Questions about BCT Dates and when parents can visit the cadets after BCT

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galaxyblue77

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Feb 14, 2024
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My DD just received the call from the Congressman yesterday and plans to accept the appointment from USAFA!
In planning for the summer, I have questions about BCT dates and when parents are allowed to see the cadets after BCT.
Current calendar states BCT starts on June 26th and ends on Aug 1st. Also from Aug 1st to 7th states "on boarding".
What does "on boarding" period means?
Can parents visit at this time and bring items that cadets need?
If so, are they allowed to leave the base (i.e. during afternoon)?
I understand there is a Parents week during the Labor day weekend, but am wondering if there is any time allowed to see the cadets after BCT.
Thanks in advance!
 
Congratulations on your daughter's appointment! My understanding is that there may be an opportunity to visit with your cadet after the Acceptance Parade for a couple of hours. The next opportunity will be during Parent's Weekend. I think you can bring some things during Acceptance Day, but most people say bring stuff during Parents' Weekend. I recommend you read through this page thoroughly and join the USAFA Class of 2028 Parents Facebook Group. You will need to email your daughter's appointment letter in order to join.
 
blessedbe said:
Congratulations on your daughter's appointment! My understanding is that there may be an opportunity to visit with your cadet after the Acceptance Parade for a couple of hours. The next opportunity will be during Parent's Weekend. I think you can bring some things during Acceptance Day, but most people say bring stuff during Parents' Weekend. I recommend you read through this page thoroughly and join the USAFA Class of 2028 Parents Facebook Group. You will need to email your daughter's appointment letter in order to join.
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Thanks! My DD only received the call and the portal hasn't changed yet, so as soon as she receives the appointment letter, i will join the facebook group! Would you be able to tell me when is the A-day this year? I can't tell from looking at the USAFA calendar - it just mentions BCT ends date and Onboarding dates. Trying to make the travel arrangement
 
Osprey123 said:
You'll have about two hours to see your cadet on A-day. Usually parents bring lunch to the Academy. At least in the past, this is how it was done. Who knows if they'll change it.
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Thanks! I will gladly take the opportunity to to see my DD for 2 hrs lol
 
galaxyblue77 said:
Thanks! I will gladly take the opportunity to to see my DD for 2 hrs lol
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Congratulations! It's a very special day.

My advice is to book accommodations for Parents Weekend now, actually, especially if you want AirBnB. It's a busy weekend and there is usually a Balloon Festival at Memorial Park. And dinner reservations at least one month ahead.
 
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blessedbe said:
Congratulations on your daughter's appointment! My understanding is that there may be an opportunity to visit with your cadet after the Acceptance Parade for a couple of hours. The next opportunity will be during Parent's Weekend. I think you can bring some things during Acceptance Day, but most people say bring stuff during Parents' Weekend. I recommend you read through this page thoroughly and join the USAFA Class of 2028 Parents Facebook Group. You will need to email your daughter's appointment letter in order to join.
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This was the page I said to read thoroughly, but then forgot to include the link!
 
4 Degrees are not allowed to leave base until Parent's Weekend. You could visit with your cadet in Arnold Hall and give items, but it might not be worth a trip if you live far away. Most parents either go to A-Day for the couple hour visit (still have to stay on base) or wait until Parent's Weekend.

Your cadet will not need much beyond favorite school supplies and ski gear from you. Doolies aren't allowed to have much and storage is limited. We waited until Parent's Weekend. DS packed a backpack with the schools supplies he wanted (basically his iPad and calculator) and we brought it with us. He didn't take his ski gear back until after Christmas. Then, we bought him a few allowed items during Parent's Weekend like an electric kettle and snacks. We mailed him his gaming computer after recognition when he was allowed to have it.
 
99Gold said:
4 Degrees are not allowed to leave base until Parent's Weekend. You could visit with your cadet in Arnold Hall and give items, but it might not be worth a trip if you live far away. Most parents either go to A-Day for the couple hour visit (still have to stay on base) or wait until Parent's Weekend.

Your cadet will not need much beyond favorite school supplies and ski gear from you. Doolies aren't allowed to have much and storage is limited. We waited until Parent's Weekend. DS packed a backpack with the schools supplies he wanted (basically his iPad and calculator) and we brought it with us. He didn't take his ski gear back until after Christmas. Then, we bought him a few allowed items during Parent's Weekend like an electric kettle and snacks. We mailed him his gaming computer after recognition when he was allowed to have it.
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Thanks a lot for the detailed information - helped me so much to have the general idea.
 
galaxyblue77 said:
Can parents visit at this time and bring items that cadets need?
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Your DD will get off campus briefly for "Doolie Day Out". I bet they may change the name, but Doolie Day Out happens after Jacks Valley to meet their Sponsor Family. Sponsors will most likely accept packages mailed to them (ask first). The mail system at USAFA can be tricky and Doolies are allowed very few personal items in their room. Your DD will keep you posted, but sponsors may be a great way to get needed items to your DD. Congratulations!
 
Last year A-Day was the Wednesday before classes started on Thursday. Because the A-Day parade is accepting the Doolies into the Cadet Wing, it cannot happen until the entire cadet wing returns… which this summer will happen on August 3rd. Classes start on August 8. So, A-Day has to happen on August 4, 5, 6, or 7, and good bets can be placed on the 7th. But, welcome to military life, where nothing is set in stone! We fly out for A-Day and for parents weekend. For A-Day we took small things to our son, such as his sunglasses and his I-pad. We also bought him some small containers so he can keep food in his room. But everything fit in 1 reusable bag. We brought him and bought him most everything else over parents weekend, such as an extra monitor, as we could help deliver those items to his room then. The cadet store is pretty stocked with most of what they need, so they can purchase many items there without issue. Also, I would recommend not sending packages to the sponsor for doolie day out… they still have some basic after that and what they can have for basic is very, very limited. Wait until A-Day or parents weekend.
 
Sebship said:
Last year A-Day was the Wednesday before classes started on Thursday. Because the A-Day parade is accepting the Doolies into the Cadet Wing, it cannot happen until the entire cadet wing returns… which this summer will happen on August 3rd. Classes start on August 8. So, A-Day has to happen on August 4, 5, 6, or 7, and good bets can be placed on the 7th. But, welcome to military life, where nothing is set in stone! We fly out for A-Day and for parents weekend. For A-Day we took small things to our son, such as his sunglasses and his I-pad. We also bought him some small containers so he can keep food in his room. But everything fit in 1 reusable bag. We brought him and bought him most everything else over parents weekend, such as an extra monitor, as we could help deliver those items to his room then. The cadet store is pretty stocked with most of what they need, so they can purchase many items there without issue. Also, I would recommend not sending packages to the sponsor for doolie day out… they still have some basic after that and what they can have for basic is very, very limited. Wait until A-Day or parents weekend.
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Thank you for explaining the rationale for the timing of A-day and what kind of things can be brought for it.
 
I would also note that sponsor families aren’t necessarily assigned by Doolie day out. Some people take a group of doolies for that day but don’t ultimately serve as sponsor for all of them (or any of them). My son still had no assigned sponsor in October.

And you are not allowed to meet up with your child on Doolie day out. But they will get their phones and be able to call you. That’s the way it’s been anyhow.
 
Sebship said:
Also, I would recommend not sending packages to the sponsor for doolie day out… they still have some basic after that and what they can have for basic is very, very limited. Wait until A-Day or parents weekend.
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Sorry for the confusion. I only mentioned Doolie Day Out because someone said the Cadets couldn't leave campus until Parent's Weekend and also to let the OP know that the sponsor's house can be a great option to send items in the future.
 
BTW, if you are a Class of 2028 parent and you have not yet joined the Facebook group, I highly encourage you to do so as quickly as you can. You will need a copy of your child’s appointment letter. The Class of 2027 Parents page has been a wonderful resource and I think I would have lost my mind over the past year without that group!
 
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