What to pack for I day and send in care packages

It seems to me that some parents celebrated belated birthdays during Parents Weekend so they could enjoy the event as well. There are bakeries in town that will contract to send CARE packages on a regular basis or on phone order. When sending gedunk (food, especially sweets), it is wise to provide enough for the roomies, and an extra quantities for the detailers. That probably means something on the size of a semi-trailer would be appropriate, but it does pay to plan ahead on "sharing" (upperclass have a very persuasive manner about them). The local Parents' Club identified the shoebox sized plastic box as a good size for fitting in a midshipman's locker and good at keeping some of the unofficial inhabitants (insects and rodents) of Mother B from getting into food. I still say that the clubs are among the best and most authoritative sources of ways to support your mid, and yourself (parent). They've been there recently with their mids, some of whom will be 2016's detailers, they have a special access to the administration, and they are very long on empathy for plebes and plebe parents. At least give it an honest try.
 
My S told me to stop sending packages. He either had or could get everything he needed, both for cleaning supplies and goodies. It was way too much trouble for him to retrieve the packages.

I would print a family-oriented photo in 4X6 size on a regular sheet 8 1/2X11 sheet of paper and write my letter around the photo. He seemed to like that.
 
I think USNR1315 already posted this address but thought I'd make sure.

www.USNA-parents.org/resources/index.htm.

Lots of great info about care packages, plus other links to more resources. It's pretty old info (they list George Bush as pres. :shake: ). One of the important things they mention is to send the first care package in a plastic, shoe-box size container with a lid because there are mice in the quarters. They also suggest sending some mouse traps. There is also a Facebook page for USNA parents, probably more than one. The one I'm on is USNA MID MOMS!!! (and DADS!). But I believe it's a "Parents Only" site, and the moderator has to approve you.
 
Okay...so this is a somewhat noobish question..but I want my mom to send me my favorite perfume. Do you think my detailers would take it away? After all, its just hygiene:shake:
 
howacupcake...I would have to recommend no make up, nail polish, or perfume. All of those things will just make you stand out and bring a lot of negative attention your way.
 
Letters and cards are best. Send pictures. DS rarely said he "needed" anything. Definitely send the first couple of packages in plastic shoe box size containers. The mice in Bancroft are notorious for finding their way into homemade, "sent with love", goodies. During Plebe Summer it would seem that Bancroft is a mouse tourist destination because of the abundance of well intentioned surplus. Mousecapades are a fun topic during PPW and later visits. Plebes don't seem to have enough time to consume what they are sent and most happily share the bounty with roomies, company mates and detailers(?). They also do not have a lot of storage space that is exempt from inspection requirements. Check the lists on the parent club sites as they are composed with the benefit of experience. Cliff Bars, PowerBars, and trail mix seemed to be favorites. I wrote DS every single day of Plebe Summer and in the margins would write bible verses, motivational and humorous quotes. MidMom sent cards regularly and we used some fill in the blank format letters to help him respond in the very limited time available to write home.

Save the perfume/cologne for delivery during or after PPW. If MidMom and MidDad or others are coming to visit they can bring it. If not it might be in the MidStore, they seem to have everything!

After first phone call and letters DS could tell us more about what was allowed and what was nice to get. In reality he seemed more anxious to get the letters and cards, especially from "other than Mom and Dad". Reality check is encouraged for those who write, plebes have very limited time to respond, so don't expect a flood of mail in return.

Encouragement, humor, motivation and more humor are the order of the day when writing. After Plebe Summer they will be able to e-mail and text so the level of communication and speed of response increases for a while. Then the Academic year gets into full swing and they get VERY busy. Communication will often be short and hurried. Be flexible. Semper Gumby!
 
Agree that the best care packages were healthy and energizing snacks such as power bars and trail mix and in a shoe-box size re-sealable plastic container. At first we sent a wide mix of different types of snacks in two containers and then after the first phone call or letter narrowed it down to just several things he liked. My wife had the idea to set up a table at son's high school graduation party with a crazy assortment of postcards for people to write messages on and then sent a postcard just about everyday during Plebe Summer.
 
Cell Phones

Just having conversation with DS about cell phones. Do the plebes use there own cell phone to call home or a land line at the Academy?
 
Typically their own cell phones. Phones are collected on I-Day - it is recommended that phone, charger and battery be labeled with name and placed in a zip lock bag. They are given their phones for several short periods of time to make calls - the first being about two weeks into Plebe Summer if I remember correctly.
 
honor66 - The cell phones are collected on I-day. They get them back at three points during Plebe Summer(usually Sundays). These are designated dates that they are allowed to call home. Time is limited to 30 minutes or less as I recall. DS called us and his brothers splitting the time. Good time to encourage, motivate and inject a little humor into their day.
 
The last call is not on a Sunday, but midweek. The call schedule is made known to the parents (either through a letter or it is posted on the website), so that you won't miss a call. As far as our plebe was concerned, the posted times for the calls were very accurate, although I don't know if that was the case for everyone else. We usually put him on speaker phone because there were five people who wanted to talk to him :smile:
 
2016 Plebe Summer Info

engineer said:
The last call is not on a Sunday, but midweek. The call schedule is made known to the parents (either through a letter or it is posted on the website), so that you won't miss a call. As far as our plebe was concerned, the posted times for the calls were very accurate, although I don't know if that was the case for everyone else. We usually put him on speaker phone because there were five people who wanted to talk to him :smile:
Click to expand...

The following page has some info for the class of 2016's Plebe Summer. The calling home schedule is from last year but it gives you a good idea of the time reference. Looks as if the plebes get to call home about every 2 weeks. See you all on Haircut Day.
Cheers Everyone...

http://usna.edu/PlebeSummer/info.htm
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top