CGA didn't have Mock R-Day, but we did have R-Day.
Reporting-In Day is, probably up there in the top 10 worst experiences of my life, but I would consider myself lucky.
R-Day is designed to shock you, as a newly reported cadet-candidate. You will be yelled at, and you will be well outside of your comfort zone, however R-Day was not even close to the worst day of that summer for me, no where near it. It will be tough for parents, especially when you realize you will have very little time to see them before they are gone, after taking the oath. If you have a son, his head will be shaved, and he will look pitiful. Do NOT go get a shave before you get there; you'll just ask to be a lightning rod after you do that. Also, DO NOT shave your platoon into your head. My best friend did that, and it was not good for him to walk around with "X-Ray 3" on his head. Of course, his brother had thrown him under the bus after suggesting that move, he should have known better, his brother was two years ahead of him.
Swab Summer was rough, but having been on both sides of the yelling, I can say it is easier as a Swab than it is a the Cadre. Doing what you're told is not terribly hard, even if you mess that up.
As a Cadre, right before we took control of the batt. from the first make, people were sick to their stomachs. It is an awesome responsibility to train newly reported swabs, kids right out of high school. The gravity of the situation really hits you right before you march out on that field, exchange salutes with the off going make and begin the training.
That should be comforting as a parent, the Cadre take their jobs very seriously. They are not out to kill your kids, they are not out to make them cry (although this will happen from time to time). They are there to train them, and at some time they will all be serving in the same service (for those who make it).
I would love to see Mock R-Day though, when is it? Do you have to sign up? Can you watch or do you have to participate.