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PARENTS' WEEKEND |
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No matter what the cost, no matter what arrangements must be made, BE THERE FOR PARENTS' WEEKEND! Although you will be able to spend only a few hours each day with your Mid, this weekend will probably be one of the most rewarding you will experience as a parent. During this weekend, you will be able to share the pride your Plebe has earned for having mastered significant challenges, as well as to see the environment and talk with some of the professors. Make reservations early. Early means - Tomorrow. Immediately is not too soon! Accommodations run the gamut from hotel/motel, to bed and breakfasts, with a wide variety of prices for all facilities. Stay in a location within Annapolis to minimize the commuting time. Geographically, Annapolis and the Naval Academy are situated in a relatively small area which will be overflowing with tourists visiting the Academy for Parents' Weekend. The dilemma is trying to get away from the Academy but being close enough to minimize road time. Do not be misled into thinking this is a vacation. Your Mid will want to get away from the Academy, sleep, relax in your room, sleep, get out of uniform in your room (must always be in uniform in public), sleep, eat, sleep, make few or no decisions and they will be worried about returning late to "Mother B." You may be wanting to see the sites, but your Mid will most likely be exhausted and my want to stay put in a hotel room. A few weeks into Plebe summer you will receive a large packet of information from the Academy regarding Plebe Parents' Weekend. There will be a schedule of events, a map of the Yard and check-in information. You may even experience long-distance phone calls from other parents for individual company get-togethers. Try to arrive in Annapolis a day before the weekend activities begin (Thursday). Arm yourself with a map of the Naval Academy and maps of the Historic District of Annapolis. Annapolis maps are usually available at your hotel. If possible take a tour with the "Historic Annapolis Guides." There are also tours of the Academy leaving from the Visitors' Center which are interesting and informative. |
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You probably will not have time to tour the area once the weekend activities begin as your Mid may want to spend your special hours together in a hotel room, wearing the "civvies" you brought from home, eating pizza ordered by phone and talking! Recalling events of Plebe Summer with humor is a tradition at the Naval Academy. Your Plebe will be part of this tradition. During your time alone, your Plebe may impress you with an extensive litany of data, as will as delightful humorous pieces memorized from Reef Points, a small book issued to all Plebes, or show you the finer points of their attire, such as their garters. Remember, each evening your Plebe must return to the Academy to sleep. It can be hot, or cold and wet in Annapolis in August, so be prepared: sunscreen, hats and umbrellas, may be needed (inclement weather is common in Annapolis in August). Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking through the Academy Yard and the historic parts of town are also advised. There will be activities scheduled throughout the weekend. Some will be mandatory for your Plebe; others will be optional. There will be opportunities to meet administrators, faculty members, company officers, roommates and coaches. Follow your Plebes wishes when deciding whether or not at attend an optional activity. Dahlgren Hall is where you will register. You can leave a message (and package) to let your Mid know that you have arrived. There will also be displays on the academic programs and posters that the Plebes have put together with their respective companies. This si also the place where you will get your Plebe Summer Book - and expose of your young person's Plebe Summer experiences. King Hall, the world's largest dining hall, is located downstairs within Bancroft Hall, the world's largest dormitory. This is where the Mids eat their meals. You will be invited to dinner in this Hall one evening, but attendance is optional. Again, follow the lead of your Plebe. If you miss dinner in King Hall, do attend the free Sunday morning continental breakfast. Tickets for the dinner must be purchased in advance by your Mid before Parents' Weekend. Be prepared to both remind him/her and send a check. If you miss a meal in King Hall, but are able to visit at another time, your Mid can arrange for your seating during the noon meal. |
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| Noon Meal Formation The first day of Parents' Weekend you will want to see the daily noon meal formation in front of Bancroft Hall. The viewing area is limited so arrive well before noon to get a good spot to witness this impressive formation. You can also view it the day before the weekend activities begin whether Academy is far less crowded. However, rain or shine - be sure to see a meal formation at least once. Bring your camera and stand your ground! Don't give up your spot! This is really impressive! Get there early to get a good seat. If it is not raining, Worden Field is where you will attend the Saturday Parade (if it is raining, your Plebe most likely will celebrate extra liberty). Check the schedule for Plebe Parents' Weekend to find the time and place where you are to meet your Mid. They will all look great in their uniform, will be in fine physical condition and will have a growing self confidence earned through mastering repeated challenges. Be sure to decide where to meet each day after your initial contact. Chapel Varsity Athletics Mid-Store Sunday Evening |
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