Parents Day after BCT? When to make reservations?

[MilitaryParent]

I'm trying to figure out when to make hotel reservations for USAFA when my son finishes Basic Training with the class of 2021. Is that same as Parents Day? Is there some sort of BCT graduation parade like they have at The USMA for entering cadets? BCT looks like it ends on August 4th, but the parents day isn't till September 1st, 2017

We want to make sure we're there when we can, and should be.

Thanks!

 

[BTCS/USN]

They have "A" day or acceptance day and a couple weeks later parents weekend. A day you get to spend a few hours with your cadet and on parents weekend a lot more time. If you can afford both trips then by all means attend but if not, then parents weekend is the one you're going to want to go to. As for reservations, make them early. You can always cancel, usually without penalty if early enough.

 

[Rodion]

They have "A" day or acceptance day and a couple weeks later parents weekend. A day you get to spend a few hours with your cadet and on parents weekend a lot more time. If you can afford both trips then by all means attend but if not, then parents weekend is the one you're going to want to go to. As for reservations, make them early. You can always cancel, usually without penalty if early enough.

Thanks for the reply. How would I find out when acceptance day is? I can't find it on the calendar they have on the USAFA website. Is it when BCT ends?

Thanks!

 

[BTCS/USN]

Your cadet will be able to tell you in plenty of time. There will be a schedule that comes out long before the journey begins [emoji23]

 

[BTCS/USN]

Thanks for the reply. How would I find out when acceptance day is? I can't find it on the calendar they have on the USAFA website. Is it when BCT ends?

Thanks!

Probably not firmed up yet Rodion. Relax and enjoy the ride. [emoji2]

 

[KTMDad]

I am fairly sure Acceptance Day (A-Day) will be Tuesday, August 8th. If you look back in time, it has always been the Tuesday after the end of BCT and after the Cadet Wing returns from summer activities (training/break/summer classes/etc.). As far as Parents Weekend, it is always Labor Day weekend (beginning with activities on Friday that you will want to attend). Your Cadet will be able to leave on Saturday after the football game, so some families will spend Thursday/Friday night in the Colorado Springs area and Saturday/Sunday night away from the Springs (must be within 150 miles of USAFA I think), while others will spend the entire time in Colorado Springs.

 

[1mom]

Check www.usafa.af.mil/Leadership/CadetDevelopment/ParentsClub.aspx
The 2017-18 Calendar is there. I believe A-Day will be on Aug. 8th (Tues after BCT ends). Lots of info on that site.

 

[Badge250]

I'm trying to figure out when to make hotel reservations for USAFA when my son finishes Basic Training with the class of 2021. Is that same as Parents Day? Is there some sort of BCT graduation parade like they have at The USMA for entering cadets? BCT looks like it ends on August 4th, but the parents day isn't till September 1st, 2017

We want to make sure we're there when we can, and should be.

Thanks!

A-Day: Typically the Tuesday after BCT ends. Good info from reliable sources on the date for it above. There is a parade that morning you can attend. After the parade, you will be able to go onto the parade field to meet up with your cadet. At that point, your cadet will receive their shoulder boards from one of the upper class cadets. We were on the parade field and saw our DS receive his (it was pretty awesome). After they get their shoulder boards, they are released to spend time with you on campus. They cannot leave campus and they get to spend 2-3 hours or so with you. Come prepared; bring food with you and also enough to feed other cadets that may not have families there on A-Day. We went to Chik-fil-A that morning and loaded up on sandwiches and drinks for A-Day. It was a great experience but very short. If you can go, I suggest going. But if you must choose one or the other, go to Parents Weekend (way more time to spend with you cadet).

Parents' Weekend: We normally get reservations starting with Thursday night. There is a parade Friday morning you can attend. After that, your cadet will be able to spend the day with you but will have to stay at campus that night. They will be able to go with you after the football game on Saturday and spend Saturday and Sunday night with you. They normally have to be back to campus by 7 pm or so on Monday evening (Labor Day). Always a great time! A lot more time with DS/DD compared to A-Day.

Just thought I would give you a micro run down of the two events. Hope that helps. As far as reservations, make them asap for parents weekend, especially. A-Day will not be as crowded as Parents' Weekend (with all 4 class year families in town!)

 

[fencersmother]

For Parents Weekend, which I cannot recommend strongly enough, make your reservations soon, as places fill up fast.

We went to every PW but did not go to A-Day, so don't sweat it if you live on the opposite side of the country. It's a picnic lunch, a phone call, and a couple hours' visit. Parents Weekend - Most excellent!

 

[Daretodream]

A Day can change so don't book anything yet. It is not as crowded so getting reservations is much easier. It is a wonderful opportunity to see your DS/DD get their shoulder boards and become a member of the Cadet Wing. I would advise being cautious on the food. We also bought a ton of food based on recommendations from prior parents, but our DS' squad held the ceremony indoors and had lunch provided for the parents and cadets. It was my first lesson that at the Academy things vary widely by squadron.

Parents Weekend involves all classes so booking early is your best option. We booked a room close to the Academy for Thursday and Friday. Our Cadet stayed with us on Friday night. There are wonderful tours and things to do for the entire family on campus. The Cadets have to report early for the football game on Saturday so we stayed over on Saturday as well because our DS wanted to show us Jack's Valley which was open on Sunday for tours. We then left and went a couple of hours to the mountains for a night away from the Springs. We went rafting on Monday morning and then headed back to USAFA. It was what our DS wanted to do that weekend. You will see plenty of advice, but just go with what works best for your family and cadet.