NCSA application instructions

Applications for summer 2009 NCSAs will be accepted from 1 December 2008 to 11:59:59 pm Central Time 15 January 2009.

Visit the websites for Hawk Mountain Search and Rescue School, Aviation Challenge, Space Camp, and EAA Air Academy for information about those programs.  NHQ does not manage these activities

NESA uses a separate registration process.   Please use their website to contact members of the NESA staff.

To apply for activities managed by HQ CAP you must be able to log into “e-Services” to access and complete the on-line Special Activities application.  This means you must have a CAPID and a password.  Do not wait until the last minute to establish a password and confirm that you can log into “e-Services”.  

Check your personal contact information: The computer process takes member data and puts it in the forms where appropriate so it's important that your data is accurate.  Pay special attention to your emergency contact information.  The process will not work if that information is not provided.

Locate the Special Activities Application:  Go to E-Services and click the “NCSA Main Menu” link on the left hand side of the screen.  As you follow the instructions for entering your request, you will also get to check (and correct if necessary) your address, contact information, and personal characteristics that National Headquarters (NHQ) has on file.
Note:  You need Explorer 6.0 and Adobe 6.0 to complete the application.  Both are available as downloads from the e-Services web page.

When you have completed the application, you will be asked to perform several functions. 

First, electronically submit your application to NHQ on-line through E-Services.  (When you have completed, reviewed and printed your CAP form 31, it will automatically be transmitted to NHQ electronically) 

Second, sign the “Release Agreement” and have your parent or guardian (if applicable) sign the “Release by Parent or Guardian” block (page 4 of the application).

New Third,Activity Directors will contact the members who are slotted for an NCSA.  Mail the signed “Release Agreement/Release by Parent or Guardian” to the activity director at the address provided.  If you are slotted to attend more than one activity, you will need to send a copy of the release to each event.

SENIOR MEMBER APPLICATIONS

Most NCSAs allow senior members to apply as escorts/staff and a few allow for full senior member participation.  Senior members applying for any of the NCSAs must follow the same procedures as the cadets and use the online Special Activities Application.  Instead of selecting the participant event, select the Staff Applications event.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

For cadets applying for more than one NCSA please clearly indicate your desired preferences, in order, on the second page of the application.  Note:  Because of supplementary procedures used for International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE),  list IACE last on your preference list.

Late applications (those received after 15 January) will be accepted if they have been reviewed and approved by the Squadron and Wing.  However, they will not be forwarded to the activity director until all those who applied on time have had an opportunity to be slotted and to respond for payment and confirmation of attendance.

Encampment Requirement:  You must have encampment credit when you apply for an NCSA. 

Age Requirement: If an activity has an age requirement it must be met before the activity starts!   
  
Computer Access:  If you do not have access to a computer, please notify someone in your squadron as soon as possible so arrangements can be made to gain access for you.

Timelines for all activities except Cadet Leadership Academy, Hawk Mountain, NESA, and IACE:

Applications must be completed on-line not later than 11:59:59 pm Central Time 15 January 2009. 

The review process by the Squadrons and Wings occurs between 15 January and 15 February 2009.  Results are due from the Wing to NHQ not later than 11:59:59 pm Central Time 15 February.  Please see NESA, CLA and IACE for their dates.

Activity slots will be announced the first week of March, 2009.

Members slotted for activities will have until 15 April to pay for their slot and confirm their participation.

Slots that are not paid for by 15 April will be offered to Alternates that have applied.

UNDERSTANDING THE SLOTTING PROCESS

Members will be notified in writing at the email addresses provided in eservices during the first week in March 2009.  Additionally, you can view your activity status by logging on to e-Services and clicking the “Check My Status” link found in the “NCSA Main Menu” area.

Anyone slotted on the participant list for an event will have until 15 April 2009 to submit their payment in full to NHQ for all NCSAs except NESA. (The Academy Director and Project Officer coordinate all fees and slots for NESA; fees will be collected when tentatively accepted online). Applicants whose payments have not been received by 15 April will become alternates and their slots will be offered to applicants on the alternate list.  See CLA, NESA, Space Camp, and Aviation Challenge for their payment details.

DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

In some cases activity dates must be set 10 to 12 months in advance.  It is not unusual for an activity date to change by one or two days.  Updates will be published continuously on the Cadet Programs web page, gocivilairpatrol.com/ncsa.  Activity Directors will also notify selectees of date changes as they occur.