Summer Encampment 2026
Texas Wing Summer Encampment 2026
Page Updated: 17 July 2026 with graduation information
17 July Encampment Update:
We've enjoyed some rain (NO SEVERE WEATHER AT OUR LOCATION) and the cooler temperatures it brought, and now it's warming up again. Cadets have been hydrating well and have been under shade or inside air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day. While none of our members were able to fly yesterday as we had hoped, we did enjoy an Army air power demonstration and static displays of Apache, Blackhawk med-evac, and Chinook helicopters. The cadets were also able to see those aircraft up close and talk with the air crews, so they should have some great stories for you! Cadets received LOTS of email this week which were delivered regularly, so while they couldn't communicate with you, we're confident they enjoyed hearing from you! Please see graduation details below:
- Graduation is on Saturday, 18 July 2026.
- Graduation attendees can begin arriving around 1000.
- Graduation ceremony will start at 1100 and will only last about 15 minutes.
- The only open gate is on Park Avenue, which is off of West Range Road, which is off of Hwy 36. We will have signs starting at Hwy 36 into the base. This link on google maps will take you very close to the gate.
- Once you go through the gate, stay on that street (Park Avenue) and look for signs and/or people directing traffic. Parking may be tricky, so please be patient.
- There is no seating available, so please bring lawn/camp chairs if you need a seat.
- Observation area is under a huge pavilion, so there will be shade for attendees.
- Only those that previously completed the online base access form and received text confirmation will be permitted through the gate.
- Anyone younger than 18 does not need any special approvals and will be permitted on base.
- Bring your ID if you received text confirmation granting access.
- Luggage will be staged near the graduation site for ease of departure. Students will be released immediately following graduation.
- If you do not have base access, you will be redirected to an empty lot outside the gate and your cadet will be brought to you after graduation. This should be in the same area you dropped off your cadet (lot at intersection of West Range Road and Garand Street). We will get them there as soon as possible once students and parents clear the graduation area. Please plan to be in that lot by 1130-1145 and we'll bring them to you as soon as we can.
- We are here at the pleasure of the US Army, so planned locations and timings are subject to change. We're doing the best we can to provide this information, but please be flexible if there are last-minute changes.
We truly have had a great week and have all learned a lot, from the students to the cadet cadre to the adult volunteer staff. The training officers for each flight have worked tirelessly to make sure each student was cared for, along with our medical staff and many other support department mentors, so feel free to express your gratitude to any staff members you see if you get a chance. We'll see everyone at graduation!!
Encampment Commander: Lt Col Edward McFadden
Commandant of Cadets: SMSgt Jack Koby
Cadet Commander: C/Lt Col Elizabeth Barnes
Location: North Fort Hood, Gatesville, TX
PHOTOS LINK: Texas Wing Encampment -- 2026 Summer Encampment - Civil Air Patrol
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:
Commander: Lt Col Edward McFadden (214) 280-5461
Deputy Commander: Maj Wendy Cameron (972) 366-8846
Commandant of Cadets: SMSgt Jack Koby (940) 867-0856
Cost: $325 for Students
$200 for Cadet Cadre
FREE for Senior Members
Dates:
1300-1400 09 July 2026 Senior Member and Cadet Staff Report (Thursday) Drop-Off address posted above
1300-1430 11 July 2026 Student Arrival (Saturday) Drop-Off address posted above
1100 18 July 2026 Student Graduation (Saturday)
1100 19 July 2026 Senior Member and Cadet Staff Depart (Sunday)
17 June Town Hall Meeting Recording: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SgkeLXhqEJRB5yLACcuqoDrFuAEXBGlG/view?usp=sharing
Town Hall Slideshow: /media/cms/Parent_town_hall_943E26AEF834A.pptx
Over-The-Counter Medication Approval:
Please see the pinned document to the right of the screen (or at the bottom of the screen on cell phones) to enter permission for students to have over-the-counter medications. These will only be given with parental permission for things like headaches, stomachaches, etc. Parents will be informed if any medication is distributed. This document can also be found at the OTC Medication area of the Parent Portal website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slotting has concluded and the student roster is now final. We kept a list of names of the cadets we were unable to slot or that had to drop for any reason. If those cadets apply for Texas Wing Winter Encampment, they will be given high priority.
Obsolete information kept for future reference:
If you are SLOTTED, you must pay no later than 31MAY26 or your spot may be offered to a cadet on the waiting list. APPROVAL MUST BE GIVEN THROUGH THE PARENT PORTAL BEFORE SLOTTING CAN OCCUR. Enrolling on Registration Zone is an application to attend, not a guarantee.
If you need financial assistance, you can apply for Cadet Encampment Assistance Funds through 15APR26. Please see the website below for more information. CEAP Application Process | Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters
STUDENT APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Texas Wing Summer Encampment student applications are now open! Registration will close at midnight on 12APR26. Encampment will be held at North Fort Hood, Gatesville, TX from 11JUL26 to 18JUL26. The cost for encampment is $325 and you must have achieved your Curry Award to attend. Enroll at the Registration Zone Link: TXWG 2026 Summer Encampment STUDENT Application
Senior Member Staff:
Senior Member Executive and Direct Report Application CLOSED
Senior Member Staff Application CLOSED Updated 14APR26: Notifications are being sent out to selected staff. Those not selected to staff are placed on a "backup list" and may be notified if there are personnel drops.
Cadet Cadre:
Cadet Executive Staff Application CLOSED
Cadet Staff Application CLOSED Updated 9APR26: Notifications are being sent out to selected staff. Those not selected to staff are placed on a "backup list" and may be notified if there are personnel drops.
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