Cadet Encampment Assistance Program

Thanks to Air Force support, CAP has special funding available to cover encampment fees and uniforms with an emphasis on serving economically disadvantaged cadets 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 (Snap, WIC, Title I, SSDI disability, etc.) but other families self-identifying a financial need are welcome to apply, including families with two or more cadets in CAP, recently unemployed, or those experiencing other financial challenges.

First-Year & Returnees. Priority is given to our highest financial need encampment attendees. Remaining funding is prioritized for first-time encampment attendees. Graduates wanting to attend a second or third encampment are welcome to apply.

What assistance is available?

Cadets and their families may apply for assistance with encampment fees, or both uniforms and encampment fees.

Tuition. Encampment fee assistance will cover 100% of the tuition fees and will be paid directly to the wing (state) selected in the application.

Uniforms. Uniform assistance is provided in the form of vouchers that may be used for specific uniform items at Vanguard. The voucher may be for $75 or $125, depending on the financial priority level of the cadet.

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

Financial priority level, first-timer status, and date of application are all factors in awarding funds. Apply early for the best chance of receiving assistance.

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

March 1 CEAP Applications Open

May 1 CEAP Applications Close

Summer CEAP Round 2: Includes only late Summer encampments (those beginning 20 July and after). Limited funding available.

June 15 CEAP Applications Open

July 1 CEAP Applications Close

Winter CEAP

Nov 1 CEAP Applications Open

Applications close the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

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 10 days of the commander's approval. 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?

Priority 1 cadets will be processed weekly while the application is open. Priority 2 and 3 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. Returning cadets who qualify as 1st priority financial need will be considered for support at the same time as first time encampment attendees. Cadets in other financial categories will be placed on a wait list and the acceptance rate for returning cadets is low. Waitlisted applications for cadets returning to encampment will be processed after all first-time applicants have been served. Cadets may wish to investigate other financial assistance options such as squadron, group, wing, or region scholarships.

Point of Contact

Ceap@capnhq.gov

For Staff

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