SPONSORS

Sponsors are families or individuals within the Annapolis area with whom your Plebe can have a "home away from home." Sponsors are assigned by the Academy to Plebes who have requested this opportunity. It is most worthwhile that your Plebe participate in this program and build a workable sponsor relationship. Your Plebe will appreciate having an opportunity to leave the Academy occasionally and stay at a home where a radio, television, phone and food are readily available. Sponsors are wonderful, generous people and welcome friends to your Plebe! An appropriate Sponsor Family provides relief and friendship not only for the Mid, but also for "us" parents. This can be a very important and rewarding connection for Plebes, their sponsor families and you. It is appropriate to remember your Mids sponsor with small gifts and a sincere "thank you."

Once in a while a Plebe does not feel comfortable with his/her sponsor and requests a second sponsor. Your Plebe maystay with the sponsor of a friend until they find a home where they feel comfortable.

Plebe Parents' Weekend - It is strongly suggested that when you attend Plebe Parents' Weekend you have your Midshipman arrange for you to meet his/her Sponsor Family.

MENTOR PROGRAM

As par of our effor to help parens survive the Plebe year, the USNA Parents Club of Washington has established a Mentor Program. The parents of a new appointee, Plebe, will be "adopted" by the parents of an upper-class Midshipman. They will share their wisdom, answer questions and be available when ever ther is a need to just talk. Please contact a club officer if you have not been contacted by your mentor family.