Cadet Encampment Assistance Program

**WINTER CEAP POSTPONED**
Due to the ongoing government shutdown and NHQ staff furlough, Winter CEAP has been postponed. The application WILL NOT open on Saturday November 1st. We will communicate about a new application window once the government has reopened and the staff has returned from furlough. 

Please note the information below reflects the anticipated CEAP process during normal operations.  Any changes to the CEAP program will be announced and updated on all CEAP websites and the CEAP application in eServices. 

Thanks to Air Force support, CAP has funding available to cover encampment fees and uniforms with an emphasis on serving cadets in need through the Cadet Encampment Assistance Program or CEAP (say, "seep"). An inability to afford encampment should not hold back cadets who want to participate in encampment.

 

Eligibility  

Financial Eligibility. Assistance is targeted towards families who cannot easily afford encampment. Priority is given to families enrolled in federal programs but other families self-identifying a financial need are welcome to apply.  

First-Year & Returnees. Priority is given to our first-year highest financial need encampment attendees. Remaining funding is prioritized for first-time encampment attendees. Advanced students and cadre wanting to attend a second encampment are welcome to apply. A cadet may receive CEAP one time as a student and one time as an advanced student or cadre member during their cadet career. 

How do I apply?

Visit eServices, open the "Cadet Encampment Assistance Program" module, and follow the on-screen instructions to apply for CEAP. However, you will also need to apply for encampment itself, if you haven't already. Click here for a more detailed walk-through of the application process.

Deadlines

CEAP funding is not guaranteed.  First-timer status, financial priority level, and date of application are all factors in awarding funds.  Apply early for the best chance of receiving assistance.
 

CEAP Round	Application Opens	Application Closes
Winter CEAP	TBD	TBD
Summer CEAP Round 1*	9am CT, 15 March 2026 (Sunday)	5pm CT, 15 April 2026 (Wednesday)
Summer CEAP Round 2**	9am CT, 1 June 2026 (Monday)	5pm CT, 15 June 2026 (Monday)

*Summer CEAP Round 1: Includes all registered Spring and Summer encampments. Best chance at funding support.

**Summer CEAP Round 2: Includes only late Summer encampments (those beginning 18 July and after). Limited funding available.

What happens after I apply?

You'll receive an email confirmation from National Headquarters. Your squadron commander will endorse your application and you'll receive another email confirmation when that happens. You will hear back from NHQ regarding your status within a week of the application deadline. If granted assistance with encampment fees, NHQ will send those funds directly to the selected encampment on your behalf. If granted assistance for uniforms, Vanguard will email you a voucher with a link to purchase ABUs, Blues, and insignia. Once ordered, your items will arrive in the mail.  

Other FAQs

I applied for CEAP, when will I find out if I'll receive funding support?

All cadets will receive notification of approval or denial for funding support shortly after the application period closes. 

I already paid for encampment, is it too late for me to participate?

No. Please apply for the program. If you are accepted the wing will reimburse encampment fees after graduation.

My wing isn't having a summer encampment, or it's already full, what can I do?

If you can't attend your local wing's encampment, check out the upcoming encampments on the encampment home page and think about applying for an encampment in a nearby state. Carpooling may be available.

Can I receive assistance to go back to encampment for advanced training or on staff?

Cadets are welcome to apply for assistance to return to encampment however priority is given to first-time attendees. A cadet may receive CEAP one time as a student and one time as an advanced student or cadre member during their cadet career.  Returning cadets and cadre may wish to investigate other financial assistance options such as squadron, group, wing, or region scholarships.  

Point of Contact  

Ceap@capnhq.gov
A parent, guardian, or Squadron Commander should be copied on all CEAP emails. 

For Staff

Squadron Commanders, DCPs, Encampment Commanders and Finance Officers - learn more about CEAP management here.

 

Website updated as of 1 November 2025.