Recently, our friends visited Parris Island to see their recruit graduate from boot camp.   They had a good time and I learned some valuable tips.  Read below for three things to do before you visit. This post contains affiliate links for which parrisIsland.com will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Tip 1.  Remember to sign up for the free Wednesday Marine Corps 101 Behind the Scenes Tour  as soon as you find out your son or daughter’s graduation date.  Our friends did not realize they could sign up early; by the time they found out, it was too late and they missed it.  They could have stopped by the Parris Island Museum for a pamphlet showing points of interest for a self-guided driving tour or maybe arrived early to see if someone canceled, but if you sign up early, you will have a ticket and a seat.   Check in time is no later than 9:00 AM at the Douglas Visitor’s Center the morning of your tour.

Tip 2.  You can also sign up early for the  Thursday Family Night Dinner with the Depot Command, Click on the link to get to the sign up page with current prices.

Tip 3. Bring umbrellas, like this portable one from Amazon.  It even has vents to keep the wind from lifting your umbrella during the storm.   The Command will move the graduation indoors if it is raining, but you may get caught in the rain during Family Day or while walking to the All Weather Facility.  If the graduation is held inside, please be kind and do not stand up during the ceremony because you block the view of the people sitting behind you.

In order to have a wonderful time at the graduation, sign up for the Marine Corps 101 Behind the Scenes Tour, sign up early if you want to have dinner with the Depot Command, bring an umbrella just in case it rains and did I mention insect repellant?  Yes, insect repellant like no Natz or Skin so soft for the sand fleas is a must to ward off those pesky sand fleas, (aka no see ums) and mosquitoes.  Following these easy steps will enhance your trip.