Frequently Asked Questions

**Updated 23 June 2026

Are we going to be able to get on base?
Find the base access link and detail posted on the main Summer Encampment page.

What uniform should students arrive in?
Students should be dressed in their ABU or OCP uniform when they arrive at encampment.

What time do I drop off my cadet?  What time is Pass in Review/Graduation? Where should parents go?
Please see the Operations Plan and main Summer Encampment page for timings, address, and further details.  The Operations Plan can be found on the Encampment webpage. Information will also be sent via email as it gets closer to the event.

Can parents visit during the week?
No.  Graduation is the only time parents can come. 

What is the dress code for parents and families for graduation?
Business casual

How long is the graduation ceremony? Are there chairs available?
The graduation will last 30-45 minutes. There may be very limited seating for parents/families. We recommend bringing lawn chairs.

When can I expect to see Encampment credit in eServices?
You should see credit within 7-10 business days after encampment concludes. Please be patient. 

Can I send my cadet an email at encampment?
Yes, writing supportive emails to your cadets is encouraged. Some need some encouragement and a letter from home is appreciated. Please note that all emails are read by staff before they are delivered and emails that are deemed inappropriate will not be delivered. Emails will not be delivered after 1200 on Friday, 17 July 2026. Please write your Cadet’s full name and Flight name in the subject line.  Send emails to: TexasEncampment@txwg.cap.gov

Are gift boxes allowed?
No, care packages are not allowed. 

Will there be a social media site that daily photos will be uploaded to for parents to check in and see?
Yes, photos will be posted at the following link. Please be patient as there is an extensive vetting and approval process before photos are posted. https://photos.cap.gov/Southwest-Region/Texas-Wing/Encampment/Texas-Wing-Encampment-2026-Summer-Encampment

How do we handle medications that our Cadet needs?  Do we pack it with them, or do they have to give it to the staff upon check in?
All Medications need to be in the original containers with the cadet's name and CAP ID. Only bring the required amount for the length of the activity. All medications (including Over the Counter) need to be placed in a Ziplock bag with the cadet’s Name, CAPID, and Flight on the bag. Medications will be given to the health services officer and designees for storage upon arrival. Students will report to a designated area to self-administer their medication at specific times. This will be logged in Registration Zone and you will receive a confirmation email. The cadet's CAP HEALTH in Eservices should be updated to match prescriptions and diagnoses. This is according to CAPP 79-10.

What if my cadet has an EpiPens or rescue inhalers?
Cadets are asked to carry their EpiPens, Inhalers, and other emergency medication on their person at all times.

Will parents be shown where to pick up medication when we arrive for graduation?
All medications and contraband will be given back to the cadet at out processing to be placed in their luggage before the graduation ceremony.

What forms do we need to bring? 
No paper forms are required. All necessary information should be recorded in CAP Health in eServices. 

How are food allergies/restrictions taken care of?
The North Fort Hood dining facility has a very limited capacity to accommodate dietary restrictions. If a cadet has a very strict diet, families will need to provide all of the meals for the week in a cooler and the meals will be stored. The Mess Liaison has reached out to cadets/parents that have input their dietary restrictions. In short, vegetarian meals can be provided and there will be some gluten-free options.

What are the daily meals like?
We will be eating all meals at North Fort Hood's dining facility. There will be a variety of foods throughout the week. Cadets are not allowed to drink any kinda of sodas or energy drinks.

Are students able to do laundry?
The flight's adult Training Officer will do any required laundry during the activity. This includes flight t-shirts and any accidents that may happen. Students need only bring what is on the packing list and will not do laundry.

Will students be given the flight t-shirts or do we need to order them somewhere?
They will be given flight t-shirts upon arrival. They will still need to bring the number of sand/coyote brown t-shirts that are on the packing list.

How can I go about getting another set of ABU’s or OCP/s?
You can order one from Vanguard, Army/Navy store or any other online or brick-and-mortar vender that sells them. You can also talk to your squadron. Some keep a surplus of extra uniforms that can be issued to cadets. If you can only obtain one set of uniforms, so be it.

Will cadets be able to drive themselves to encampment?
We advise against this as much as possible due to safety concerns with young drivers. However, if cadets must drive themselves, they will be asked to park their cars in a designated area for the week. Their keys will be turned in with their contraband and returned at the end of the week. If they are 18 and above, they will need to submit their information on the base access form as pointed out in the first question above.

Will cadets have time to check their cell phones?
Cell phones will be taken during bag checks at in-processing and given back at the end of the week. They will not have access to their phones during encampment. Electronic devices including cell phones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, meta/smart glasses, and cameras will be confiscated at contraband. We recommend parents keep their students' electronic devices.

Is there a recommended color for backpacks?
Per CAPR 39-1, "Black backpacks may be worn with any uniform combination." Backpacks are not required. We also don't expect everyone to go out and buy a new black backpack and we will accept any color if cadets desire to carry one.

Do students need to bring drill guides?
No. The cadet cadre will have all the necessary drill guides and manuals.

What bedding should I bring?
Per the packing list, cadets need to bring one standard set of twin sheets: a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillow with pillowcase. Even though it's summer, we recommend cadets bring a blanket as the air conditioning may be working very well. No sleeping bags. 

Can I bring any pattern of bedsheets, like flowers or race car pattern?
White sheets are highly preferred; however, if this becomes a cost burden, you are welcome to use any patterned twin bed sheets that you already have.

Are the rooms the cadets sleep in air conditioned?
Yes, all sleeping areas are air conditioned. We recommend a blanket, just in case it's cooler than they want it.

Are cards/card games allowed?
No, cadets should not bring cards or card games.

Are sunglasses such as aviators allowed to be worn outside during encampment?
Only prescription sunglasses are authorized. 

Do we need to bring PT clothes?
Yes, PT clothes are listed on the packing list as well.

How many hours of sleep do we get?
8.5 hours is the requirement for students, 8 hours for staff, and we follow that strictly.

If a cadet has a need to get in touch with parents, what is the process?
This will be dependent on the need. Each flight has a Training Officer that encourages cadets to be as independent as possible. A Chaplain will be available to cadets at any time.

Will coffee be available?
Coffee is only for the adult Senior Members. 

What kind of bag do you recommend that students use to bring their items/equipment?
Any bags or luggage you own will work. We recommend something large enough to hold all of your items so that you are not carrying multiple bags. But you are welcome to use whatever you have.

Will any type of flashlight work?
Small handheld battery-operated flashlights are preferred.

When do we get our assignments for flights?
Welcome emails for each flight are expected to go out on or around 1 July 2026 which will show what flight cadets are in and who the cadet cadre and adult Training Officer are for that flight.

What will the shower/toilet facilities look like?
There are individual (private) shower stalls and individual (private) toilet stalls. All shower and toilet stalls have curtains or doors. 

What if there is an emergency with my cadet? 
The Encampment Commander, Health Services Officer or other adult designee will call the parent/emergency contact listed in Registration Zone, CAP Health. If it is a true emergency, cadets will be taken to the nearest hospital. 

Lots of kids have colored hair, goatees, nose piercings, etc...what are the standards for encampment?

All male and female cadets are required to meet grooming standards. You MUST refer to CAPR 39-1 to see grooming standards regarding head hair style and color, facial hair, piercings, fingernails, etc. Cadets WILL arrive in compliance with CAPR 39-1 or parents will be notified to pick up their cadet. This includes making sure you have all required items on your ABU or OCP uniform.

Other than by gender, how are the cadets separated?  By flight, age, or otherwise?
Cadets are separated into flights by using criteria such as age, gender, home squadron, parent staff members, etc. Cadets will room with those of the same gender and either the same age or one year older or younger.

Will shoulder cords be authorized for students?
Yes, cadets may wear any ribbons, cords, and badges they have earned as designed by CAPR 39-1.

What sort of intensity should we expect throughout the week?
If you have attended an Airman Leadership School, the intensity will be similar. It does vary depending on the activity (PT, classes, meal times, etc.) that is happening. It will be less than Basic Military Training.

How much time will the cadets be given to get dressed into uniform in the morning? Should cadets sleep in parts of their uniform?
Cadets should not sleep in parts of their uniform. Cadets will generally sleep in their PT gear (flight t-shirt and athletic shorts). There is hygiene time allotted in the morning for taking care of personal needs and getting dressed.

Can cadets bring a white noise machine to use while sleeping?
No, that would be an electronic device, similar to those prohibited above.

Are notebooks allowed?
Yes, notebooks are encouraged. We recommend a pocket sized one that is easy to carry in your uniform. Remember to bring writing utensils as well!

What time do you go to bed and wake up?
All students will get a minimum of 30 minutes of personal time to shower and perform hygiene tasks, and 8.5 hours of sleep at encampment per regulations. Lights out and wake up times may vary daily due to the training schedule.

Should we bring extra insignia?
You are welcome to bring it if you so choose, but it is not necessary to bring extra insignia.

Blister kits?  Do we have to make our own? Or is this something we can buy?
Either is allowed. Some people make their own by gathering things like foot powder and moleskin. Some get the premade ones from places like Academy that put them in the camping section. Some just get the Band-Aid brand Hydro Seal bandages. We recommend whatever works best for you.

Can promotion ceremonies be performed during encampment?
No. Encampment does not host promotion ceremonies.

Will there be night watch?
Senior members will patrol the bunk areas throughout the night to ensure heads are in beds and that all are safe. 

As for the rain jacket, can I bring an ABU jacket? If so, does it need a jacket tab? 
You are welcome to bring any kind of rain jacket. ABU jackets or Gore-Tex are allowed. We are about safety, if you do not have a tab to make it official, that is alright. Consult the new regulations in CAPR 39-1 regarding OCP outerwear.

Are stuffed animals allowed? Small ones?
They are not recommended. They just get lost.

Will the encampment ribbon be awarded during the ceremony?
No. 

Will the cadets be using firearms while at encampment? 
No, there are no range operations at this encampment.

What do I do if my student needs any accommodations?
If your cadet needs any accommodations (dietary needs, educational issues, religious preferences, etc.), please record those needs in CAP Health on Eservices.  Please be as specific as possible. If it is medical related, we may need a doctor's note for it. If it is academic related, please send us a copy of your school accommodation's sheet from your IEP. A Health Services Officer may reach out to you if they have any questions.

What email should we contact if we still have questions?
texasencampment@txwg.cap.gov