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| Family Day & Graduation |
The most exciting part of Boot Camp is the two-day period of Family Day and Graduation.
This map of Parris Island will be referenced frequently on this page. You might want to keep the map open for reference. Thanks to "Wullie," Proud Marine Grandpa and a terrific Marine supporter, for hosting the map for everyone to find.
Driving on Base
When you arrive at the Depot bring the letter from your Recruit. This is your pass to get on base. You either need the letter OR a parking pass OR know your recruit's full name. (Additional passes are made available at the gate for those who do not receive one.)
You will need a valid driver's licence, registration and proof of insurance for your vehicle. Also, all occupants must have a seatbelt. Keep this in mind if you are taking your Marine with you after graduation.
Watch your speed and where you park. Only park in the parking lot by the parade deck (or near your housing if you are staying on base). Do not use your cell phone when driving on base.
When we visited we were lucky enough to stay on base at the Osprey. While everyone else slept in I was up at 5 AM (our Marine complained that I slept in!) walking around trying to get a "feel" of the Depot and its residents. It was January, so it stayed dark for quite a while. But that didn't keep me from visiting (from the out-side) his barracks, the Parade Deck, and many of the other buildings on the main streets. Frequently groups of Recruits would run by, saying "Morning, Sir!"
Remember that you are a guest on the Depot. Don't interfere with their activities. At one point I was on the steps to a barracks reading a sign and a platoon marched up and blocked my exit. I probably could have excused myself and slipped our between the young men, but I was content to lean back and watch their exercise. After they moved on so did I.
 Keep in mind that most of the houses are private residences. Treat these areas as off limits. You wouldn't want tourists looking in your windows at home, would you?
General Tips
Wear comfortable shoes. Even if you aren't a nut (like me) and plan to explore the entire Depot you will do plenty of walking. Even with the formality of the ceremonies wear something comfortable.
Carry water with you; it's hot and easy to get dehydrated.
Also bring binoculars, a hat and umbrella.
Staying on Base
This section is really for people who are lucky enough to stay on the base.
There is only one facility to stay on base: the Osprey, #32 on the map. (The Temporary Lodging Facility aboard MCRD Parris Island permanently closed its doors.)
Here is list of rules and conditions for obtaining on-base lodging. I'd suggest calling 5 minutes before the "official" time and let the phone ring until it's answered.
Practice
Your Recruits will be practicing marching for the Emblem Ceremony and Graduation. This will take place near and on the Parade Deck on Wednesday. While I understand the Drill Instructors prefer you not watch the practice and just see "the real thing" it rained during our son's activities and had I not seen the practice I would have missed it completely.
There is a lot to see on the Depot. Having an extra day, although not with your son or daughter, will give you time to see more without being hurried of crowded.
Other Lodging
This page lists a number of the many places to stay in and around Beaufort. We're also collecting recommendations from others who stayed nearby and will include that information here.
Family Day
Don't attempt to get on base before 6:30 am as you'll delay the entrance of people coming to work.
You'll probably be directed to park in the large lot next to the Parade Deck. Go to the Parade Deck and walk along the street side of the grandstands. The Platoon numbers will be posted to give you an approximate idea of where to sit.
Motivation Run
The soon-to-be graduates will line up in front of 1st Battalion barracks (#5 on the map) in preparation for their Motivation Run, which begins at 6:45 AM. (Double check the time as I believe it starts later during the winter.) Just to the west is a smaller building (not shown on the map) with a brass bell in front. This is the 1st Battalion Aid Station and the first "stop" on the Mot Run. Each Battalion HQ has a similar bell which is loudly rung as the group runs by. When writing, ask your Recruit for his position in the platoon - front-middle-rear - this helps to find him.
 Find a spot on the grass just southwest of the bell, on the Parade Deck side for optimal viewing and photographs. Make sure you yell and cheer loudly for all the young men and women! Your Recruit will see you, even if you don't spot him or her. You might want to head to the Museum (#14 on the map) next to see them pass by again. Plus, food is available across the street from the Museum.
Visitor's Center
After the run, sign in at the Visitor's Center (#10 on the map) to register your presence and pick up a map and free literature. There are also restrooms and vend-ing machines. Comfy new furniture (no sleeping and keep your feet off the furniture), and ongoing videos help pass the time a little! Sign up for free bus tour and learn what's been going on for the last 13 weeks! Open 8AM-4PM (except on Family Day when it's open later). There is ramp access in the back of the building. Go here as soon as you can if you want to take a bus tour, as they are first come, first serve and fill up fast.
Museum
The Museum (#14 on the map) opens at 10 AM and also has a bathroom. Lots of Marine exhibits and history through the years. This is a good time-filler while you wait for Liberty. Your Recruit has already toured the Museum, so don't feel bad about seeing it by yourself. Gift shop opens at 1 PM, and has recently expanded and offers many gifts not available at the Base Exchange.
Exchange
The Exchange (#11 on the map) has gifts and collectibles including "Precious Moments Marine" ($23.95), "Dreamsicle Marine" ($6.95) and Cherished Teddie Ma-rine ($11.95). Also stuffed teddy bears in dress blues, bears that play the Marine Hymn, Christmas ornaments, clothing, luggage, appliances, greeting cards, etc. You can only buy items from the "Marine Pride Shop." If you want to buy anything else, you need your Marine with you. (It also has a bathroom.)
Emblem Ceremony
The Emblem Ceremony begins at 1 PM sharp! (You did find out where his Platoon would be so you're sitting in the right section of the bleachers?) The recruits will march onto the parade deck and line up. The bleachers are labeled by platoon, sit in your platoon section and your recruits will line up right in front of you. The Emblem Ceremony will begin and recruits will be given their EGA (Eagle, Globe and Anchor pin) (thus becoming Marines, as they are not marines until the EGA is in their hand). Bring tissues, as this is a moving ceremony. They play "God Bless the USA" and most recruits do shed a few tears, too. Following the ceremony (approximately a half hour) those recruits will have liberty.
Note: In case of rain or excessive heat the Emblem Ceremony will take place in the All Weather building just east of the Parade Deck parking lot (not shown on the map). If you hear that the ceremonies will be held indoors, get to the All Weather building as soon as possible. There isn't enough room for everyone inside and you don't want to miss the ceremony.
Due to the significantly smaller area the marching that the men and women have been practicing for so long won't occur. (This happened to us and I'm glad I had seen them practice on Wednesday.)
Liberty
ON BASE Liberty begins after the EGA ceremony until 7 PM. Recruits cannot drink alcohol or use tobacco, and cannot leave base. Eat, tour the barracks, meet the DIs, see swimming, weapons range, etc. and shop with your new Marine! Return your recruit to the barracks EARLY (6:45 PM). No trouble before graduation, please!
Dress Blues
Many recruits want to go to the Clothing Store (not shown on the map, but to the right of the Visitor's Center #10) to buy their Dress Blue Uniforms. Everyone we've talked to suggests they wait until after their MOS training is completed. Their body size and shape has changed while at Boot Camp and will continue to change during the next phases of training. Since they won't need to wear the Dress Blues, just wait ... and save a tailoring bill later.
Lunch
As you might imagine there will be long lines anyplace food is served. We waited an hour to get a pizza. While you can use that time to get caught up with your Marine, why not have a picnic? The picnic area is very nice and all the new Marines know where it is. Spending "alone" time with your new Marine is priceless. We bought a disposable grill, charcoal and all our goodies in a cooler. Our friends even brought lawn chairs. (There are also grills and picnic tables available there.)
Or have food delivered?
- Big Joe's Catering (780 D Parris Island Gateway, Port Royal, SC, (843) 770-0711, on the right hand side of the road by the Amoco gas station before the Parris Island entrance, they open at 11:00 AM). He delivered barbecue to the side of the parade ground on Family Day at 1:40 PM, it avoided having to stand in long lines for the food at the outlets and was very good and cost effective - ask for the large tray of barbecued pork, baked beans and coleslaw, he provided buns and other necessary items.
- Dominos delivers. We called around 11 and arranged for a 2pm delivery. They did have to check in at the gate, but the pizza was delivered hot!
- JP's Place also delivers. Call (843) 525-1881 or visit them on the web at http://www.jpsplacebeaufort.com.
Graduation Day
Much of this information came from the Parris Island EZBOARD at http://p088.ezboard.com/fparrisislandfrm97.showMessage?topicID=2.topic - please check for last minute changes.
Graduation begins at 9AM sharp!
Parking for graduation
You will be directed to park in a large lot next to the parade deck. Your marine's gear (lg. "sea bag", "ditty bag" (carry-on size), "body bag" (hanging uniforms), and misc. bags of pictures, letters, etc.) will be lined up next to the parade deck for him/her to pick up after the ceremony. (This is subject to change based on the whether.) If your Marine doesn't want to hang around for refreshments and any good-byes you can go directly to load the car and scoot out to the main gate. We suggest that you pack lightly, as your Marine will have lots of luggage. Pack clothes that are interchangeable (like pants you can wear both days).
Seating
If your Marine is an honor grad, you will have four reserved seats under the canopy. Regular seating is in open bleachers marked with platoon numbers. Bring hat and umbrella for shade. Be seated as soon as you get there or you may be left stand-ing. The graduates will march in from the right. If your Marine is toward the front of the platoon sit toward the left of the bleachers, etc. They will stand directly in front of you. If you use a tripod for video taping, the bleachers shake and so will your video! Graduation will begin right at 9 AM SHARP!
Graduation Ceremony
Graduation begins at 9AM sharp. It lasts about an hour (give or take a few minutes). They are greeted by the command, say a prayer, they retire the guidons, and present awards to the honor graduates. They introduce the reviewing officer and then they do a pass in review (they march past the reviewing stand). March back into place, dismissed (alot of celebrating and hugs on the parade deck). This is a very short version, but it's the jist of it.
In case of rain or excessive heat the Emblem Ceremony will take place in the All Weather building just east of the Parade Deck parking lot (not shown on the map). If you hear that the ceremonies will be held indoors, get to the All Weather building as soon as possible. There isn't enough room for everyone inside and you don't want to miss the ceremony.
Due to the significantly smaller area the marching that the men and women have been practicing for so long won't occur. (This happened to us and I'm glad I had seen them practice on Wednesday.)
Marine Clothing for the trip home
Most Marines will leave in the uniform he or she graduates in. (They are limited in where they can change clothes on base.) They can wear this home if they chose to. You can bring them clothes to wear, but beware that their weight (and shape) has changed, so their clothes may not fit anymore. If your new Marine requests clothes, keep it simple. Shorts are fine as long as they are not pt shorts (or anything similar). All shirts need to be tucked in. If the bottoms have belt loops, then a belt needs to be worn. Also socks with shoes. But your Marine will know all of this as they have been given a class on appropriate civilian attire.
After graduation your new Marine is free to leave. Gather his or her gear and put it in your vehicle.
Banking
A number of people suggested our new Marine change his Direct Payroll Deposit from Fort Sill National Bank to Navy Federal Credit Union because there are more places to access their money no matter where in the world they are deployed. In addition, he was given a credit card on the spot with a $500 credit limit. So after graduation we walked down Boulevard de France and stopped in Building #15 on the map. The lines were very short and we were finished within ten or fifteen minutes.
If you didn't get to see everything during Family Day, and have time before your flight home, this would be a good time for last-minute sightseeing. The crowds will have died down and you can easily drive to the rifle range (across from #30 on the map) or other points of interest. Note that some areas are off limits, such as the rappelling tower and the gas chamber.
Keep and eye on the time. Visitors must be off the Depot at 5 PM.
Dinner
We stopped at JP's Place on the way to the airport. Every Friday graduating Marines eat free and the rest of your party receives a 10% discount. They are very proud of the Marines and treat everyone well. Call (843) 525-1881 or visit them on the web at http://www.jpsplacebeaufort.com.
10-Day Leave
Finally! Your Recruit has become a Marine! You picked him or her out of the crowd and saw the pride swelling when the EGA emblem was presented. It took a roll of paper towels to absorb your tears, but you made it through graduation. Now what?
Officially there is a ten-day leave, followed by more training. But many new Marines find that their next training location has no empty spots. In that case, they may receive a new title: RA, or Recruiter's Assistant. After the leave is over Recruiter's Assistants assist Recruiters. (This isn't rocket science.) Working with their local Recruiting Station they may visit local high schools, etc. to explain their reasons for joining the Corps, their future job assignments, and so on.
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