Plebe summer questions

topsailorgirl

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Joined
Dec 30, 2016
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Hello. I have learned so much from this forum and am very thankful to read all the sage advice. My DD will be part of class 2022. I have a few questions re plebe summer. I have searched threads and read up on plebe summer. I understand the rigors for the 6 weeks. But I wonder- do they have any time to rest? Sundays? Are they allowed to attend church services? Or does every day start at zero dark 30 and go until midnight? I am assuming /maybe hoping there must be 30 mins here or 30 mins there for plebes to just plain catch their breath ? It just sounds sooo hard. I guess because I have no military background that it is hard for me to relate. I am concerned but I should say DD is looking forward to plebe summer ! She is ready for senior year to end. I keep telling her to enjoy her life now. Maybe I am just a little sad to see her leave. I am getting emotional and it is not even June 28th yet! I guess I am just looking for some reassurance that she will be ok .
 
My DS is a current Plebe. Normal questions and normal concerns about the summer. Your DD will be fine, no she won't have much free time. She will more than likely get sick and many get slight injuries. Sunday will allow time for Church service and don't be surprised if she does something like join the choir (for the air conditioning benefits).

I was talking with a new Ensign last summer at IDay - a mom came up and asked the same question you're asking. His response was awesome..."Ma'am, we've been doing this for nearly 150 years, trust me it's not perfect, but we have it figured out"
 
Your DD will be able to attend Catholic, Protestant and Jewish Temple. LDS, Islam and a few others will bus off campus to those services. A couple of times over the summer they will be given their phones and taken to a big field to call home.

It will be tough. She may get the plebe hack but statistically she will endure and thrive. You will see changes in her if you attend Parent weekend. I recommend you go if at all possible.
 
Sundays are slightly different than the other 6 days a week. Usually they get to sleep an extra hour and then things are quieter than normal. Kids are given the chance to attend chapel for the faith of their choosing. There are also various chaplain times set up that allow Mids to have a chance to sort of catch their breath, write home, talk, etc. Not sure about how things work now, but we used to get donuts too. Once lunch hits the day sort of returns to normal. But there are other slight breaks like calling home, daily intramurals are a little more relaxed than the rest of the day, 4th if July fireworks and a few other items.
 
They have a tough schedule, but they do have time to catch their breath and even have some fun. If you haven't already, join the various USNA parent facebook pages out there. The pictures you'll see over the summer will ease your mind when you see your plebe smiling!
 
There is an old saying that "there are no Atheists in a foxhole". If Saturday or Sunday religious services gives them a break and some down time and snacks they might try it. DD tried Choir since she had done it for four years. End of Plebe Summer she declined the invitation although I would have liked to see her at Easter Service. DD said 4th was a great night. Bagels are better, Shalom.
 
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Thank you for all the responses. I was concerned she would not be able to attend church. Good to know that doughnuts are there !! I feel better after reading all these responses and will join a parent facebook group and will check out Academy insider . Thank you again !
 
Hello. I have learned so much from this forum and am very thankful to read all the sage advice. My DD will be part of class 2022. I have a few questions re plebe summer. I have searched threads and read up on plebe summer. I understand the rigors for the 6 weeks. But I wonder- do they have any time to rest? Sundays? Are they allowed to attend church services? Or does every day start at zero dark 30 and go until midnight? I am assuming /maybe hoping there must be 30 mins here or 30 mins there for plebes to just plain catch their breath ? It just sounds sooo hard. I guess because I have no military background that it is hard for me to relate. I am concerned but I should say DD is looking forward to plebe summer ! She is ready for senior year to end. I keep telling her to enjoy her life now. Maybe I am just a little sad to see her leave. I am getting emotional and it is not even June 28th yet! I guess I am just looking for some reassurance that she will be ok .
topsailorgirl, I can assure you your new appointee will do great and have lots of fun during plebe summer. I am a prior enlisted sailor who has been recently appointed as well for this upcoming summer and I would like to assure you if you're worried about church, it will be available. The Navy always has resources available to help you out in any way. The best part about plebe summer will be almost like enlisted boot camp. Many people are scared and it causes everyone to work together to comfort each other and make it through. I know I will be doing my best to help others this summer and help everyone have the time of their lives as we all enter this rewarding experience.
 
https://www.usna.edu/Chaplains/index.php

I have often sung the praises of military chaplains here on SAF. They are hand-picked for USNA, and regardless of faith community, are dedicated to supporting midshipmen as well as staff and faculty. They will often be seen working out with the plebes during morning PEP in Plebe Summer.

There are various faith-based clubs which go on retreats, do community service projects and take trips.

https://www.usna.edu/Chaplains/FaithCommunity/Religious_Organizations.php
 
Chaplains were always great and dedicated. Not only SA's but also with the enlisted ranks.
 
Many plebes become church-goers ...Navy chaplains bring donuts. [emoji16]

There are no atheists in fox holes or during the heat of plebe summer. Air conditioning and a quick nap attracts many. Monte and the Chaplains keep them coming back after plebe summer.
 
I've heard my 1/C mid on occasion, over the past few years, wish mid life was as easy as Plebe Summer was.

There is a lot of truth in that statement. During Plebe Summer, your priorities are set for you and you do what you need to get by.
 
Hello. I have learned so much from this forum and am very thankful to read all the sage advice. My DD will be part of class 2022. I have a few questions re plebe summer. I have searched threads and read up on plebe summer. I understand the rigors for the 6 weeks. But I wonder- do they have any time to rest? Sundays? Are they allowed to attend church services? Or does every day start at zero dark 30 and go until midnight? I am assuming /maybe hoping there must be 30 mins here or 30 mins there for plebes to just plain catch their breath ? It just sounds sooo hard. I guess because I have no military background that it is hard for me to relate. I am concerned but I should say DD is looking forward to plebe summer ! She is ready for senior year to end. I keep telling her to enjoy her life now. Maybe I am just a little sad to see her leave. I am getting emotional and it is not even June 28th yet! I guess I am just looking for some reassurance that she will be ok .
Thank you for all the responses. I was concerned she would not be able to attend church. Good to know that doughnuts are there !! I feel better after reading all these responses and will join a parent facebook group and will check out Academy insider . Thank you again !
Hi, just out of curiosity is your daughter going to sail for USNA?
 
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