Plebe Parent Weekend arrival date?

williamsdr3

williamsdr3

Parent of USNA Mid '24
5-Year Member
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I read that Plebe Parent Weekend this year is set for August 7-9 so planning on departing August 10th but I have also read there are tours and other activities on Thursday the 6th - is that correct? Are they starting only in the evening or does anybody remember from last year? I am thinking perhaps we should arrive on the 5th (Wednesday).

Flying from Texas and not attending I-Day. This will probably the only trip we make up there for a year or so and we haven't visited USNA yet (only our plebe-to-be has been there) so I want to make the most out of it for the family.

Thoughts? Thank you.
 
There are "informal" activities for parents on Thursday. Mid Store is open. There might be a band concert. Certain buildings (not plebe rooms) might be open for visiting. You can observe noon meal formation and it will be less crowded on Thursday.

Mids won't be free until noon Friday (if memory serves).

If you want to tour USNA, etc., you should plan to do that without your mid. He/she will almost certainly want to get off the Yard and stay off the Yard as much as possible that WE.

Arriving Wednesday will give you all day Thursday to explore USNA and Annapolis. However, if you arrive on Thursday, you won't miss anything critical.
 
If you are not coming for Induction day and it might be your only visit then I would take the time for Thursday to walk around campus, see the displays, take a tour, visit Mid Store and walk around Annapolis at your own speed. The reason I recommend that is your DS/DD May have zero desire to do any of that once they get liberty. It would allow you guys to get this done without your future Mid wanting to take a 3 hour nap or just relax, but you get a chance to see more. It is a great town and one to enjoy. Parents weekend can be a mix depending on what your Kid would like to do. Just my thoughts. Good luck.
 
williamsdr3 said:
I read that Plebe Parent Weekend this year is set for August 7-9 so planning on departing August 10th but I have also read there are tours and other activities on Thursday the 6th - is that correct? Are they starting only in the evening or does anybody remember from last year? I am thinking perhaps we should arrive on the 5th (Wednesday).

Flying from Texas and not attending I-Day. This will probably the only trip we make up there for a year or so and we haven't visited USNA yet (only our plebe-to-be has been there) so I want to make the most out of it for the family.

Thoughts? Thank you.
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We arrived Wednesday. I hate crowds and like to get things in, prior to crowds. Annapolis is such a cool and charming town along with the Yard, you can always find something to do. We were fortunate as a family to spend extra time on the Yard leading up to I-Day, so in hind site, we probably would have gone in Thursday. If you arrive at a decent time on Thursday, that is plenty of time.

If you arrive Wednesday there is plenty to do. Thursday morning is the PRT and the Dant did not/will not want parents around, although you can find a place to catch a glimpse of your plebe and their new best friends. Friday morning is THE morning for PEP. We really enjoyed the Department displays in Dahlgreen. Better than I expedited. We did the Ac Bld tours and enjoyed those as well. We also did the ship simulator. All of it is very well done and simply amazing to see.

Oh, and be careful about determining this will be your only trip. After your visit for PPW, you may be planning a football weekend or holiday weekend to spend with your Mid. Annapolis in the fall is magical. It's easy to fall in love with this town and the Yard. I hope this helps and enjoy your time there.
 
Three big events in your mid's life for parents: PPW, 2/C PW and Commissioning week. These are "must dos" unless finances or personal situation preclude it. There are obviously many opportunities to visit USNA (football games, parades, Service Assignment dinners, etc. One that I highly recommend at least once, if you've not done it, is Army/Navy.

Keep in mind that some parents seem to be at USNA all the time. Others may show up only for the 3 events I mentioned. Either way, your mid will be just fine (and many may prefer the "hands off" approach, especially after plebe year).
 
My family was thousands of miles away from USNA and had one or two other kids besides me in college at the same time. Funds were tight. My parents made the big events and it was tight to make those. As a basketball player, my parents wanted to attend a game a year. Sometimes that meant we were playing in my home state and that was great. Others it meant we played 3 games in 5 days in Annapolis. We always made it work somehow. Every family is different on wants/needs, funds, involvement, etc. Do what is best for you family. Do not let the pressure of what others do change what is best for you. As mentioned some families are there all the time and others they make it to Commissioning Week and that is it. If you have to prioritize I agree with above. Your Mid will be fine regardless. Good luck!
 
usna1985 said:
Three big events in your mid's life for parents: PPW, 2/C PW and Commissioning week. These are "must dos" unless finances or personal situation preclude it. There are obviously many opportunities to visit USNA (football games, parades, Service Assignment dinners, etc. One that I highly recommend at least once, if you've not done it, is Army/Navy.

Keep in mind that some parents seem to be at USNA all the time. Others may show up only for the 3 events I mentioned. Either way, your mid will be just fine (and many may prefer the "hands off" approach, especially after plebe year).
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I pretty much agree with you but we didn't do down for 2/C parents weekend because I was not so sure that it was a big deal for my wife and I and our son was perfectly fine with it, actually in the middle of a competitive season. Now, I did manage to go to A/N football every year along with some USNA visits wen I had BGO training or other business in the area. Oh, and I guess being the guest speaker at the company Dining Out during his 1/C year counts as well :cool:
 
Navy Lion said:
If you can, the MUST do is - Friday morning PEP. Plan to get to the field around 5:30 AM. The Plebes will be fired up and along with Major Antonelli who leads PEP.
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^---- YES! Also, get your "DIBS card" for this! (I think that's the name - ?) Whatever the special ID for driving a car onto the USNA campus is, get it! Even if you are not driving! Last summer only those with their "DIBS card" were allowed early morning access to the Yard (even just walking on). I had one, and was able to get my whole party in early with it. But there were a bunch of families lined up who could not get in until later (like 6 am?) and so missed the start of that PEP, came in like mid-way through? There were a bunch of disappointed families.
 
Gabe_ said:
If you arrive Wednesday there is plenty to do. Thursday morning is the PRT and the Dant did not/will not want parents around, although you can find a place to catch a glimpse of your plebe and their new best friends. Friday morning is THE morning for PEP. We really enjoyed the Department displays in Dahlgreen. Better than I expedited. We did the Ac Bld tours and enjoyed those as well. We also did the ship simulator. All of it is very well done and simply amazing to see.
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thank everyone for the great information. I have changed our arrival to be a day earlier and get the full experience. @Gabe_ what are the department displays?
 
A lot of the academic departments will have displays out for parents learn about them, see some of the projects Mids have done, ask questions.
 
williamsdr3 said:
thank everyone for the great information. I have changed our arrival to be a day earlier and get the full experience. @Gabe_ what are the department displays?
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sorry been on vaca..as NavyHoops describes. In Dahlgren each Academic Dept has a table/booth. It is a chance to meet some of the Mids and Profs in each academic department. Additionally, other service on the yard will have a booth, chaplains, medical, usaa, etc.
 
NavyHoops said:
If you are not coming for Induction day and it might be your only visit then I would take the time for Thursday to walk around campus, see the displays, take a tour, visit Mid Store and walk around Annapolis at your own speed. The reason I recommend that is your DS/DD May have zero desire to do any of that once they get liberty. It would allow you guys to get this done without your future Mid wanting to take a 3 hour nap or just relax, but you get a chance to see more. It is a great town and one to enjoy. Parents weekend can be a mix depending on what your Kid would like to do. Just my thoughts. Good luck.
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Wondering on PPW if the mids still stay in their own rooms or are they allowed to leave for the weekend and stay with families (hotel)?
 
Daisy23 said:
Wondering on PPW if the mids still stay in their own rooms or are they allowed to leave for the weekend and stay with families (hotel)?
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The plebes do not have overnight liberty away from the Hall, if recent years’ policy is followed.

Use a targeted google search on “USNA Plebe Parents Weekend Service Academy Forums.” Dozens of threads on this.
 
Daisy23 said:
Wondering on PPW if the mids still stay in their own rooms or are they allowed to leave for the weekend and stay with families (hotel)?
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If recent history is your guide, plebes must spend the night in Mother B. Report time of 2399 on Friday and a Saturday, earlier on Sunday.
 
Lots of great info here. I ditto rec’s to come at least by Wednesday. Shop the stores uncrowded. And they city (hit up restaurants that are must visits but will be toooooo packed starting Thursday).

A MUST in my book to a new visitor is the volunteer lead tours. Those people are so knowledgeable. Awesome free tours. With tidbits of info beyond the placards. They really bring the statutes and monuments to life, as well and interesting history and folklore.

A second great thing to do is visit the museum. World biggest collection of model ships. Some the size of a pea. Some built by prisoners out of bones saved from their foods. Among other items of course. But the museum is fantastic, air conditioned and free parents weekend!

It’s a blast. We actually went on that Monday and day tripped to the ocean first. Don’t recall the state park name (CaptMJ recommended it), in Delaware. Fantastic!!

Whatever you do, do what you can. You won’t regreat any time you spend there. And there is ALWAYS something to do.

Did anyone mention DC day trip?
 
Gosh, these descriptions all seem so NORMAL!

I hope the situation is such the usual USNA rhythms can resume. There is no playbook for this.

We will find out as MD conservatively and gently considers re-opening things. PPW brings (1100 to 1200) plebes x (1-4 family members) = 1100 to 4800 people from all over the country to the Annapolis-area hotels, restaurants, stores, theaters, USNA public spaces, etc. As an Annapolis-area resident, I am seeing this annual phenomenon through a different lens this year.

The Supe will put the health of the midshipmen, staff and faculty first, and continue close liaison with the Governor’s staff so as not to undo any progress. The other 3 classes in the Brigade typically return a few days after PPW, and the focus will be on minimizing risk to them.
 
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Capt MJ said:
Gosh, these descriptions all seem so NORMAL!

I hope the situation is such the usual USNA rhythms can resume. We will find out as MD conservatively and gently considers re-opening things. PPW brings (1100 to 1200) plebes x (1-4 family members)
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It’s odd to post about NORMALCY. Thing may be forevermore different. I even wonder about 2/C weekend. Who knows? That’s the point...it’s all up for grabs. This is a great. Big. Reset button. Things may never look the same again.
 
Good points from @justdoit19. Do your main touring of DC, Baltimore, Eastern Shore and other environs before PPW, because your plebe may not want any part of that. They may just want to veg in place or stay within city limits. Or if they do want to tour, it may be places aside from your choice. Let them lead the way, because they'll need a mental/emotions escape.
 
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