Prep for bootcamp

[suzy]

My son leaves for bootcamp in about 4 weeks. Is there a check list of things I should know before he leaves?
Suzy

[Chris A.]

Almost everything he takes with him will be returned to you in a box. We call this "kid-in-a-box" and the day it arrives will be traumatic. He can take his cell phone and is able to call you on the way to boot camp (my son called when he got to Chicago), but it will be in the box, phone in 1 shoe, battery in the other. Get him a phone card and activate it before he leaves, make sure he knows how to use it. He'll be able to purchase more at the NEX but not for a while so it's good to have one with him for that first call home. Have him put a book of stamps in his wallet. Don't send stationary, they have to use the official Great Lakes stationary when they write home.Type up some address labels for him with the addresses of the people he'll want to write to, though they have so little time he won't be able to send a lot of letters to people. If you can go to MEPS for his swearing in that would be nice. (I didn't because he was so far away when it happened).

Is this the kind of info you're looking for? Let me know if I can help in any way. I've been there and done that.

[Connie]

Suzy-My daughter got a book that listed all the things they can and can not take with them, what will happen, etc. They are supposed to study this beforehand and I would advise you to do the same-lol sometimes kids have "selective reading" and miss a few things! Helped me a lot!
Connie

[LibbyW.]

We had a going away party for my son before he left. During the party I had blank note cards for people to write Drew a note. They have been great! We collected 32 that night and I've been sending them at about 4 per week. It really helps to fill the days when I don't get a chance to write. He has loved hearing from his friends and family! That is the hardest thing for the recruits is being totally cut off from the outside world. Drew said mail call is the highlight of everyone's life! Even if you don't have a party, if you could get his friends to write something and collect them and just send them randomly, it really makes their day! So many people claim they will write, but don't always make the time.

[Colene]

Hi Suzy. Your son may have already shipped by the time you are getting this. But if not, do yourself a favor and have him go basically empty handed. My daughter and I went out and bought her all the stuff that the "book" tells them they can have, and ALL of it came back. Very annoying. Including the $60 Speedo suit we bought! So, she got to keep her bible, cross necklace, address book and stamps. That was pretty much it.
And,.. just write him all the time. And, know it will be at least a week, maybe 2, before you hear for him. And, the 2nd week's letter will break your heart. He'll wish he could come home and think he made a mistake. Be prepared for that. It's very heartbreaking to read, as you can't do anything about it! Just know it's because he's tired, homesick and has not yet gotten ANY of your mail. As soon as he gets first mail, it will start to trickle in, and the tone in his letters will GREATLY improve. Hope that helps. It's extremely difficult the first several days, and only gets very difficult the rest of the time. lol God bless.