Unless you are pretty local I would just plan on Parent's Weekend! I remember for the first two long weekends, my son actually had activities and things he was involved in and we wouldn't have been able to see him anyways.
In general, yes. However, if a swab happens to be in isolation (sickness) then they would not attend. I think there could also be the rare case that a swab has gotten in a significant amount of trouble for something and they might be restricted from attending. But for the most part, yes. Even the cadets who have chits (meaning they are physically restricted in some way) still attend.
The 3/8 companies on eagle at the time do not. A-C are typically on Eagle
Last year, they did get their phones back for Mystic and Eagle.
Yes. After the Mystic Flag ceremony they got their phones for a few hours. They also got them on Eagle although reception is basically non-existent while sailing of course.
And as other parents have mentioned, most parents who are able to attend will happily invite a few extra swabs to join them for ice cream or lunch if they have space. And some swabs might just prefer to use their time talking with family on the phone and getting a few hours of freedom with friends. Your swab should not feel left out if you aren't able to be there. Usually the parents association and other parents groups for the different companies will set up areas offering snacks. And finally, usually the Mystic Flag Ceremony is streamed for those who cannot be there. The swabs always practice marching in and a quick run through of the ceremony. Many parents who arrive early initially think that is the real thing, but they will do the march in and ceremony again for real at the scheduled time.
There’s a shoulder board ceremony on the Monday after Sea Trials and swab summer are completed. While it’s probably possible to witness, it’s not really geared towards a “public” event. Parents weekend will be the first big event and I’d especially encourage any 4/c Parents to make that weekend if able.
