"Some tips on how to write a schedule: I have found that it is easiest to come up with a block schedule- a rough outline of when major activities will happen, and also coming up with the general daily schedule (reville, retreat, meals, formations) coordinating with the Commandant. This should be done a month or two before the encampment, in conjunction with coordinating with base personnel for tours, demonstrations, etc., so they can plan their calendars. I stumbled upon a great idea for timing- if you have the opportunity for a confidence-building activity, such as an obstacle course, "Project X", or rappelling, try to schedule it on the last or second to last full day at the encampment. The cadets are at a point where their confidence in themselves and their team is building up, and an activity like that will put that confidence into action.
"After the general schedule outline is made, work on the details for each specific flight. I have found (and others as well) that smaller classes (in size and length) are more effective and less boring for the cadets than large, group lectures. Sometimes, for convienience, or when guest instructors are involved, large classes are the best option.
"Some important tips about times: Account for travel time between classes and to and from off-site activities (tours, meals, etc.), and print it directly into the schedule. Assuming that people "know" there is 15 minutes between classes is just that- an assumption. If communications staff needs to find a flight, they need to know if the flight is in a class or in transit. With large staffs in particular, it is more critical this be done. Also, the Air Force has set a precedent (in old ATC manuals) that 45 minutes of actual classroom lecture time counts as one hour, so a 1-hour block of classroom instruction can have 15 minutes of transition time built in. But, understand that 40 minutes of classroom instruction does not count as one hour- maintain your integrity about accurately reporting this. And don't ask the flight staff to "review the material" because it won't happen for every flight.
"Finally, don't forget to set up the classrooms ahead of time, and call the guest instructor the day before to remind them that they are scheduled with CAP."
Capt. Andrew Welsh, CAP
1999 New York Wing Encampment
Training Officer