<p>Thanks ElyseD...I assume you are a cadet...when i was at the USNA summer seminar they mentioned sponser families, but i forgot to ask on my overnight visit to USMA about them. Does west point do the sponsor families? if so, how does that work and does it apply to plebes?</p>
<p>ya i'm a plebe and all the service academies i believe have a sponsor programs. every cadet here is paired a sponsor family based on interests/ hobbies. i know some sponsors invite their cadets out everyweekend, or some, like mine, have young kids and rarely communicate.</p>
<p>Ping?</p>
<p>anyways she is right, we do in fact have them but I share a similar experience with Elyse, and my sponsor never even contacted/responded to me. That being said if you get a good sponsor it is not uncommon for them to lend cars, take you to dinner etc...</p>
<p>ya, who's this?</p>
<p>ha</p>
<p>dr. bonds...its been a while</p>
<p>My cadet has an AWESOME sponsor family, and I truly believe that the reason they all have such a good relationship falls on both sides. I know some of the cadets they sponsor rarely see them or go to their house (except during those times when the sponsors put out an "all call" like for a Super Bowl party and I believe they try to do some sort of everybody get together every couple of months), but they made it clear to my daughter that she was welcome to call whenever she wanted to come over and she is of the personality that she took them at their word. In my opinion, that helps the relationship; cadets cannot always wait for the sponsor to make the move. If they are busy, they tell her so and she knows it isn't because they don't like her, it's because they are busy and they come up with an alternative that works for all concerned.</p>
<p>Anyway, they have taken her to the city a couple of times to see some shows, she goes over there to do laundry and hang out, she has eaten numerous lunches and dinners at their family table, they have taken her to the airport, cooked her favorite meals for her from time to time, nursed her when she was sick, and truly become surrogate parents. They even took our extended family on a "backstage" tour of West Point during PPW and have invited us to stay at their house when we are in town. On the flip side, my daughter is interested in their children, truly likes them, spends time with them, helps out when she is visiting, is (probably) on her best behavior, asks their advice and respects their opinions. </p>
<p>So, when you get the chance to meet your potential sponsor family during the change of detail during Beast, put your best foot forward. Be personable, ask them questions, and try to get to know them. They can be key to your "survival" during plebe year. As a parent, I like knowing there is another "mom" who will step in when necessary. Although she and I communicate infrequently, there have been a couple of times phone calls have been made regarding one thing or another, and it's nice for me to know someone is watching out for my kid. They have given so much already and have made my daughter's life much more bearable this past year. I just wish there was something I could do for them in return.</p>
<p>bonds! aww i miss having english with you</p>
<p>haha I miss you too! its just not the same any more...</p>
<p>My daughter's sponsor family is fabulous. The experience is similar to KateMac's daugher's. Our daughter is practically a part of the family. During plebe year, they taped her favorite shows so she could watch them on the weekend. They've taken her to many dinners and included her in many of their activities. They send me gifts and pictures. It's not one-sided give and take, though. She spends time with their teenager - running, shopping, going to movies, out to eat, etc. When we're in town, we try to take them to dinner. We send them special occasion and thank you gifts (which they do not expect).</p>
<p>This was not the same sponsor she was paired with during the Beast ice cream social. It's important to know that if a cadet and sponsor do not "bond" you can switch. Also, cadets often bring their friends over to a sponsor's house and voila! a cadet has a new sponsor. If the relationship is not one-sided and is a good one, it will most definitely make the entire West Point experience a better one. </p>
<p>My best advice is:<br>
1) Don't forget to send thank you cards/letters.<br>
2) And if you're invited to an event by your sponsor, PLEASE RSVP. They are going to the expense of buying food and spending time preparing it. Remember that they are volunteers and respect what they are doing for you.</p>
<p>It is luck of the draw if you do not know anyone. My sponsor's wife had a kid midway through my plebe year, and since then I have not really talked to him. It is an understandable circumstance and I am really busy most of the time anyway.</p>
<p>wow, thanks for the insight guys. a couple more questions on this topic, while we are on it: When do you get introduced to your sponsor families? Do u have any say in who you are matched with? Are multiple cadets ever assigned to a single sponsor? .....Thanks guys, this is really enlightening</p>
<p>Sometimes, perhaps most of the time, the families you spend the afternoon with during the change of detail during beast are/can be your sponsor family. (Which, if you like them is why I said earlier to put your best foot forward during that time.) </p>
<p>Sponsors can request specific characteristics, such as sports, religious preferences, gender, home state, etc., but I don't know how often they do. Cadets can, I believe, do the same. That doesn't always work; my daughter's sponsor family normally requests 3 certain elements, and my daughter is none of the above; she did request a sponsor with a dog, but that didn't happen either. They did, however enjoy one another's company during beast and as a result requested each other, which both sides must do if a request is made. So, if you know somebody there and you want them to be your sponsor, you may make that request, but they must request you as well. </p>
<p>Sponsor families sponsor multiple cadets. Some sponsor an entire team. My daughter's sponsor family sponsors at least 15 cadets, although not all of them spend a lot of time at the "home away from home;" some come over regularly, some once in a while, some only for special occasions. Each cadet and family must work out the scenario that meets everybody's needs.</p>
<p>Well, I am leaving tommorrow from Seattle to visit my aunt in Boston before I drive over for R-Day,SEE U GUYS THERE! :)</p>
<p>My wife and I had the pleasure to host our local West Point Parent's Club Meeting yesterday where we had the chance to meet a number of local young men and women who are headed to R day next week. As expected, the class of 2012 will be well represented. They come from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. For example, one young lady is entering directly from High School with absolutely no military experience at all, another young man will be reporting from the Marine Corps, and a third young lady will be there after a year at USMAPS. All three presented themselves as eager and capable. Our daughter will be there to greet them as a "cadet in the red sash", always mindful that she was in their shoes just 3 short years ago.<br>
And the Corps goes on.....</p>
<p>I went to our West Point Parent's Club send-away luncheon June 8th, our regional director among other graduates and cadets were there. It was inspirational, but I know what you mean...the 23 or so accepted candidates were from pretty diverse backgrounds. I think two USMAPS and two or three previously enlisted individuals, however most were like me - Straight out of High School. My mom was in the Navy for 20 yrs., but that doesnt really give me any experience points :), i am, however, excited...a little anxious...and very determined :)</p>
<p>Our parents club had a very nice send off last weekend; very well attended. It was the culmination of a week full of sending off: the congressman, the senator, and the governor! I believe all the GA cadet candidates feel celebrated and wished well. As a parent, it is nice to see this type of support available as we enter these new waters. I was able to see some of my cyber buddies from CC, so I felt like I already knew people. Also, by the time you see the candidates at 4 functions in one week, you feel as if you know them too! See you in NY!</p>
<p>Best of luck to the West Point Class of 2012 and their families on R-Day!</p>
<p>Good luck from USAFA '11!</p>
<p>I am a bit nervous now because a few days ago i either pulled or tore a muscle in my lower abdominals. It feels fine doing normal activities but is pretty tender doing activities like crunches or pullups. How much of a problem do you think this could be?</p>
<p>thats called being sore. get used to it</p>