<p>You’ve got them through the application process, gave them great advice along the way, and helped to prepare them for Basic.</p>
<p>If we were to send a package before the start of the academic year what “high priority” items should we parents send that we may not think of? </p>
<p>Thanks again from the parents of 2011.</p>
<p>Since they won't be able to receive anything before acceptance, don't send anything perishable. If they did not bring their cell phones, graphing calculators (not neccessary, but I like mine), now would be a good time.</p>
<p>Good things:
normal undergarments
snickers (if they like them, otherwise chocolate in general!)
candy items
sweet foods (I'm a sweet tooth, o well!)
camera if they left it at home
any non-perishable favorite foods</p>
<p>Can't think of anything else really. Good luck, the end is near! :)</p>
<p>wait, so we should send those things now??? so they'll get them right when they're done with basic?</p>
<p>Probably, I have heard a small plastic box (Sterlite, Rubbermaid etc.) with consumables, and yes personal undergarments if the basic underwear just wont work...</p>
<p>Buy a plastic tub/box with lid that your basic can store stuff neatly. Place inside the box things your basic will enjoy once accepted into the cadet wing. Place lid on box. Wrap accordingly for postman. Mail such that it will be delivered on or about August 6th</p>
<p>food was the biggest thing, but i also recommend pictures. its great, especially right after basic, to see the faces of family and friends again. so family pics or friends senior pics, i'd suggest mail those too or at least mail some now (replaceable ones in rare case they are lost) and bring out others later if you come for parents weekend</p>
<p>For guys and gals who like to run or exercise, some new running shoes are always appreciated...the ones they issue aren't always a good fit for them (although mine were great) and even if they are, they're trashed after basic. Of course, that may be a lot easier to bring on Parents' Weekend instead of mail, along with guitars, cameras, and other stuff like that.</p>
<p>Besides that, cell phone, graphing calculator, lots of candy and non-perishables...what everyone else has said. :)</p>
<p>Don't worry too much if you haven't sent everything -- parents weekend is a good time to go "shopping" with your cadet. I laugh when I think of how many uniformed cadets there were up and down the aisles at Walmart that weekend. Note to parents: when that first set of formal pictures shows up after acceptance day, you won't have a dry eye in your family after looking at them. It's the uniform and, well, the change in them. You're proud, they're proud and you both have a right to be!</p>