AIM Dropoff

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Bonanza501

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May 5, 2019
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Parents who dropped off at AIM yesterday—what advice do you have for us whose kids are going next week? What did the procedure look like?
 
Make sure to bring copies of paperwork as listed in AIM emails. I recommend large backpacks rather than rolling suitcase to make it easier to navigate stairs.

If you get to Academy early enough, you will have time to grab a snack after your child completes check in and has negative COVID test.

While they check in, stay downstairs. You're not needed. It's very orderly and your child needs to be able to figure things out without you hovering. 😉

Someone on another thread mentioned extra towels. I bought Turkish cotton towels. These are like big dish cloths and they dry faster. It is very humid and things don't dry quickly, even overnight.

It's an exciting atmosphere.
 
Bonanza501 said:
Parents who dropped off at AIM yesterday—what advice do you have for us whose kids are going next week? What did the procedure look like?
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Be mentally prepared for the fact that your kid will “disappear” from your life for a week. Ever since my DS was dropped off on Sunday, I haven’t heard a thing from him. This is very different than the West Point SLE (virtual) and the Boys State (also busy but he managed to send a couple of msg to mom). Now he hasn’t checked any emails, not even logged into ins since Sunday, a clear sign how packed their days are at the CGA.
 
Just an FYI, Paul Duddy ("pduddy pics" on Facebook) is on campus almost every day and will take photos of any one who is around. He often posts hundreds of photos each day to his page or the USCGA Parents Page. He has posted quite a few photos of the AIMsters at USCGA right now. I didn't know to look for his photos when my daughter was at AIM 2 years ago, but we searched for her every day during SWAB summer and then throughout the year.
 
ProudMom7 said:
Just an FYI, Paul Duddy ("pduddy pics" on Facebook) is on campus almost every day and will take photos of any one who is around. He often posts hundreds of photos each day to his page or the USCGA Parents Page. He has posted quite a few photos of the AIMsters at USCGA right now. I didn't know to look for his photos when my daughter was at AIM 2 years ago, but we searched for her every day during SWAB summer and then throughout the year.
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Each moment not recorded, is sadly another moment lost to history, and oblivion. If he really does do these posts, props to him.
 
jerrysdad said:
Be mentally prepared for the fact that your kid will “disappear” from your life for a week. Ever since my DS was dropped off on Sunday, I haven’t heard a thing from him. This is very different than the West Point SLE (virtual) and the Boys State (also busy but he managed to send a couple of msg to mom). Now he hasn’t checked any emails, not even logged into ins since Sunday, a clear sign how packed their days are at the CGA.
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Your DS also does not have his cell phone or any other electronic device on him right now, as they are collected and stored by the cadre until the end of AIM. The busy schedule is designed to be immersive, just like swab summer, without any distractions from outside of the AIM program. Of course, you as a parent can contact USCGA directly if there was a need to get in touch with your DS, but he probably doesn't even miss having those devices on him right now.

SpectacularDiver24 said:
Each moment not recorded, is sadly another moment lost to history, and oblivion. If he really does do these posts, props to him.
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Mr. Duddy does it as a volunteer, he is not paid to provide those moments. He does it because he attended USCGA and loves everything it stands for. However, I don't necessarily agree with your comment regarding moments being lost to oblivion. Those moments are lived and experienced by those in that moment, and rarely do they forget them. Rather, those moments are told in stories and reminisced about by those who had that shared experience. It's certainly incredible that Mr. Duddy provides these snippets for loved ones and photos that help reinforce those experiences, but my most fond memories of my time at CGA (or most rewarding if we're talking about swab summer) are rarely those where a camera could have been present.
 
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ProudMom7 said:
Just an FYI, Paul Duddy ("pduddy pics" on Facebook) is on campus almost every day and will take photos of any one who is around. He often posts hundreds of photos each day to his page or the USCGA Parents Page. He has posted quite a few photos of the AIMsters at USCGA right now. I didn't know to look for his photos when my daughter was at AIM 2 years ago, but we searched for her every day during SWAB summer and then throughout the year.
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Thanks so much for sharing this. All AIMsters look great in his pictures. And, saw my DS in two pics, never saw him that attentive. What I failed, CGA has succeeded.
 
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trackandfield08 said:
Your DS also does not have his cell phone or any other electronic device on him right now, as they are collected and stored by the cadre until the end of AIM. The busy schedule is designed to be immersive, just like swab summer, without any distractions from outside of the AIM program. Of course, you as a parent can contact USCGA directly if there was a need to get in touch with your DS, but he probably doesn't even miss having those devices on him right now.
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It does seem to be a total immersion, very cool!

The USMA FFR called and would like to schedule an interview. There will be a conflict with a pro to semi-pro level sports game DS had planned to play. I have chosen the interview as he can still play the next round in August. I wanted him to know this so he won’t blame me lol.

trackandfield08 said:
Mr. Duddy does it as a volunteer, he is not paid to provide those moments. He does it because he attended USCGA and loves everything it stands for. However, I don't necessarily agree with your comment regarding moments being lost to oblivion. Those moments are lived and experienced by those in that moment, and rarely do they forget them. Rather, those moments are told in stories and reminisced about by those who had that shared experience. It's certainly incredible that Mr. Duddy provides these snippets for loved ones and photos that help reinforce those experiences, but my most fond memories of my time at CGA (or most rewarding if we're talking about swab summer) are rarely those where a camera could have been present.
Click to expand...
 
trackandfield08 said:
However, I don't necessarily agree with your comment regarding moments being lost to oblivion. Those moments are lived and experienced by those in that moment, and rarely do they forget them. Rather, those moments are told in stories and reminisced about by those who had that shared experience. It's certainly incredible that Mr. Duddy provides these snippets for loved ones and photos that help reinforce those experiences, but my most fond memories of my time at CGA (or most rewarding if we're talking about swab summer) are rarely those where a camera could have been present.
Click to expand...

The memories disappear after neural networks die--so cameras and digitized recordings are the next best thing of preservation (that is until symbiotic machine/brain interfaces can capture patterns, that make up life, and preserve them for centuries to come).
edit: patterns=group of assimilated neural "snaps."
 
This is our second round. Best advice is to step back and follow your child’s lead going in and coming out of AIM. The cadre and leadership are exemplary. Appreciate any pics from Mr. Duddy. He is a volunteer; and the pics are a gift. Snapshots lacking your child still reveal activities your child will experience.
 
jerrysdad said:
It does seem to be a total immersion, very cool!

The USMA FFR called and would like to schedule an interview. There will be a conflict with a pro to semi-pro level sports game DS had planned to play. I have chosen the interview as he can still play the next round in August. I wanted him to know this so he won’t blame me lol.
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Is there only one date available for the interview? Could you ask if it is possible for the interview to be moved to a different date?
 
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