Camp Ripley, MN - One hundred and twenty-eight cadets and adult officers (senior members) traveled safely to Camp Ripley in Little Falls, MN, and arrived at approximately 6 PM on Saturday, August 23, 2008. Of the 128 participants, 65 cadets are in the Wisconsin Basic School, 17 in the Wisconsin Cadet Academy, 20 in the Wisconsin Staff School, and 26 on senior staff. Most units made two stops after leaving their home squadron. Assembly points included Madison, Stevens Point, Appleton, and Milwaukee, with all units converging at Eau Claire, WI where the group marshaled ten vans and two trailers for the final four-hour drive to central Minnesota.

Also in Eau Claire, everyone had a chance to stretch their legs and get lunch. Cadets were then sorted into their respective flights and loaded back into the vans to study their Student Handbooks for the remainder of the trip. Encampment had officially started! 

Upon arriving at Camp Ripley, dinner was served and was immediately followed by the always anticipated In-Processing. Each cadet received a commemorative t-shirt, had their ID's checked and their luggage was inspected for "contraband," such as weapons, food, electronics, etc. Medical personnel also logged in medications. Finally, everyone picked up their bedding and headed off to the barracks. Lights were out at 2200 (10 PM) because reville would come quickly at 0530 (5:30 AM)! 

C/2d Lt Hannah Wiesneski and C/2d Lt Daniel Haffner said it best, "We want our cadets to transform from individuals to a team, understanding that nothing in Civil Air Patrol is done without teamwork."

To read more about WIWG Encampment and to view and/or print photos, visit the WIWG Encampment website.  http://www.wiwgcap.org/encampment/

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