Cadets have a host of extracurricular activities available

Academy cadets engage in a variety of extracurricular activities, the majority of which are managed by the Directorate General of Student Activities office (DCA). 113 sports and non-sports clubs are sponsored and run by DCA. Throughout their stay at the school, many students join a variety of groups and find that their club time provides a much-needed break from the rigors of student life. DCA is also in charge of a number of initiatives that enhance the quality of life for its students, including three student eateries including the Cadet Store, Howitzer, and Bugle Notes.

The Bugle Notes, commonly referred to as the "plebe bible," is the handbook of plebe knowledge, whereas the Howitzer is the annual yearbook. All plebes are required to learn a vast amount of plebe knowledge throughout cadet basic training, which consists of customs, songs, poetry, tales, and information about the school, the army, the Old Corps, and the rivalry with the Navy. Plebes are supposed to respond to any questions regarding their subject matter that cadets from higher classes may pose to them during their first year. These pieces of knowledge are of a historical nature that cadets can find information in Bugle Notes. However, there is also some knowledge that changes daily, such as "days" (a continuous list of days until important academy events), the canteen's menu of the day, or even stories in the New York Times.

Every academic year, there is at least one "class weekend" celebration for each cadet class. Plebe Parent Weekend is held the first weekend of spring vacation and is attended by fourth-class cadets. Yearling Winter Weekend is a celebration of the winter season for third-class cadets held in February. The second-class cadets commemorate the final 500 days before graduation with 500th Night in late January while first-class cadets celebrate three official events. They enjoy Ring Weekend in late August, 100th Night in February to celebrate their last 100 days, and a full week of activities in May that ends with graduation. Every one of the "class weekends" includes a formal supper and a social dance in Eisenhower Hall called a "hop," in the language of the old cadets.

To conclude, cadets have a host of extracurricular activities available at West Point:

• 113 sports and non-sports clubs are sponsored and operated by the Directorate of Student Activities (DCA).
• 3 cafeterias that improve the quality of life for students include Cadet Store, Howitzer, and Bugle Notes.
• every academic year, there is at least one "class weekend" celebration for each cadet class.
• Plebe Parent Weekend for fourth-class cadets.
• Yearling Winter Weekend for third-class cadets in February.
• The second-class cadets commemorate the final 500 days before graduation in late January.
• The first-class cadets celebrate three official events: Ring Weekend in late August, 100th Night in February, and a full week of activities in May.