Plebe summer will, at times, be challenging for all of you, but especially for your Plebe. Preparation for Induction Day should begin immediately to smooth the way for this exhausting and confusing day. Some of the rewards of your Mid's dedication this summer will be seen during graduation week when Herndon is a happy memory and your Plebe puts on the Third Class stripe.

Physical Training is extremely important for success during Plebe Summer. Our Northwestern Plebes should "workout" during the hottest part of our days to help prepare them for the drastic change in weather. Becoming acclimated to the hot and humid East Coast is difficult.

Plebes are challenged mentally and physically throughout the summer. The best preparation is to be physically fit and to develop a positive mental attitude. Appointees should learn all they can about the Academy before they leave home. Follow the suggestions given by the Academy in preparing for Plebe summer. Be quick to call a Parents' Club member when questions or doubts arise. A conversation with someone who has been through this event will be a big help in preparing for challenges ahead.

For you parents, Plebe Summer means beginning your Navy "careers" as well. Sharpen your pencils and writing skills; buy humorous cards and stamps; get the right address and nomenclature (how you should address your Plebe on the envelope), and begin the fun of sharing news, favorite comics and other items of interest with your Plebe. Send photos from home. Enlist friends and family alike in dropping notes. Remember you probably won't get any mail in return - time is precious! Be sure to let family members and friends know this as well, so they won't be disappointed if their correspondence is not being reciprocated. If the Plebes parents live in different households, they may want to make extra effort to coordinate such things as sending care packages, sharing news and phone calls and planning visits.

Telephone Calls - Most new Midshipmen will not be able to call home for the first 2-3 weeks, After the first two weeks you will probably be doing most of your correspondence on the phone. You should keep a good listening ear along with a sense of humor. Plebes may be discouraged and exhausted and just want to hear a familiar voice. Unlike a normal campus Mids do not have unlimited phone access. They are three hours ahead of you. Be sure to send a phone calling card (excellent high school graduation gifts) with your Plebe. This will ensure that your son/daughter will be able to make those special calls home.

When you have those special moments on the phone, make sure you are always supportive. You are a stabilizing force and you should help your young person to put the rigors of life as a Plebe in proper perspective.

Here are some ideas for staying in touch with your Plebe during a busy summer:

1. Hometown news, cartoons and inspirational cards are encouraged.

2. Have your Plebes friends over for spaghetti and water ski or something. Take pictures of the friends in the Plebes boat or car.

3. Make a tape of friends - giving your Plebe encouraging messages.

4. Ask friends to contribute "little some things" to a care package.

5. If you have three-way calling capability, dial another family member or a good friend. "Reach out and touch" someone else.

Mail to Midshipmen - New Midshipmen mailing address will be issued during Induction Day. Midshipmen can send their address within a day or two to parents unable to attend I-Day. Address will be as follows:

Visitation - If you travel East during Plebe Summer, before Parents' Weekend, don't expect to be able to have much time with your Plebe. The few opportunities include an hour on Sunday morning during a social hour between 10 AM and 11 AM sponsored by the Chaplains.
Parents who have traveled to Annapolis prior to Parents' Weekend have had the opportunity of watching "from a distance." One Mom commented that she sat in the bleachers as a "tourist" and watched her daughter play tennis.

E-mail - Use of electronic mail at the Naval Academy is an integral part of the Midshipmen life. Many aspects of this use are official in nature because it contributes directly to the mission of the Naval Academy. The Academy has long recognized the value of allowing limited internal use of E-mail for personal purposes. Similar benefits to the Academy mission are to be derived from Midshipmen correspondence over E-mail with parents, immediate family members and close friends. Communication of this sort contributes to the morale of the Midshipmen and their families. This communication is limited to personal correspondence and does not extend to commercial business transactions.