What is my child going to do for the week?
Why do I have to complete so many Release Forms? Is it really that dangerous?
What do they get to eat?
What about the medical care?
Can they call me?
Can I call them?
Should I come to Graduation?

 

What is my child going to do for the week? This will be a challenging and fun week for cadets attending the encampment. They will be practicing and developing their abilities to accomplish various tasks through teamwork during the entire week, through marching practice, preparing with their "flight" (a team of cadets) for inspections of their barracks, etc. They will also complete a Leadership Reaction Course, which is a series of challenges designed to be nearly impossible to complete without the use of effective teamwork. Additionally, there are many other activities planned that the cadets will participate in, such as: rappelling from a 50-foot tower, going on a Blackhawk helicopter ride, and running the obstacle course. These activities provide a variety of experiences for the cadets, and new knowledge and training that they can take back with them to their home and local squadron.

Why do I have to complete so many Release Forms? Is it really that dangerous? The encampment will be held on Fort Devens. On the post there are several military and federal units. Therefore the cadets and senior members will be on real estate, and using assets, belonging to different groups. Since there is a chance that one of us can get injured, and as you can probably guess, the numerous lawyers for the different groups on Fort Devens cannot agree on the perfect release of liability statement, each group has their own. Therefore there are a few different release statements to cover the respective groups. True the paperwork does make it seem like the place is very dangerous but this requirement is merely a formality. As always, safety comes first in CAP, so we will make every effort to lessen the potential for injury to all of our members.

What do they get to eat? Encampment personnel will eat in a military dining hall. We will get three hot meals a day with usually two choices. There are vegetarian and kosher meals available if required (Please indicate on Medical form in Remarks Section). While we are not talking high cuisine here, it's real food, and provides a balanced diet.

What about the medical care? We will have on staff several Nurses and Emergency Medical Technicians to provide medical care if needed. Highly competent personnel will staff an area dedicated to ensure that the proper level of care is given to any medical issue that may arise. On a daily basis, there will be a "sick call" for any person desiring medical attention. The medics will also monitor persons on mandatory medication to make sure that their medications are taken at the proper times. Additionally, there is an Army medical facility on the post and we transport to Deaconess-Nashoba Community Hospital in Ayer if needed.

Can they call me? Cadets are encouraged to call home. However, at past encampments, many cadets have been reluctant to do so because of the limited pay phones available and their desire for independence. Please rest assured that we will contact you if needed - otherwise your sons and daughters will be fine.

Can I call them? The Squadron Commanders will have the phone number for emergency contact. However, the cadets' schedule is quite full, so please let them call you as they have time.

Should I come to Graduation? ABSOLUTELY YES! It will begin at 10:00AM on Sunday the 17th in the hall of flags with the graduation ceremony and finish with a pass in review. After that, they have to clear out of the quarters and then they will be yours again. (Please see the next question.) Go to the Encampment website (www.190cts.org) for updates during the week.