Daily Encampment Updates
Read All About It!
The 2024 Georgia Wing Encampment is officially underway, and this page is your official source for a behind-the-scenes look into what our cadets are doing and learning every day!
Each day around 7pm, we'll post an update about the day's activities. And when photos become available, we'll put the link to the gallery for that day as well.
Be sure to share your favorite updates with your friends and family on social media using #CivilAirPatrol!
Encampment Day 7
This week has been an exciting roller coaster as the encampment staff prepared for the new arrivals, helped them settle in, and motivated each cadet in every flight to strive for excellence while growing in friendships that will last a lifetime. The hours spent laughing and enjoying each other's company created memories they will never forget. However, all of this was made possible through the rigorous planning that had to happen a year before the encampment. Cadet Lt. Col. Emma Vaughn, the Cadet Commander, discussed the planning process she and the command team went through.
“I think I spent an hour a day just working on planning for the encampment from the time I got selected (October 2023) up until now,” she said.
Vaughn also discussed the many weeks she and the command team spent interviewing the possible candidates for staff positions, which took hours each day.
Planning for encampment takes up an incredible amount of time, but it also creates the opportunity to see leadership growth in each of the staff members. Vaughn said it was amazing to see the staff work hard throughout the week to overcome the challenges they were facing to become better for their students.
“To see it all pay off, and watching their hard work continue helping their people succeed, has been incredible,” she said.
There is so much behind the scenes planning that people don’t know about. It takes a committed group of people to sit down hours a day for months and keep the big picture in mind. Encampment staff has shown that through dedication, and a lot of planning, something really extraordinary can come about. From long interviews, virtual meetings, in-person training, and many stressful days, encampment became a resounding success! Three hundred cadets thrived in an exciting environment, and had one of the best weeks of their lives.
Written by Cadet Second Lt. Krisyann Brown
Encampment Day 6
"Of the Week" Awards
Warrior Flight: Foxtrot Flight
Honor Flight: India Flight
Distinguished Graduate: Cadet Senior Airman James Thatch
Squadron 1 Student: Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Juniper Self
Squadron 2 Student: Cadet Tech. Sgt. Zakariya Farih
Squadron 3 Student: Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Moreda
Squadron 4 Student: Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Ishaan Somaka
Line Staff Officer: Cadet Capt. Ryan Rigney
Line Staff NCO: Cadet Master Sgt. Ethan Hay
Support Staff Officer: Cadet Second Lt. Kristy Brown
Support Staff NCO: Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Cali Barnett
Squadron of the Week: Squadron 3
The focus today, as the sixth day of the 2024 Georgia Wing Encampment, was on the cadets' morale and connections with their peers. The camaraderie among the cadets was flourishing, and their spirits were high despite the demanding nature of the training. Everyone was encouraged by each other's resilience and unity, reaffirming the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within the encampment.
Cadet Airman 1st Class Hansika Ajjarapu and Cadet Airman Tanza Wood bonded the first time they met, evident when they sat at the same table for breakfast.
“We have had a lot of funny moments just laughing at stupid stuff,” Ajjarapu said.
Cadet Airman Kayla Brown and Cadet Tech. Sgt. Ava Sutton said it was a little awkward at first, but it was better once they got to know each other.
“We talked a lot about our experiences in CAP,” Brown said.
Friendships among the staff are also apparent, as many can be seen relaxing and chatting with each other during their free time.
Many are excited to keep in touch with each other after encampment.
“I recently got back from a wedding where the maid of honor and bride were wingmen at their basic encampment, and that is where they first met,” said Cadet Capt. Lucy Vogelbacher.
Written by Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Peace
Encampment Day 5
Awards
Warrior Flight: Hotel Flight
Honor Flight: Lima Flight
Honor Cadet: Cadet Tech. Sgt. Zakariya Farih
Line Staff of the Day: Cadet Second Lt. David Singletary
Support Staff of the Day: Cadet Captain Jordan Partain
Squadron of the Day: Squadron 3
As the students of the 2024 Georgia Wing Summer Encampment get into the rhythm of the week, competition starts to arise. All the cadets are striving for excellence in hopes of achieving one of the award: Honor flight, warrior flight, cadet of the day, and staff of the day. Everyone eagerly awaits for the end of the day to find out who got what awards.
Honor flight is an award based on overall flight excellence in leadership and motivation. Warrior flight is based on uniform inspection, room inspection, and knowledge scores.
“I think we will get honor flight today because we’ve been working really hard. If we don’t get it today, we will definitely get it this week,” said Cadet Tech. Sgt. Emily Feeney from the Warner Robins Composite Squadron. “If we don’t get it this week, the flights that do must really deserve it.”
Yesterday evening, Juliet flight won honor flight of the day. The Juliet flight commander, Cadet 2nd Lt. Zadek Hollingsworth from the Golden Isles Cadet Squadron, motivated his cadets by congratulating them with all the small victories and achievements they made.
“My cadets have done really well with barracks inspections and drill,” said Hollingsworth. “They’ve become unified and can work well as a team.”
While the cadets continue working towards getting an award, they also become a better team and become closer with other cadets in their flight.
Written by Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Hannah Shiry
Encampment Day 4
Awards
Warrior Flight: Oscar Flight
Honor Flight: Juliet Flight
Honor Cadet: Cadet Senior Airman James Thatch
Line Staff of the Day: Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Laila Phillips
Support Staff of the Day: Cadet Captain Adeline Johnson
Squadron of the Day: Squadron 3
The cadets are now settling in at the 2024 Georgia Wing Summer Encampment and the staff have been impressed with the improvement the students have made. Many of the students were hesitant while checking into encampment but are now enjoying the process with wide smiles on their faces.
Today, we asked cadets and staff how they were settling in, and what they thought of their experience so far.
“It's been challenging being away from family and friends, but all in all pretty good,” said Cadet Airman Owen Ott from Forsyth County Cadet Squadron.
Many other cadets and staff had positive comments about this encampment and the students such as one of the Flight Sergeants.
“With each hour, they are improving,” said November’s Flight Sergeant Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Pye from Cobb County Composite Squadron. “Some cadets are adapting to the new environment more than others, but they are helping each other.”
All in all the cadets are starting to settle in smoothly and enjoying the encampment. They are going to have to strive to be their best during the Ultimate Cadet Challenge tomorrow: yelling chants, doing drill with perfection, and striving to be the best flight.
Written by Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Teague Cash
Encampment Day 3
Awards
Warrior Flight: Delta Flight
Honor Flight: Foxtrot Flight
Honor Cadet: Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Oliver Cronin
Line Staff of the Day: Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Anna DeVries
Support Staff of the Day: Cadet Second Lt. Kristy Brown
Squadron of the Day: Squadron 1
To answer our most common questions so far, we asked each flight what they are most proud of so far at the 2024 GAWG Encampment.
Squadron 1:
“Getting the chance to be the guidon for alpha flight and being able to keep up in PT."
Cadet Senior Airman Paul Harzbecker from Peachtree City-Falcon Field Composite Squadron, Alpha (Navy Blue) Flight.
"I'm honestly proud of how tidy my barrack is."
Cadet Tech. Sgt. Hayden Cady from Forsyth County Cadet Squadron, Bravo (Bright Green) Flight.
“I am most proud of our teamwork together and our flight has been trying so hard to work as a team.”
Cadet Tech. Sgt. Ava Sutton from Middle Georgia Composite Squadron, Charlie (Purple) Flight.
“I am following my core values and making my barracks very well.”
Cadet Airman Cameron Allen from South Georgia Cadet Squadron, Delta (Maroon) Flight.
Squadron 2:
“Being the person with the best barrack in my squadron.”
Cadet Airman Joshua Brannen from Augusta Composite Squadron, Echo (Royal Blue) Flight.
“Keeping a clean room.”
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Blake Patterson from Statesboro Composite Squadron, Foxtrot (Red) Flight.
“Being in encampment right now.”
Cadet Senior Airman Calvin Fransisco from Augusta Composite Squadron, Golf (Golden Yellow) Flight.
“I am most proud of how our flight has improved in three days.”
Cadet Airman Colin Rhymer from Peachtree City-Falcon Field Composite Squadron, Hotel (Highlighter Yellow) Flight.
Squadron 3:
“Being element leader because it is a special position in the flight. Element leaders lead the flight while marching.”
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Snyder Kitchens from Savannah Composite Squadron, India (Light Green) Flight.
"Doing drill."
Cadet Airman Seth Wilson from Middle Georgia Composite Squadron, Juliet (Dark Grey) Flight.
“Being element leader.”
Cadet Airman 1st Class Victor Lederman from Savannah Composite Squadron, Kilo (Dark Green) Flight.
“Learning how to be guidon and that my flight has been able to learn how to work together.”
Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Rowan Porter from McGhee-Tyson Composite Squadron, Lima (Brown) Flight.
Squadron 4:
“Learning how to be the guidon bearer has been fun and we’ve been good at our rooms. We are proud to be in the first squadron to win Squadron of the Day.”
Cadet Master Sgt. Noah Herring from Augusta Composite Squadron, Mike (Light Grey) Flight.
“I am most proud of the way the staff handle their cadets and how they organize activities.”
Cadet Airman Chrishawna Bradley from Peachtree City-Falcon Field Composite Squadron, November (Sky Blue) Flight.
“Our flight got Honor Flight, Honor Staff, and our squadron got Squadron of the Day.”
Cadet Tech Sgt. Preston Ferrell from Golden Isles Cadet Squadron, Oscar (Olive Green) Flight.
“I am very proud to be the guidon bearer and our flight has done very good at drill.”
Cadet Tech. Sgt. Daniel Kirkland from Peachtree City-Falcon Field Composite Squadron, Papa (Pumpkin Orange) Flight.
Encampment Day 2
Awards
Warrior Flight: November Flight
Honor Flight: Oscsar Flight
Honor Cadet: Cadet Staff Sgt. Eva Yokley
Line Staff of the Day: Cadet Master Sgt. William Patterson
Support Staff of the Day: Cadet Master Sgt. Cali Barnett
Squadron of the Day: Squadron 4
Anticipation grows toward its peak among the staff and students here at the 2024 GAWG Encampment. Soon, staff members will see their hard work come to fruition as the students proceed with their tasks for the week.
“I am looking forward to watching the cadet [students] develop discipline and confidence throughout the week,” says Standards and Evaluation staff member Cadet Captain Katerina Conley from Cobb County Composite Squadron. “I’m a little nervous about the cadets’ reaction to the intensity.” However, she feels hopeful and optimistic about the week. The Standards and Evaluation staff work through the week to observe the encampment and determine the awards for each day.
Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Lythgoe, from the Peachtree City-Falcon Field Composite Squadron, is in a direct leadership position as Alpha Flight Sergeant. He is hoping to see leadership growth in himself as well as his flight this week. He is most nervous about losing accountability for one of his cadets. However, he is confident and capable and he will see his flight through to graduation. Although most staff have been planning for months, today is the day it all becomes more tangible rather than conceptual. Yesterday was confusing and hectic as the students arrived, but today is when the organization kicks in. Overall, everyone is eagerly anticipating what this week will bring out in the students and staff.
Written by Cadet Second Lt. Joseph Hollingsworth
Encampment Day 1
After 9 long months of preparation, encampment staff spent all day in the hot sun preparing for the 2024 GAWG Encampment at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia. Cadets spent hours unpacking and organizing supplies, practicing drill as a team, and doing other necessary jobs in order to prepare for the new student arrivals. Staff anxiously wait to see all their hard work and planning from the past few months finally pay off as the encampment comes into full swing. The long day of work brought on many new challenges, resulting in some lessons learned. Here are some responses from the cadets and senior members concerning the preparation day.
When asked about the obstacles of the day, Assistant Logistics Officer 1st Lt. Ken Stanger from the 152nd Composite Squadron in North Ga, said he was excited for this upcoming encampment and to see personal leadership growth in himself and the cadets.
Cadet Senior Airman Sarah Gorduk from the Sandy Springs Cadet Squadron and part of the Administration team, said that working with Administration staff was more hands-on work than she had expected but was happy she clicked with her teammates and got along with them. She is looking forward to developing her skills in organization during this year’s encampment.
Written by Cadet Second Lt. Kristy Brown
