Camp Kickoff

Summer Encampment 2025 begins at Camp San Luis Obispo

by Capt. James Colbert
California Cadet Corps Public Affairs

June 20, 2025

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- The California Cadet Corps kicked off its 2025 Summer Encampment this week, welcoming over 650 cadets from across the state for 10 days of intensive training, leadership development, and team-building.

“I look forward to seeing cadets throughout the encampment, from the Grizzly 1 rank (an elementary school cadet) all the way to the cadet colonels who lead at the highest levels,” said CACC Col. Michael Smith, commander of the California Cadet Corps. “I am particularly excited to see our new training programs in the Grizzly Adventure Unit, SCUBA training unit, and firefighter training unit, and to witness those cadets being the first to receive their respective qualification badges on June 28, 2025.”

Cadet Col. Mackenzie Zablocki, the Corps’ highest-ranking cadet, is leading this year’s encampment. As a rising senior at The Charter School of San Diego, Zablocki and her cadet staff played a leading role in organizing the event alongside the adult headquarters staff.

Cadets from across California arrive at Camp San Luis Obispo for the 2025 Summer Encampment, stepping off buses and beginning in-processing for ten days of hands-on leadership training and personal growth. (California Cadet Corps photo by Capt. Zak Lara)

Cadets from across California arrive at Camp San Luis Obispo for the 2025 Summer Encampment, stepping off buses and beginning in-processing for ten days of hands-on leadership training and personal growth. (California Cadet Corps photo by Capt. Zak Lara)

“The greatest challenge we faced as a command in the planning process is the huge number of cadets attending this year’s encampment. Our cadet staff worked closely with the adult headquarters staff in problem-solving and brainstorming ways to make this giant camp a giant success,” Zablocki said.

During the 10-day encampment, cadets have the opportunity to train in various disciplines designed to strengthen their character, confidence, and leadership abilities, such as mountaineering, drone operations, and firefighting. They can also participate in subject-specific courses aimed at preparing them for leadership roles at state-level events and within their home units, including Leadership and Drill Instructor courses, as well as Officer and Noncommissioned Officer Academies.

Zablocki emphasized “Most of all, I want these cadets to have fun and build relationships across the program."

A cadet from Leadership Encampment’s 1st Battalion stands at parade rest during evening formation as unit leaders deliver the night’s instructions.

A cadet from Leadership Encampment’s 1st Battalion stands at parade rest during evening formation as unit leaders deliver the night’s instructions.

The California Cadet Corps serves nearly 7,500 students across the state, with cadets ranging from 4th grade to high school. Elementary-aged cadets participate in the Grizzly program. Among them is 12-year-old Cadet Michael Egan of the 5th Brigade, 405th Battalion at Coarsegold Elementary School.

Egan, attending his first encampment, expressed that he has enjoyed the meals and feels well prepared for the cool evenings. “I was really excited to come,” he said.

Cadets sleep in individual tents organized by unit and separated by gender, with adult supervision provided throughout the camp.

CACC Col. Smith, a former cadet himself, reflected on how encampment shaped his own journey.

“I found out that I was capable of doing hard things,” Smith said. “For 14-year-old me, it was transformative.”

Summer Encampment challenges cadets—but it also empowers them to lead.