FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Some questions frequently asked by parents and prospective cadets.
- Is there a cost to the parent or cadet?
- What ages do you accept?
- When can I visit my cadet?
- How often do the cadets get to come home?
- My child is taking prescription medication. How is this handled?
- Do we have to buy any clothing?
- When does the next class start?
- Will I notice a change in my child?
- What does my child need to bring to the Academy?
- What is the mailing address to send mail to my cadet?
- Should other family and friends send mail to cadets?
- Can I send cookies or other food items to my cadet?
- What items can I send to my cadet?
- How can I communicate with my Cadet?
- What is the hardest part of the program?
- What is the easiest part of the program?
- How can I get ready for the physical part of the Academy?
- What is the food like at BCA ?
- Can I watch TV or listen to music at BCA?
- Do I get to go home to visit?
Q. Is there a cost to the parent or cadet?
A. Parents are not required to pay tuition or other costs associated with the program. The course is free to those accepted; however some clothing items may have to be purchased. Return to the top
Q. What ages do you accept?
A. Applicants must be between 16 and 18 years of age on the start date. Return to the top
Q. When can I visit my cadet?
A. Visitation is not allowed during the first two weeks. Visitation after the first two weeks is limited to a one hour birthday visit, parents must call for approval to visit the Academy. Birthday visits are limited to immediate family members only. Return to the top
Q. How often do the cadets get to come home?
Cadets are given two or three passes while at the Academy the first pass is over the family day weekend. Normally the others are in conjunction with holidays such as Easter, Mothers Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. Return to the top
Q. My child is taking prescription medication. How is this handled?
A. The Academy medical staff will administer prescription and non prescription medications to all cadets as required. Return to the top
Q. Do we have to buy any clothing or other items?
A. Yes you may have to purchase some items.
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Q. When does the next class start?
A. Classes start twice a year, in January and July. Return to the top
Q. Will I notice a change in my child?
A. Many parents report positive changes in their cadet upon graduation and others have reported positive changes as early as the first pass. Return to the top
Q. What does my child need to bring to the Academy?
A. You will receive a list of items candidates will need to bring with them on opening day. Return to the top
Q. What is the mailing address to send mail to my cadet?
A. The mailing address is
Bluegrass Challenge Academy
Cadet ( First - Last Name)
Platoon (Name or Number)
2377 Brave Rifles Regt. Ave.
Fort Knox, KY 40121 Return to the top
Q. Can other family and friends send mail to cadets?
A. Yes, we encourage all family members and friends to write to their cadet. Receiving letters from home is very important to the cadets.
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Q. Can I send cookies or other food items to my cadet?
A. No, according to to the Blue Book (The Cadet Handbook), Cadets are not permitted to receive food items. Return to the top
Q. What items can I send to my cadet?
A. The only items you may send are items such as, T- shirts, underwear, tennis shoes, writing supplies, stamps and personal hygiene products etc:. If you are unsure about an item please contact the academy to check if it is permitted. Return to the top
Q. How can I communicate with my Cadet?
A. The best way to communicate with your cadet is through letters. Write to your cadet often, mail is very important to the cadets. Ask brothers, sisters, other family members, and friends to write also. Mail is delivered to the cadets Monday-Friday.
No earlier than the second weekend and no later than the fourth weekend telephone privileges are granted. Each cadet is then allowed one five-minute call.
Cadets cannot receive or send email, however parents and family may send email messages to the cadets for the first week only.
A link will be set up on the Contact Us page for this.
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Q. What is the hardest part of the program?
A. The first two weeks at the Academy are the hardest for many cadets. You are learning to adapt to a new environment. Everything is new and you must learn to adjust to your new life style. You are learning to share a room with 3 other people. You must learn to take quick showers, make your bunk and many other things. Return to the top
Q. What is the easiest part of the program?
A. Some cadets have no problems adjusting to life at the BCA so the entire experience for them appears easy. For cadets, things continue to get better and easier as time goes on. Many cadets say the easiest part comes after they take their GED test. Once you settle down into a daily routine things get easier, time flies by and before you know it, you have graduated. Return to the top
Q. How can I get ready for the physical part of the Academy?
A. Begin slowly; don't overdo it at first. Begin by walking or jogging every day. Every week run a little further. If you are able to run one mile or more before coming to BCA you should have no problems with the physical part.
Start doing a few push-ups and sit-ups each day and do more each week. If you are able to do 25 push-ups and 25 sit-ups before coming to BCA you should have no problems with the physical part. Don't risk an injury by over exercising. You should be able to reach these goals at home within 4-6 weeks. Return to the top
Q. What is the food like at BCA ?
A. The food is great and you will receive plenty of it. BCA has a cafeteria style dining facility with many choices available. Meals are traditional style meals that are well balanced, nutritious, tasty, and filling. We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Milk, juices, salads, fruits are offered with meals. Return to the top
Q. Can I watch TV or listen to music at BCA?
A. Television, tape players, CD players, iPods, or MP3`s are not allowed. However, you may be allowed to view television during class if the show is educational and relates to the class subject. Later in the class individuals who have earned the privilege may have a small radio.
This is explained in the Blue Book.(The Cadet Handbook) Return to the top
Q. Do I get to go home to visit?
A. Yes. You are given two or three passes during the class.
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