Programs

Summer Encampment

New Mexico Cadet Students can register beginning March 1, 2026

Out of State Cadet Students can register beginning April 1, 2026

Register HERE!

Civil Air Patrol has been training cadets in leadership since the 1950s and an encampment has been the main forum to cultivate and enhance that training.

2026 NM Summer Encampment

June 21 - June 28, 2026

Staff /Cadre & Student report on: June 21

Location: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM

What is Encampment?

Leadership Training Ground

Summer Encampments serve as weeklong leadership laboratories. These activities provide cadets with opportunities to develop leadership skills under the guidance of trained adult leaders.

Cadets build discipline, time management, and interpersonal skills while learning how to overcome challenges through teamwork and critical thinking. Encampments emphasize personal growth, resilience, and the foundations of leadership that cadets will carry into future service.

Encampment challenges you. It pushes you to grow. Are you self-disciplined? Can you lead? Can you truly work as a team? These are the questions the cadet cadre will help you answer as you take part in exciting, hands-on activities and tours.

Aerospace and STEM Education

Civil Air Patrol's award-winning aerospace education program promotes aviation and STEM-related careers with engaging, standards-based curriculum and activities. The program generates interest in STEM fields through hands-on experiences in astronomy, flight simulation, model and remote-controlled aircraft, robotics, rocketry, weather, hydraulic engineering, and computer programming.

High-Adventure Activities

Cadets develop through adventure-based learning that pushes them beyond their comfort zones. Challenge is a core trait of cadet life, and encampments encourage participation in youth-scaled high-adventure activities. These may include confidence courses, nature hikes, team leadership problems, and other opportunities as available.

Before any activity, Civil Air Patrol follows a risk management process to assess potential hazards and mitigate them. Every activity carries some level of risk, but our responsibility is to ensure cadets are never subjected to unnecessary danger. The goal is to provide challenges that build confidence, strengthen resilience, and create lasting memories.

Reasonable accommodations are made so cadets with special needs or physical limitations can safely participate, for example, by assigning an extra spotter or providing assistance over obstacles. If an activity is determined to be inappropriate for a cadet’s abilities, the encampment commander or designee may limit participation. While cadets are encouraged to attempt each challenge, no one is forced to complete an activity they feel they cannot safely negotiate.

Fitness Activities

The Active Cadet Fitness Program aims to improve cadets' physical fitness and motivate them to develop lifelong habits of regular activity. The program centers on structured activities that encourage movement, teamwork, and fun, giving cadets opportunities to build endurance, strength, and confidence.

Academics. To gain the most benefit from the program, cadets learn the concepts of fitness, training, nutrition, and more. Instruction includes both classroom and hands-on lessons, with cadets applying these ideas in their daily lives.

Attitudes. Cadets build a positive relationship with fitness through the encouragement and support of their peers.

Alignment. The Cadet Physical Fitness Program follows the Presidential Youth Fitness Program (PYFP), a comprehensive national initiative that promotes physical activity and overall health for America’s youth.

Flight Experiences

Depending on weather and availability, Civil Air Patrol encampment activities may include orientation flights in CAP aircraft, flights aboard military helicopters, cargo or tanker aircraft, drone operations, and flight simulator training.

New Mexico Tech, Socorro, New Mexico

The Facility

NM Summer Encampment will be held on the beautiful New Mexico Tech campus in Socorro, NM.

Barracks

While cadets will not be housed in barracks, dormitory rooms provide equal comfort and security. Families can count on Civil Air Patrol to ensure a safe, structured environment at all cadet activities. Cadet life is marked by firm rules, clear expectations, and strong adult supervision. Leadership by positive example sets the tone, beginning each day with the simple but important task of making the bed.

Dining Facility

Civil Air Patrol encampments provide participants with three full, well-balanced meals daily, excluding travel days. Cadets have at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted, training-free time to eat, giving them the opportunity to enjoy their meal, socialize, and strengthen friendships. Dining services at New Mexico Tech support the program by providing healthy meals that meet the needs of our members.

And So Much More...

No news currently available.

Last Updated: Feb 18, 2026

New Mexico Wing