Parents Page
WELCOME TO THE GREEN MOUNTAIN ACADEMY
Parents Page
20-27 June 2026
Camp Ta-Kum-Ta | South Hero, VT
Parents, please feel free to contact Cadet Programs for more information.
If your cadet may need special accommodations of any kind, please click here.
Please take a moment to view the National Encampment Information Page here and ask your cadet to apply for CEAP, the Cadet Encampment Assistance Program. For more information click here. CEAP Applications are only accepted March 1 through May 1.
Please ensure your cadet is completing the required paperwork by the due date. you can check your cadet's status in Registration Zone. If you have specific questions, please contact Cadet Programs.
Please follow our encampment online
JOIN US TO TALK ABOUT ENCAMPMENT
We understand that sending your cadet off to the unknown is stressful. We at Vermont Wing want to help you alleviate the stress of this event as much as possible. We invite you to join us in an open discussion so we can hear your concerns and let you meet other parents with cadets attending. The same information will be shared at each meeting, please choose from one of the following times:
The meeting room will open 10 minutes prior to the start
WHAT IS ENCAMPMENT?
Summer encampments are the #1 cadet activity in Civil Air Patrol. Participating in them is one of our greatest retention tools second only to orientation flights. Although across the nation, each Wing’s (state) encampments will differ greatly in experiences, all encampments are governed by a standard syllabus published by our National Headquarters at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. This allows each wing to tailor their encampments to their own specific program goals while still ensuring that every Wing is covering the same material. Here at the VTWG, we believe that cadets need both classroom and experiential learning and have tailored our encampment accordingly.
The overall purpose of encampments is to develop leadership skills, explore aerospace sciences and aviation careers, begin the habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle, and solidify their moral character. At encampment, cadets will be immersed into a “military style” environment. They will wake early, conduct morning physical training, attend both indoor and outdoor classes, stand inspections, learn USAF close order drill, and rotate through basic leadership positions. Although the week is fun, it can also be stressful. Young cadets, especially those who are away from home for the first time, often get homesick and experience anxiety. Our staff is trained to assist these cadets through these difficult times. We want everyone to graduate; attrition is not the mission.
Please remember that the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is intended to be cadet led, adult monitored. Our cadet staff will be your cadet’s main teacher and mentor. On occasion, when we conduct specialized training, professional military instructors are brought in. Our goal is to not only have fun but broaden the experiences of every cadet attending our encampment.
WHAT TO EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL
Upon arrival you will be directed to the drop off point. Once you reach the drop off point, you will have to say goodbye to your cadet for the week. You cannot accompany them beyond the drop off point. Each cadet must carry their own gear into the facility. Please encourage your cadets to only bring what is on the packing list, nothing more. They are intended to have a spartan lifestyle for the week. Once they arrive, they will report in and show the CAP ID card to our Admin personnel. We will ask them a series of questions then they will receive a contraband inspection. Once the inspection is complete, we will take their picture, escort them to their sleeping area, and introduce them to their flight and cadet leadership.
Due to CAPs changing policies on medications, PLEASE only bring medications prescribed by a Dr. All over the counter medications will be provided by the Academy's Medical Staff if required.
Cadets should report to encampment in their white t-shirt, black shorts with no pockets, white socks, and sneakers. Hair style should meet Civil Air Patrol Regulations. Portraits will be available for parents.
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR THE WEEK
As mentioned earlier, cadets rise early at 6 am. They conduct light physical training every day. Our training schedule changes every day, but your cadet can expect to spend each day in the classroom learning aviation related topics, conducting close order drill, and having outdoor experiences like the Land Navigation Course and Leaders Reaction Course. Every year, we attempt to bring in helicopters but due to operational requirements we are not always able to get them.
Young cadets often feel homesick and can experience anxiety. This is a normal reaction to the training. We find that reinforcing a team atmosphere and using the buddy system greatly improves each cadet’s ability to work through their difficulties. Your cadets will experience failure. Learning to fail is necessary to build the basic learning blocks of leadership. Our program is designed to allow your cadets to fail with a safety net, so they learn and grow from the experience.
You may send encouraging letters to your cadet to help them through the week, but please be advised that we have found that personal letters from home can trigger or exacerbate homesickness and anxiety. If you do want to send your cadet a letter, you must send it PRIOR TO ENCAMPMENT. Unfortunately there isn't a post office at our facility. As such, mail for cadets must be received by June 1st to be distributed at encampment. Please put the day of the week you would like us to deliver your letter in the bottom left corner on the front of the envelope. Please address your envelope as follows:
Cadet Name
c/o Vermont Wing Civil Air Patrol
2081 Airport Road
Barre, Vermont 05641-8708
HOW DO I GET TO CAMP TA-KUM-TA?
Please set your GPS to the following address:
77 Sunset View Rd, South Hero, VT 05486
Arrival Date: Saturday, 20 June
Arrival Time: 1pm - 2 pm
Arrival Uniform: White T-shirt, black shorts with no pockets, white socks, and sneakers. Hair style should meet Civil Air Patrol Regulations.
If you're cadet is flying in, please choose Burlington International Airport (BTV). Please book a flight that arrives between 11am and 2pm and email your itinerary to Cadet Programs so we can coordinate transportation.
All cadets are required to carry their own baggage into the dorm. Upon arrival, all cadets must report to the Academy Commander for in-processing and will then undergo a contraband inspection.
Graduation
The graduation ceremony is a full pass in review beginning at 3pm on the 27th. Graduation will be held at the Milton High School Football Field. Bleachers are available at the graduation field but feel free to bring your own seating. All spectators should plan to arrive by 2:45pm to park and find their seats. After the ceremony, your parents must tap you out. You will be able to change at in the locker rooms after the ceremony, then gather your belongings.
To find Milton High School:
Set your GPS to 17 Rebecca Lander Dr., Milton, VT 05468
