Parents Weekend Cost

Mikemom

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2010
Messages
17
Regarding the Badge and meals purchase, if you have a child 15 and under on one page, the child is free. On the payment page, under 15 is free. Which is correct?
 
PW- Bundles are confusing...

Found it...WOW, that's confusing are the Family Bundle tickets $150 for 3 people, or per person for 3 events... :confused::confused::confused:
 
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Confused.....

Here is who is attending... Me, DH, Inlaws (both over 65) and my three kids (all under 15)

We plan on doing both days...

Do need 2 (two) "Bundle Family 2 day badge" tickets? one for me and one for DH... and then add 5 (five) "over 65 under 15 free 2 day badge"?
 
It is very confusing, as you do not know if it is truly a Family Bundle and the $150 is for the family, or if the family bundle means $150 per person....:confused:
 
It appears that the cost is $150.00 per person. It covers the cost of meals and getting your badge I guess. There is an area that you let them know that you have a child either 15 and Under or an Adult 65 or older (They do not have to pay). . . . . OR. . . . .Child Under 15 or an Adult 65 or older (They do not have to pay) coming with a paid Adult.
 
I have sent an email to Mrs. Fuschetto asking for clarification on the badges. I have also asked her to join our little party here if she so desires to help with these kind of questions. I will let you know when I get a response.
 
where can i buy tix and who normally attends

Hello, I would like to buy badges just point me in the right direction. I live about an hour away from academy so I will be taking my DS home after the football game after the liberty is announced. In your opinion should I bring more than immediate family,me ,hubby, sis ans bro, since the rest of the family will see him on Sunday it may not be neccesary...:rolleyes:
 
I would bring anyone who is close to your DS / DD. It will give them an idea of what their loved one will be doing for the next four years. There are a thousand things they will see and understand that you and your DS / DD will not be able to explain To other family members if they don't see it for themselves. It is quite impressive to see the parade of midshipmen enter the stadium. The swearing in ceremony was very memorable. It is traditional for the mother to pin on the insignia. I still tear up just thinking of it. The Beat Retreat is amazing considering the amount of time they have had to put it together. It is the only time other than graduation when everyone can really get a feel for the place. One unexpected pleasure is the sense of hope for the future of our country I got from seeing and interacting with the regiment. I must have been greeted at least 100 times "Good morning ma'am. Good afternoon ma'am. How are you today ma'am?". It is definitely worth it for anyone who might be interested.
 
Thank you so much Flight Surgeon. Clarification is very much needed.
 
Response from USMMA Parent Association Chair

Parents,

Below you will find a response from Mary Jane Fuschetto to an email I sent her asking about Parent's Weekend. She was very gracious in her response and I ask you to please read it in its entirety.

A note from me based on what I have learned:
1)Please support your Parent's Association as much as family finances allow. Your support will help future events. If you can afford it, I would suggest you go ahead and purchase a ticket for your under 15/over 65 family. If you don't want to do that maybe ask if you can make a donation in an amount you feel comfortable.


Most USMMA parents are not aware that the Academy and the Maritime Administration provides ABSOLUTELY NO FUNDING FOR PARENTS WEEKEND! Last year we became aware of this new MARAD decision only 8 weeks before the scheduled Parents Weekend. In those 8 weeks, we had to completely create a fully-funded Parents Weekend and Acceptance Day Ceremonies, with absolutely no budget. We managed to pull it off, but the weekend had long lines, extremely poor food service and even a lack of food at times. Coupled with rain and a shortage of tent areas for food and sales booths, it left much room for improvement.

This year, we had our systems in place, which included opening bank accounts, choosing a national treasurer and volunteer executive advisory board, filing for 501C3 status and having more time to organize Parents Weekend. We needed to completely create an entirely new financial structure to provide this event! Parents need to know that their National Parents Association has to pay for all the tents, tables, chairs, food set-ups and food services, Beat Retreat, all programs, lighting and sound for the Beat Retreat, and we are charged for every single item, including each napkin, cup of coffee and every doughnut provided each morning. The Academy provides nothing but the campus on which to hold the event. So the National Parents Association now has to provide all those services like tents, chairs and table,etc., even if only 10 parents show up! Additionally, we do not have the available manpower to offer the "smorgasbord" of ticket seletions that the Academy used to offer. Knowing that, we had to arrive at the decision to provide a full day pass to all events or a discounted two day pass. Additionally, based on complaints from last year, we decided to improve food services by using Melville as our food supplier instead of NANA services that supplied such poor quality food service last year. Using Melville allows us indoor air-conditioned seating, indoor registration, faster food service and better food choices, as well as larger tents outside for sales tables and seating out of any possible rain.
We have carefully reviewed the total of the "smorgasbord" prices from previous years and we are close to previous charges for past weekends, except that food services at Melville are slightly higher. Knowing the tight economic situation across the country, we have done everything in our power to keep costs down and provide needed services. Trust me--- at $150 for a two day pass, with New York supplier costs, no one is making any money on Parents Weekend and Acceptance Day! And if we could give this event planning and expense back to the Academy, we would be delighted to do so! Unfortunately, under the new MARAD laws, that would mean that there would be no Parents Weekend at all.

I also asked her some specific questions in regards to the "badges" on the site.

1. Can you get on campus without a badge?
You can get on campus without a badge.

2. What does the badge get you?
Depending on whether you get a single or two day pass, you get all meals, morning coffee and doughnuts, Beat Retreat tickets, tent access, access to the sales booths, shade to sit in and a tent to get under in case of rain, chairs and tables to sit at, and the hospitality spaces.

3. Do you need a badge to go to the parade or visit classes?
You will not need a badge to view the parade or go to class with your mid.

4. Is the badge really only for meals and hospitality tent?
It provides meals, tents for shade or to get out of the rain, tables and chairs for seating, Beat Retreat tickets, sales area access, and also the "goodies" handed out with the registration packet (mugs, pens, canvas bags, etc.

And a final note:
I know money is tight. However, if a great number of USMMA Parents show up without purchasing the registration packet, that will mean their National Association will still have to cover the entire cost of the weekend without their funding coming in. If enough money is not generated to provide the services for NEXT year's Parents Weekend and Acceptance Day, that will probably mean that next year there will be no Parents Weekend. There will simply be an Acceptance Day Parade and nothing else. We think most parents would hate to see that happen. So we are trying to provide the best services, at a resonable price so that Parents Weekend can continue, even without any funding from MARAD or the Academy.
 
Parents! You must attend this Acceptance Weekend! Even if you have to consider omitting Christmas gifts to your spouses, go. It is so worth it. I too remember thinking how our country was going to continue being in great shape and in great hands in the future knowing these and other academy and military men and women were training to be our leaders. You are supporting your ds/dd by being there. They deserve it. And their education is close to being free.:thumb:
 
I thought Parents Weekend last year was great rain and all. I did not realize the challenges. I know that money is tight these days, but keep in mind what the expenses would be if your DS/DD did not attend an Academy. Parents weekend is the cost of one text book. With this thought in mind please support your Parents Association and the Alumni Associations they do alot to help support our kids.
 
Thank you so very much for the clarification as to the under 15 and the $150.00 per person 2 Day Pass Family Bundle question posed by another poster. She probably needed to know if the $150.00 covered her and her spouse or if it was $150.00 for each of them.

I believe that most people just needed to have clarification on how to pay without over paying (most of all I'm sure). As has been stated several times, we all understand that times are hard financially for a lot of people. There is also the fact that if their child is 15 years of age and another $150.00 is need for them, honor, respect and personal responsibility dictates that it is taken care of as well.

I know that a lot of hard work and long hours have been put into getting this fantastic weekend together for parents and their families by some very graciously hard working wonderful people/volunteers (without pay) for all of us to enjoy. Without their dedication to making this happen, there would not be a Parents Weekend (at least not like the one we will be experiencing). My family for one, and I'm sure there are more, would like to say a very heart felt THANK YOU for all that they have done. :groupwave:
 
This is something that you can not miss!

I remember last year debating whether to do the Beat Retreat and a few other things. I can't tell you what an experience this weekend will be for you and your family. It is one you will always reflect back on. Inspite of ALL the rain last year (and other 2013 parents will tell you there was alot of rain) I would do it all over again, every bit of it. Wish I could have pinned my sons insignia on him but I knew that was to be expected from him.

When you see these plebes marching out for the swearing in, you can't help but feel so much pride for every single one of them!! You will scour every single face searching for yours and when you find them your heart will skip a beat. Its like others have said, you can tell people what they go thru but until they actually see what goes on, they have no idea!!!

Parents don't cheat yourselves out this experience of a lifetime!!
 
Further clarification on the 15 and under Free Badge. Fifteen year olds are free. It is clearly stated on the purchase badge front page if you take the time to properly read it (I did not at first). I have pasted the page from the USMMA National Parents Association and put in bold lettering where it states that fact. Sorry for the confusion on that fact.

USMMA National Parents Association, Inc.
USMMA National Parents Association, Inc.
Parents Weekend 2010, Sept. 3-6, 2010
Main Navigation

* Nat'l Parents Site Home
* Store Home
* REGISTRATION (REQUIRED)
* Shopping Cart

Categories

* BADGES THAT REQUIRE FREE SENIOR (65+) OR JUNIOR (15-) BADGE
* INDIVIDUAL BADGE PURCHASES

*

Before you purchase badges, please click HERE for the registration page and fill out all information requested. After submitting registration you will be brought back here. Please follow directions below to purchase required badges. Thanks!

***If you wish your Midshipman/Plebe to eat lunch with you on Saturday in Melville Officer's Club you must purchase a separate ticket for him/her. Appropriate uniform is required for Midshipmen/Plebe's to dine in Melville Hall.



Please select which badge(s) you wish to purchase. Entry to Parent Weekend Events will require a badge. There is no charge for 65 and older or 15 and under with a paid adult.

Each paid adult will receive a keepsake gift.

Note there are two seatings for the lunch buffet on Saturday. If you have a student in any of the sports teams that are playing Saturday, please make sure to indicate on the registration form so we can assign you to the early lunch function.

DIRECTIONS:

For information about each badge, click on the name and information will be displayed.

1. If you are purchasing badges and require a free badge for seniors (65+) or juniors (15-) click on the family bundle and purchase the appropriate number of badges for the days you require. Each adult member of the family MUST purchase a badge. The Family Bundle is to be used if you have a senior (65+) or junior (15-) accompanying you to parents weekend.

2. If you are purchasing badges and will not have seniors (65+) or juniors (15-) with you then click on the Individual Badges. Each adult member MUST purchase a badge.

PLEASE ADD THE NAME OF THE SENIOR OR JUNIOR IN THE SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS.

BADGES AND GIFTS MAY BE PICKED UP AT MELVILLE HALL FRIDAY 3 SEPTEMBER, 2010 BETWEEN 0800 AND 1100

Badges not picked up by 1100 on Friday 3 Sept., will be available at the MOD (Midshipman of the Day) located on the main deck of 4th Company.


*
EACH BADGE IS PRICED PER PERSON -- USE THIS CATEGORY IF YOU REQUIRE A SENIOR OR JUNIOR BADGE WITH YOUR INDIVIDUAL BADGE PURCHASE
BADGES THAT REQUIRE FREE SENIOR (65+) OR JUNIOR (15-) BADGE (3)
*
USE THIS IF YOU DO NOT NEED TO PURCHASE A FREE 65+ OR 15- BADGE WITH YOUR INDIVIDUAL PURCHASE
INDIVIDUAL BADGE PURCHASES (3)



2 DAY BADGE per person Midshipman/Plebe Sat. Lunch Buffet 2 DAY Badge-BUY if you have 65+/15- attending

$150.00


$25.00


$150.00



FRIDAY ONLY BADGE w/free senior or junior badge Saturday only BUY if you have 65+/15- attending Friday Only Badge

$95.00


$70.00


$95.00



Saturday Only Badge

$70.00


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All your posts are so helpful!

Thank you to all of you who post here and to those who are working tirelessly to get everything ready for Parent's Weekend. We are so excited about coming to it. I do hope that people understand that the badge prices are more than reasonable for all that you will receive and for all that your DS/DD is getting these next years with very little cost to us parents. Our DS went to a local jr. college for just a semester this past year and the books for only 2 classes were more than $200. I think the confusion here has come from just not being clear about what is included and how to purchase them for multiiple people. I went to the site this am and it is much more clear now as to how to purchase badges, meals, etc. Thanks for clarifying things.
 
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