<p>We spent some time with our plebe's sponsor during PPW. What's an appropriate thank you for what they do?</p>
<p>A nice thank-you note would be great. Email or the old-fashioned paper method works. </p>
<p>At some point in the 4-yr process, you might consider a nice gift -- either something your mid thinks they would like or something most would like, such as a gift certificate to a local restaurant, flowers, etc. </p>
<p>They don't expect anything and a note of thanks is perfect. However, if you're able to do more, at some point (not now), that would be very nice -- but neither expected nor required.</p>
<p>Over the course of our son's four years, the three guys (son, roommate and friend) would usually send flowers at the end of each school year and at Christmas (their dime, not ours)</p>
<p>Agree w/ 1985. At Christmas, we have usually sent a state-themed gift. Our capitol produces a Christmas ornament each year.
We sent a local wine.</p>
<p>During Herndon, they invited us over for dinner. I've been to their home one other time. </p>
<p>It is important to remember, however, that this is your mid's relationship. It is odd, from a parent standpoint, but this is likely the first adult relationship your child will have that has nothing to do with you or your local school district. Accordingly, we have not made an over-bearing effort to become their friends. WE appreciate their help and have expressed that to them in person, over the phone, and through notes, but this really is between them and the mid.
It should be up to the mid to express thanks for the kindness being shown to him or her.</p>
<p>As a side note, it doesn't always work out with the first assigned family. Our son's first assigned family was actually an officer there at the yard. While it was convenient to my son, and I think he enjoyed their company, it didn't really "click." The family was transferred after the first year anyway.
At Thanksgiving, my son asked a friend of his if he thought his sponsor family would mind giving him a ride back to the yard.<br>
They said to bring hm along . . . and he has been with them ever since. They have gone waaaay above the call of duty with regard to the three [!] mids that eventually found their way to the home.</p>
<p>We plan to invite them to dinner when graduation comes upon us.</p>
<p>^^^^</p>
<p>Bill0510 makes an excellent point about the relationship being with your child. And about some sponsorships not working out. Mine didn't. We just didn't click either and they lived almost as far away from USNA as my parents. Given the choice, I preferred to see my parents so they would come up on occasion and, after plebe year, I'd go home. </p>
<p>However, I believe that the overwhelming majority of sponsor relationships are truly a great experience for both sides.</p>
<p>Thank you for the input!</p>