For the most part non of us are having an entire summer off after we were done with high school, unless of course you are a teacher (?). But I get you, this reality hit my DD a few months before graduation. In any case, summers at the USNA are going to be more exciting, fulfilling. So it’s not that bad
Day before I-day
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I am a fan of I-Day. It's the last time you get to be the powerful Mom/Dad to your kid. You get to witness bravery in all those kids who are taking a leap into cold, dark, uncertain, and (apparently) unfriendly waters. I liked I-Day more that PPW.
Things to do: First walk around down-town Annapolis, AND DON'T BE SHY. If you see an 18-20ish yr old trailing a parent/s or just a college age guy/girl: "Are you here for I-Day?",that's all you have to say and the conversation will flow effortlessly . So many great families, and plebes-to-be; all anxious to talk about who they are, where they are from, why they are there, what they expect, what they hope for. Most seem anxious to maybe make a friend that might be needed in the immediate future. On the parent side of this, besides getting to know some great people, there's the strong possibility you will pick up a valuable tidbit or two that will help with the upcoming year. If there were ever a time to be outgoing, this is it!
My wife was "non-plused" by DD's decision to attend the USNA right up to I-Day. Those couple of days on the streets of Annapolis before I-day she got to meet our DD's ship mates and families and it turned her around totally: to bad it happened before visiting the Mid-Store. Conversation with strangers will never come easier, or be more rewarding.
Other stuff:
1) I enjoy the small museum on campus, across the street from the chapel; worth a visit.
2) Take a guided tour of campus out of the visitors center; other plebe-to-be families will be doing this too.
3) Walk campus purposefully, paying attention to details, and locations. Knowing the layout of the place gives you just a tiny bit of "power" over your situation and at some point you are going to have to find classes.
4) Same-same for walking Annapolis and finding the Whole Foods, Bed Bath Beyond, shopping center. It just reduces uncertainty and the task of finding these places when you do need to get something off the yard.
5) Strong 2nd to Capt. MJ's visit DC suggestion. Big fan of the Native American Museum. I honestly think DD visited that specific museum 10--12 times while she was at USNA. There are Lots of interesting smaller museums and galleries in and around DC too. No lines, interesting more focused looks at history and art, (just do a quick Google).
6) Back in 2015, a 2c parent suggested that we scope out a cool private spot, close to Bancroft where we could take our DD/DS when we got them back for our 1hr at the end of the day. I wasn't altogether clear on why we needed to do it, but we found a spot that seemed out of the way. When we got DD back she was composed, but clearly "holding it together". We got to our spot--and DD lost it. She had no complaints, no doubts, she wasn't scared, she didn't even know "why she was crying". It took about 5mins, she got that big chunk of emotion out, squared herself away and pushed ahead relaxed. She hadn't broken down publicly (not sure she would have let it go if she hadn't had some privacy). Looking back I'm pretty sure it was the sheer enormity of the change undertaken in that single day. Mom, Dad, Home, Sister, ....almost every aspect of her life had changed in a matter of hours, and none of it would ever be exactly the same again. That's a pretty big bite to chew off at 18. Anyway, for us the "find a cool private spot" was good advice, so I'm passing it along.
Good luck to you all!!!!!!! You've made such a great choice. I truly believe you are attending the best undergraduate institution/program in the world. When it comes to academics, leadership and ethics the USN is "eating it's own cooking" with the USNA, and it shows -----you'll see.
Things to do: First walk around down-town Annapolis, AND DON'T BE SHY. If you see an 18-20ish yr old trailing a parent/s or just a college age guy/girl: "Are you here for I-Day?",that's all you have to say and the conversation will flow effortlessly . So many great families, and plebes-to-be; all anxious to talk about who they are, where they are from, why they are there, what they expect, what they hope for. Most seem anxious to maybe make a friend that might be needed in the immediate future. On the parent side of this, besides getting to know some great people, there's the strong possibility you will pick up a valuable tidbit or two that will help with the upcoming year. If there were ever a time to be outgoing, this is it!
My wife was "non-plused" by DD's decision to attend the USNA right up to I-Day. Those couple of days on the streets of Annapolis before I-day she got to meet our DD's ship mates and families and it turned her around totally: to bad it happened before visiting the Mid-Store. Conversation with strangers will never come easier, or be more rewarding.
Other stuff:
1) I enjoy the small museum on campus, across the street from the chapel; worth a visit.
2) Take a guided tour of campus out of the visitors center; other plebe-to-be families will be doing this too.
3) Walk campus purposefully, paying attention to details, and locations. Knowing the layout of the place gives you just a tiny bit of "power" over your situation and at some point you are going to have to find classes.
4) Same-same for walking Annapolis and finding the Whole Foods, Bed Bath Beyond, shopping center. It just reduces uncertainty and the task of finding these places when you do need to get something off the yard.
5) Strong 2nd to Capt. MJ's visit DC suggestion. Big fan of the Native American Museum. I honestly think DD visited that specific museum 10--12 times while she was at USNA. There are Lots of interesting smaller museums and galleries in and around DC too. No lines, interesting more focused looks at history and art, (just do a quick Google).
6) Back in 2015, a 2c parent suggested that we scope out a cool private spot, close to Bancroft where we could take our DD/DS when we got them back for our 1hr at the end of the day. I wasn't altogether clear on why we needed to do it, but we found a spot that seemed out of the way. When we got DD back she was composed, but clearly "holding it together". We got to our spot--and DD lost it. She had no complaints, no doubts, she wasn't scared, she didn't even know "why she was crying". It took about 5mins, she got that big chunk of emotion out, squared herself away and pushed ahead relaxed. She hadn't broken down publicly (not sure she would have let it go if she hadn't had some privacy). Looking back I'm pretty sure it was the sheer enormity of the change undertaken in that single day. Mom, Dad, Home, Sister, ....almost every aspect of her life had changed in a matter of hours, and none of it would ever be exactly the same again. That's a pretty big bite to chew off at 18. Anyway, for us the "find a cool private spot" was good advice, so I'm passing it along.
Good luck to you all!!!!!!! You've made such a great choice. I truly believe you are attending the best undergraduate institution/program in the world. When it comes to academics, leadership and ethics the USN is "eating it's own cooking" with the USNA, and it shows -----you'll see.
So much wisdom here! #6 is the one that I’ve been thinking about a lot recently (I’m the parent with DS the P2B). All of these changes/transitions will happen for these 18yo at some point, but I feel that the time table is accelerated for those attending an SA - just have to buckle in and enjoy the ride!
We had been at the yard a couple of times, but I can’t picture where they are coming from after the swearing, I understand there is letters line up that day to meet by last name making things easier. #6 seems to be a great idea! should we all pick this private spot by Bancroft hall the days before I-Day and meet there or meet at our letter and then walk there. When time is up where are they doing formation. In front of Bancroft? I’m just trying to figure things in a way that’s going to be practical
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Pro-Tip: pick a spot to meet that is in the shade. Anticipate the suns location...have a towel for the new MIDN to sit on...its quite an experience for you and the MIDN!
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The 1200+ plebes are corralled in T-Court, facing the front of Bancroft and presiding officers. Spectators will be kept behind the line in front of that area. Once the plebes are released, they will head right out guests suectstirs. The alphabet signs usually line Stribling Walk.
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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I didn’t get to attend IDay as 2024 was, well 2020 sooooo. But #6 just made me cry. Great tips.
Thank you. Assuming then after time is up with family they line up back in front of Bancroft. Perfect. Thank you
They will file out towards everyone from Bancroft Hall down Stribling Walk. Meeting at the letter of our last name worked out great! There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out away from each other. Every family was focused on their own Plebe.
This is a picture of the Plebe’s marching into Bancroft Hall after their family visit following the Oath. The Plebe’s will line up on Stribling Walk in their Company. Keep in mind, if your last name starts with A and your Plebe is in Company 30, then they will line up at the end of the line probably near letter Z. DH stayed with our things while I followed DS to his Company to take more photos and keep my eyes on my baby boy as long as possible. Having a private spot in mind is a great idea…hopefully this will help you decide where to place yourselves so your Plebe can get back easily to line up…
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Thank you for the letter-company detail! We are conveniently in the middle of the alphabet lol.
2024 parent here - so the iDay experience was a bit different but still I have the same recommendation. We ate a good meal with DS's family including grandparents. It was June of 2020 so actually eating out was special in of itself! We sat at the table with the great view of the Long Island Sound, enjoyed each others conversations and quiet times. There were tears - not going to lie and sugar coat that and then the meal ended. The hugs and well wishes flowed with deep deep admiration for what DS was about to embark on. Then the quiet in the car to the airport where I said my goodbye and off he went. And then we happily chatted a few weeks later and all was good. So my reccomendation is do what feels right for you and your DS/DD but trust me there is a light at the end of the tunnel and before you know it you will have an upper classman who is that same person on iDay but smarter, stronger, more confident, and really really wise.
Thank you for this words. I hv an p2b.
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Welcome back, @coachkarl! It’s been a long minute!
Not sure if mentioned but after the Oath and march back to Mother B and those big doors slam shut.... we walked around the yard slowly, no rush to go anywhere but noticed the beautiful lightning bugs (don't have them where we're from) AND that we were feeding the mosquitoes.
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Mosquitoes get the I-Day schedule and bring the family to the buffet at day’s end.
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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I’m so excited for all of you!!! 2026 is almost at the starting line!!
