Winter Encampment
Virginia Wing Winter Encampment 2023 (wENC23)
2023 Winter Encampment Dates: 26 Dec 2023 - 01 Jan 2024
In order to have access to Joint Base Langley-Eustis you and/or your family should have signed up on the form that was distributed already. That form is now closed.
If you do not have a valid CAP ID, Military ID, or DoD card - YOU WILL HAVE TO BE ON THE LIST TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE BASE.
If you do not have access, do not despair!!
In the "Important Documents" listed below, you will see the "Directions to Raptor Town..." On this page, in PINK, is listed VISTOR PARKING LOT. Once you have arrived at that lot, call 757-338-8989 and we will send a shuttle out to pick you up!
Information for Parents:
Check out our Flickr account to see photos from each day! Photos are uploaded as regularly as possible, at a minimum once a day. Keep checking back! https://www.flickr.com/photos/vawgcap/collections/72157722327086298/
Graduation Information:
What is graduation? Graduation will be the culminating event for all the students at encampment to be able to demonstrate the skills they have learnt throughout the week, and as they get recognized with encampment credit which allows them to attend National Cadet Special Activities, be eligible to staff other encampments, is one of the requirements to earn their Mitchell Award, and more!
Where is graduation going to be? Graduation will be held at Bayview Commonwealth Center at 350 Clarke Ave, Hampton, VA 23665.
When is graduation going to be? Graduation will start promptly at 12:00pm eastern standard time on Monday, January 1st. Please be sure to factor in unexpected traffic and parking in your travel plans!
Who is allowed on base? All parents that are U.S. citizens (names were provided by students during the sign up process) are cleared to enter base. Children younger than 16 years old are not required to be on the list to enter the base. Everybody else must have a valid government issued ID or CAPID. Civil Air Patrol members must have their CAPID card in order to get on base. Please email Capt. Cyrus Rodriguez at <cyrus.rodriguez@vawg.cap.gov> if you would like confirmation that you are on the list.
How should I be dressed? Taking the weather into account, please be sure to bundle up to stay warm! We will be indoors for our facility, but pack prepared!
Winter Encampment 2023 Leadership
Encampment Commander: Maj. Charles Beeson
Encampment Deputy Commander for Support: Maj. Robin Haight
Encampment Deputy Commander for Operations: Maj. Jacob Bixler
Winter Encampment 2023 Cadet Leadership
Cadet Commander: Cadet Lt. Col. Catherine Lam
Cadet Vice Commander: Cadet Capt. Kyrieanne Pardue
Cadet Deputy Commander for Support: Cadet Capt. Camron MacLeod
Cadet Deputy Commander for Operations: Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Nathanael Pampaloni
TIPS:
We asked the encampment cadre to share what they wish they would have known at their student encampment. Here's what they told us:
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Bring cough drops!
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Think small. Bring travel sized toiletries instead of full size.
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Blister pads are a must!
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Ask questions! You're at encampment to learn so take advantage of it.
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Major on the minors. It's the little things that matter at encampment. If you do well with the little and seemingly insignificant, you will also do well with the larger and more important.
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Use common sense when interacting with your Cadre. They're here to help you but they aren't here to babysit you.
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Bring pre-moistened towelettes to freshen up during the day.
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Wear your boots before encampment to a) break them in and b) make sure they are the correct fit.
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Start exercising for a few minutes each morning.
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Start hydrating now!
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Learn to use your diaphragm in advance.
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Make sure you know how to perform some basic tasks before Encampment like wearing the uniform and the basic drill movements. That way when you arrive at Encampment, you can help your fellow students out.
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Start packing a few days before you leave and double check that you've got everything you need before you leave home.
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Remember that the staff isn't tough on you because you are a bad cadet. They want you to be the best that you can be and they expect a high standard.
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To save yourself time, learn drill well enough to pass up to the Achievement 3 drill test.
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Make sure you're always checking on your wingman. Know how to look out for them, and get them help from a staff member if needed.
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Make friends! It's incredibly likely that you will be seeing the cadet in your Encampment squadron again at other wing events. It's great to have old friends to reconnect with.
Questions?
Have a question that you were not able to find an answer to on this site? Contact us! We will continue to update this site as more details become available!
Most administration questions can be answered by emailing winter-enc-da@vawg.cap.gov
Leadership Contacts:
Encampment Commander, Maj. Charles Beeson - charles.beeson@vawg.cap.gov
Virginia Wing Director of Cadet Programs, 1st Lt. Jeff Spurrier - jeff.spurrier@vawg.cap.gov
Virginia Wing Public Affairs Officer, Capt. Cyrus Rodriguez - cyrus.rodriguez@vawg.cap.gov
