisfaction of the encampment staff. If you voluntarily depart home early (except for a serious health issue or family hardship) or are expelled for disciplinary reasons, you do not graduate and do not earn the Encampment Ribbon. 

Encampment showcases the Cadet Program's regimented, military-like training model in a positive, age-appropriate manner consistent with CAP and Air Force traditions. Encampments operate at a higher level of intensity with respect to the military aspects of cadet life than virtually any other cadet activity, short of some of the premiere NCSAs. The strictness, rigor, sense of urgency, and overall expectations of military bearing will be markedly more challenging at encampment - yet still age-appropriate - compared with a weekly squadron meeting or Saturday field exercise.
 

• Actively participate in 80% of the contact hours and not dismissed early for behavior

• Complete pre-work as directed

• The Activity Director determines course objectives met 

• End of Activity online survey completed within one week or activity end

 

Family Attendance at Graduation Parade: 

Parents, grandparents, and other family friends are encouraged to attend the encampment graduation parade on the morning of 22 June 2024. It will begin promptly at 1200. The parade will be live-streamed on the Idaho Wing Facebook page, as well.

 

How to Stay Connected Through Social Media

Our Encampment Public Relations staff work vigilantly throughout the whole week to provide active updates throughout the week of what cadets have accomplished! Please follow and like our social media pages! 

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idahowingcap/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idahowingcivilairpatrol/ 

 

Travel

Arrival & Departure Information 

Please keep us informed and update the Travel Form so we can help coordinate and accommodate your travel needs.

• Squadron Transportation - Each squadron has the liberty to arrange travel plans for first-year students and staff to assist cadets and parents who would otherwise struggle to schedule individual transportation. Please ask your squadrons about if they offer provided transportation. 

• Driving - You will be met at the front gate to Gowen Field and escorted to the MEE in-processing station. If you have military or dependent access to the base, please meet at Building 400 

• Flying - Make travel arrangements to fly to Boise Airport (BOI). Activity Staff will provide pick-up services and transportation to the activity location only from this airport. If you choose to fly to other locations, you must secure your transportation to Gowen Field.

 

 

TRAVEL FORM