Cadet Students Applicants

Expect to have FUN!

Expect to be very busy. You will be up early (before 0600) and be more physically active than you typically are at home and school. You can ease the transition by getting into the same sleep routine of going to bed at 2130 (9:30 pm) and getting up at 0530 (5:30 am). We strongly encourage you to get into better physical condition before you arrive – do some running and practice some pushups.

Expect to be in uniforms for most of the time. That is part of the fun. Make sure your hair is in regulations, you have all the necessary insignia, and that it is in the right place. Have a more experienced member of your squadron do an inspection before you leave for Encampment. Most of the time you will be wearing ABU's and boots. Make sure your boots have been broken in. Wear them as much as you can before the encampment. Blisters are the single most frequent medical issue -- it's not much fun walking around with hurting feet.

Temperatures tend to be very hot at Encampment. Start seriously hydrating at least three days before Encampment. After blisters, dehydration is our most pressing medical issue. Hydrate early, and often.

Cadet Student Application Timeline and Encampment Dates

Cadet Student (First-Time Encampment) Applications Open: Open until max capacity is reached or 21 June 2026
Cadet Student Encampment Dates: 11 - 18 July 2026
Arrival Time: TBA
Travel Options: Parent drop-off, carpool, squadron van, personal vehicle (not preferred)
Location: Camp McCain (closer to Encampment a map and directions will be posted)

Additional Arrival Information:
Cadets should arrive having eaten lunch, be well hydrated, wearing ABUs, and should meet grooming standards.
If you CANNOT make the check-in window, you need to get approval from the encampment commander before Encampment.
Pick-up Time: Will be after the Pass-in-Review Graduation Parade (TBA) 
Graduation Parade Time: TBA
Location: TBD (due to heat concerns, we are confirming a different location). We will email out a map. However, CAP signs will direct you to the location
Cadet Pick-up Time: TBA 

Required Courses: Mississippi Wing Cadet Students over the age of 18 must complete Cadet Protection Course Basic. These courses can be completed in e-Services and must be completed NLT 1 July 2026.  Questions on how to complete these courses can be addressed to cadetactivities@mswg.cap.gov.

Code of Conduct

• The safety of our members is paramount and will not be compromised.

• The CAP Core Values will be honored at all times.

• Except for safety matters, the Chain of Command must be observed and respected.

• Hazing and fraternization will not be tolerated.

• No alcohol, tobacco, or non-prescribed controlled substances are tolerated on the premises.

• No weapons are tolerated on the premises.

• No gambling, objectionable reading material, or inappropriate images are allowed on the premises.

• Cadets will remain in their beds after lights out, except for emergencies and bathroom trips.

• Members will adhere to proper hygiene (shower, teeth, etc.) and uniform appearance.

• Proper sign-in and sign-out procedures must be observed.

• If car keys, phones, or other electronic items are brought to Encampment they will be turned in during in-processing