Plebe Summer Care Packages

<p>Probably because if they told you not to bring anything they'd get 1200 calls asking for clarification/confirmation every I day .... or kids showing up with 1200 different packs. They may be some logic to it that escapes me, at times I think the list is more for the parents than the kids...pack what they suggest, parents generally get it back to take home on PPW with most everything on the list still in it. </p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>
[quote]
navy2010: Just make sure you are not the Mom that writes his first Commanding Officer to make sure that he will be treated correctly when he reports to the ship. True story, and it was an Ensign (not USNA).

[/quote]
</p>

<p>nope---
this mom has been taking notes and I am coming along, slowly but surely!
Some days slower than others- but as long as they feed my kid, all's well. And if they don't, I have a plan B.</p>

<p>As for everything else- I am a convert to "secondary, optional and conditional." Who woulda guessed!!!! </p>

<p>In the meantime, I am too busy to write anyone as I am cooking up a surprise for USNA69-<br>
(he needs a little boost I've been told)....
but he is going to have to wait a few more weeks for that! ;)</p>

<p>Oh, the twists and turns life takes!!!! </p>

<p>
[quote]
pack what they suggest, parents generally get it back to take home on PPW with most everything on the list still in it.

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<p>ain't that the truth!!!!</p>

<p>OK, for care packages over the summer, I have read that these are opened/inspected by their cadre. But what exactly happens to the stuff that is sent?</p>

<p>Also, what about over the counter meds and personal care stuff (nail clippers, etc.). Can these items be sent?</p>

<p>While things differ between companies, it is my understanding packages are opened by the plebe in front of the cadre, or in a way that allows a view as to the contents. As far as I know, the cadre do not put a finger on the contents- the plebe, however, will be expected to "turn in" items not allowed, or question those they are unsure of. I may be wrong on this, but it would appear to me it is a lesson in honor... an opportunity to do the right thing. So I looked at this as "my job" not to offer the forbidden fruit- I had full faith and confidence my mid would turn it in, but I did not want to break his heart in the process! (I did, however, send a whole box of brownies to the coach office the last weeks of plebe summer... which, with permission, got passed around and enjoyed!) Oh... do remind your Mid to attend church on Sunday... the chaplins have been known to serve donuts and even pizza!!!!! </p>

<p>As to the items "confiscated"... my understanding is that they are collected and put in storage, and returned after plebe summer. Contraband food items- again, just a guess, but I would assume they find a way into a garbage bag, or perhaps to the company wardroom. BTW- plebes do not rate the wardroom until Herndon. </p>

<p>No OTC meds. You can send them following reform, but certainly not now. There is good reason for this. The cadre need to know of any and all ailments.... from blistered feet to sore throats, strained and sprained muscles to fever, headaches, changes in mental status, etc. The plebes are being put under all kinds of stress- physical the most apparent. Getting seen in medical is important, and no one wants any symptons masked- especially during this particuarly stressful time. While OTC meds seem benign enough, resist the temptation....the rules are there for good reason. </p>

<p>Nail clippers- had you asked a year ago, I would have said "no problem." This year my suggestion is to send a paper emory board (not a metal one). After reform, if the clippers are needed, send them then.</p>

<p>Whoops, I made a booboo and had my mom (we were on the road trip back to Colorado from I-day) send some sore throat drops to my boy since he came to I-day with a terrible sore throat. I hope I did not get him into any trouble. I am also glad to see that they will be watching out for him. So do they ask the plebes about their health often or wait for them to come to them? I am afraid that my boy will "suck it up" and not complain, and then feel worse as the days go by.</p>

<p>I would think both will happen.
The cadre will ask, and they will instruct the plebes to report.
The plebes will learn to follow the instructions they are given.
They will all learn to watch out for each other.
They are in good hands, and the hands watching over them have been well trained.</p>

<p>Sore thoat drops....???? you mean lozengers? Like the vitamin C ones? I don't think they will cause an issue. Not sure about drops... are they antibiotic drops??? Saline drops???</p>

<p>i think she just sent lozengers to suck on to relieve the sore throat.</p>

<p>I can't see that causing any issue.</p>