2026 Encampment Day 6
Encampment Day 6 -- Graduation
Of the Encampment Awards
Honor Flight: Charlie Flight
Honor Squadron: Squadron 2
Staff Department: First Aid Support Team (FAST)
Staff Support NCO: C/CMSgt Henry Thatch, Public Affairs Team
Staff Support Officer: C/Lt Col Casey Clarkson, Administration Team
Line Support NCO: C/Audrey Mayer, Charlie Flight
Line Support Officer: C/2nd Lt Anne Fox, Echo Flight
And just like that, the Civil Air Patrol Georgia Wing (GAWG) Lt Col James Card Summer Encampment of 2026 has officially come to a close. As the final day dawned, the atmosphere was a mix of bittersweet goodbyes and buzzing energy. While many cadets are sad to leave, there is an overwhelming sense of excitement as they prepare to bring their newly sharpened leadership, teamwork and communication skills back to their home squadrons.
The final morning kicked off with high energy. Cadets pushed through one last round of physical training, while others conquered the obstacle course, proving how much their stamina and confidence have grown over the week. After working up a massive appetite, everyone headed to the chow hall for a much-needed, well-deserved breakfast.
Next came the final morning formation, where outstanding flights and individual cadets were recognized and rewarded for their excellence. To capture the legacy of this week, the entire encampment gathered on the sports field for official encampment and squadron photos, capturing smiles that looked vastly different from the nervous faces on day one.
This week has been a true roller coaster of emotions. Cadets experienced everything from frustration and anxiety to triumph and pure joy. They were pushed outside their comfort zones, tested to their limits and given challenges designed to forge their character and leadership capabilities. But beyond the training, the greatest takeaway are the bonds that were formed.
These cadets didn’t just survive the week; they made lifelong friends whom they will undoubtedly run into at future CAP events, activities and next year’s encampments. Long after the packing lists are put away, they will carry the memories of their basic encampment — the shared laughs in the barracks, the flight games and the small, quiet moments that ended up meaning the most.
Congratulations to all the graduates of the 2026 Georgia Wing Lt Col James Card Summer Encampment. You came as individuals, but you leave as a team.
Written by the Public Affairs Team
Cadet 2nd Lt Teague Cash, Officer in Charge, Cobb County Composite Squadron
Cadet Captain Sophia Tubbs, Walton County Composite Squadron
Cadet 1st Lt Julia Tubbs of Walton County Composite Squadron
Cadet CMSgt Henry Thatch of Gwinnett County Composite Squadron
Cadet SMSgt Carson Cook of Dawson County Composite Squadron
