It's the time of year when parents are looking into summer camps -- day camps and sleep away -- for their children. But now there's something new in summer camps...grandparents and grandchildren camping together. As we Grandboomers approach retirement age...yes, it's true...we have more time and funds available to enjoy this type of arrangement.
Don't kid yourself, there's a lot more involved than just jumping into the car with your grandchild(ren) and heading off to a lakeside resort. Can you hold up for a day or two in a strange envrionment? Are you physically ready for the challenge? Does the child want to go to camp... and go to camp with you?
Once you decide it's a good thing to do, you have to look around for a camp that has programs that interest all of you. At this time, the list of grandparent/grandchild camps is minimal. To give you an idea about these camps, we've included activities and information on a couple below, but please note, we have no experience with either and what we have provided is informational only and not a recommendation.
You should make camp arrangements with the same thoroughness as you would any other purchase. A lot of research helps. Ask them to send you brochures or a DVD. Ask about accreditation, health care and safety precautions. You might want to check on menus to see that it contains items you and your grandchildren like to eat or can eat safely. Be clear on rates and the possibility of refunds in the event you need to cancel.
Here are two grandparent/grandchildren camps we found online. Their programs give you an idea of what's available, and their cost.
Sagamore is in New York state, about an hour and a half from Utica and two hours from Albany.
P.O. Box 40
Raquette Lake, NY 13436
Phone:(315)354-5311
Fax:(315)354-5851
E-mail: sagamore@telenet.net
Current Programs being presented:
A Grand Weekend (Jul 14 - Jul 16)
$335 per Grandparent; $235 per child. Instructors: Nancy Sue Foltz & Sagamore Staff Schedule: Check-in 4pm Friday; Check-out 10am Sunday
What's Included: Double occupancy room(s) for two nights; family-oriented outings & crafts with staff; Historic Walking Tour of Great Camp Sagamore; all Meals from Fri. dinner - Sun. breakfast This two-night program will concentrate on hikes, music or crafts and give you a taste of the weeklong program. Recommended for children 6-11.
A non-refundable deposit of $84 per grandparent and $59 per grandchild is required. Full payment for this week is due on March 1st, 2005. Grandparents may bring more than one child per adult, so long as they feel they can manage the added responsibility.
This is one sample program. Inquire directly from them about others.
The Grandkidsandme Foundation operates Camp Icaghowan, a YMCA Accredited Facility, located on a 120-acre island peninsula, 75 miles from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport near Amery, Wisconsin.
The Grandkidsandme Foundation
1764 Hampshire Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55116
Phone: (651)695-1988
This their seventh year of Grandkidsandme Grandparent Camps. Grandkidsandme Camp is a weekend adventure for grandparents of all ages and for grandchildren between 4-12.
According to their website: "Grandkidsandme Camps improves communication and bonding between grandparent and grandchild. Children learn independence and exposure to other children and adults. Grandparents acquire new skills from camp instructors. other grandparents as well as the children. Enjoy private time with your grandchildren in a peaceful, pristine environment-away from TV, away from headphones, telephones and video games. Our weekends are timed to not interfere with school. We begin with registration at 4:00 on Friday afternoon and conclude by 12:00 on Sunday."
Activities
Spring and fall outdoor activities include canoeing, a nature scavenger hunt and camp fires. Our indoor activities include, a Hoe-down with live music, Grandparent Tips, story telling, songs, craft making and many children's games.
Accommodations
All facilities are modern. The sleeping accommodations are new dormitories with bunk beds. You provide your own sleeping bag. We encourage you to share a room with another couple of the same sex to build friendship and bonding. Baths and showers are private and nearby. We have a large meeting room where we will host all indoor activities.
Pricing
$250.00 per adult; $225.00 per child; $205.00 per child for groups of 4 or more. The Grandkidsandme Foundation provides scholarships to families who require financial assistance to attend.
Grandparents and grandchildren going to camp together will be a growing industry as Grandboomers continue to age and our grandchildren grow. Grandboomers.com is interested in your experience. If you do decide to attend a camp with your grandchildren this summer, let us know how it went. What did you enjoy best? How did you make your choice? Would you do it again at the same or another camp? And, are there any pitfalls Grandboomers should watch for?
© 2012 Created by Myles Bristowe.
