Deployment Boot Camp Surprise Party Ideas?? HELP!

[Kimmartin]

:confused: Hello, I need some help ideas anything you might be able to help me with throwing a Surprise Party for my oldest sons who is leaving for Boot Camp April 4th. I am having the party the 1st of April, have purchased a flag banner, and ordered an Air Force Cake. Today I will be working on the invites. I have had a few ask about gifts? He is saving for a computer for Tech School. Someone suggested a money tree. I certainly don't want people to think that they have to bring a gift. I have spent the last day on the net trying to find ideas for the party and not really not finding anything for military/boot camp surprise parties. I am in hopes that maybe someone here can help me with some ideas. I'm planning on food and drinks, just a good time. I really want him to get the computer, as I have been having a hard time thinking even talking about him leaving, at least with the computer we will be able to chat back in forth. I am so proud of him, still, sad for me to see him go, yet proud of his choices. Hes a smart kid,he is going so he can get an good education. Thanks for any ideas. PS I was so excited that I won on the KODAK instant win. I sent for the stickers, which were of him, his friends, and our family camping up north. They came the other day, going to put them on his letters when I write him. Hope someone has some ideas.Sincerely, Homemaker, Proud Mom, Kim

[dv8grl]

AS far as "gift ideas" - STAMPS & Phone cards. + Making sure that he has everything he needs for the 1st week of boot camp. I know I was not prepared, I didn't even have running shoes when I went in.

[DBackFan]

Having people help him towards a laptop would be awesome for him. My Son had "finally" Phased up enough where he can have one and it has made a huge difference for him to be able to be on!!

As far as running shoes etc....the Army supplied EVERYTHING for my Son, he brought NOTHING and they would not allow him too. I DO believe they took it all out of his pay LOL. They gave him PT clothes, all Army issue. I am surprised that the Navy is now making you buy anything. My oldest did 6 years Navy and he said he didn't buy shoes or anything either until after he went in anyway. Stamps and phone cards are good but a onesuite.com acct is best for LD..lol.

Tell your Son we are all very proud of him and wish him well on his journeys. I will pray that he as well as all soldiers stay safe. HUGS.

[Kimmartin]

Thank You for the kind words. He was told of only a few things that he could bring, and everything else he needed would be purchased at the base. Do you think a money tree or maybe a box with Air Force stickers would be ok? Thought I could just put a big picture of a Computer above the box, thinking that everyone would get the idea. I will truely miss him. My husband has helped raise him since 6, when he was 12 he wanted to live with his real dad. Graduated and then went to work, age 20. I was thinking finally, I will be seeing him more, probably be getting married,then he enlisted in the Air Force. Just a parent thing, the missing factor. I do appreciate the prayers, and kind words, Sincerely, Kim

[DAVESBABYDOLL]

We had a small gathering before my son left for Marine Boot camp,few friends etc. When he came home after for his two weeks after boot,we had a big one.Friends,teachers,family..we had a bon fire, tiki torches,plenty of grilled foods, a devil dog cake (Marine thing,lol) horse shoes,basketball,heck I think they had more fun on the trampoline then anything lol. We made sure there was plenty of food,all different kinds.

We just left the gift giving up to the guest,we didn't say anything about gifts.

[DBackFan]

You were very lucky Sheila to have had your Son home for 2 weeks after boot camp. It is not an automatic thing. My Son completed basic training and went straight on to AIT. If I had not gone to Ft Sill to see him graduate I would not have seen him until after training. Unless you are straight infantry of course and my son wanted the training. (which was 6 mo long but he had 2 surgeries so will be awhile yet!)

Kim I hope you can see your Son after boot camp, but unless these kids have EVERYTHING in writing they MORE than likely will be lied to by the Military. Sorry to say but its true. The recruiters tell them what they want to hear.

Once again good luck to him and namy prayers for his safe return home.

[DAVESBABYDOLL]

I was lucky,after his two weeks home he went to El Paso.He (hopefully) will be home begining of April for a week...he got his orders,he leaves April 15th for Iraq,moved up from May 30.Being he is a sharp shooter/sniper he will be on patrol. I know where he is going,and as a mom,I am just without words at how scared I am.But here's my son showing me all the insurance papers...then says "mom,I'll bring you home a camel"

Needless to say, I sure am hoping for a camel in my back yard.


Good luck to your son Kim.

[Kimmartin]

Thank you all for your advice, & thoughts. My son is not coming home for awhile. Boot camp then off to TECH School which is right in Texas also. Once he gets done with that, he gets his "Orders". He tested high, so he was able to pick what field he wanted to go into. Engineering of some type. I have come up with a box decorated with Military stickers, and will put a picture of a computer above the box, also will stick some minature close pins that also have Planes on them, on the box for cash. I am not expecting a thing from anyone, other then a good time. Because of a few calls decided on the box. Also thinking of a raffle, winner to BUZZ his hair, not sure on that one yet though . Family bringing passing dishes. Hopefully here in Michigan the weather will be nice. Think of me on the 1st. Thanks again

[DAVESBABYDOLL]

I like the raffle idea, sounds like a lot of laughs to be had :)
Good idea too on the passing dishes.

Have fun and I'll be hoping for clear blue skies and a warm sun on the 1st :)