Why should kids be the only ones who get to go to camp? The last few years have seen increased interest in camps for kids and grandparents. Grandparent camps vary widely in length, cost, activities and amenities. The emphasis can be on learning, nature, spiritual growth or a combination thereof. Many programs can be found through a web search, but here’s a sampling of some of the options.
Foundation for Grandparenting
Why not start with the granddaddy of them all? Since 1985, the Foundation for Grandparenting has sponsored Grandparents' and Grandchildren's Summer Camp at the Sagamore Conference Center, Raquette Lake, New York, in the heart of the Adirondack mountains. The foundation is headed by Arthur Kornhaber, M.D., who has written seven books on grandparenting. Today the program operates at Sagamore under the auspices of Elderhostel. This year’s camp is July 19-24. Cost for the Sunday through Friday camps is $693 per adult and $639 per child. Elderhostel runs a number of other intergenerational programs at Sagamore with varying dates, agendas and costs.
Other Elderhostel Programs
Elderhostel also operates a number of programs that can be loosely categorized as summer camps. Many Elderhostel programs are in exotic locales and therefore fairly pricey, but they are fantastic if you can afford the cost. They also operate a number of intergenerational programs for less than $600 per person. One of these, for example, is an four-day exploration of Chesapeake Bay in Maryland which includes beachcombing, cruising, visiting lighthouses and building a model sailboat. Elderhostel accommodations are usually hotels and resorts, although some, such as the river rafting trips, involve camping.
Grandkidsandme
Camp Icaghowan, a YMCA Accredited facility located near Amery, Wisconsin, is the scene of a weekend camp offered by Grandkidsandme. Activities include canoeing, campfires, crafts, storytelling and a hoedown with live music. Sessions offering grandparenting tips are also part of the program. The dates for 2009 are May 29-31. Cost is $280 per adult and $240 per child, with accommodations in new dormitories with nearby private showers.
Historical Virginia Camp
Stratford Hall Grandparent Camp allows participants to experience 18th-century life on a Virginia plantation. Held at Stratford Hall in Virginia, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, this camp is perfect for history buffs. Two sessions are offered in 2009, July 21-23 and July 28-30. Cost is $295 per person, and accommodations are provided in a guest house. Children from 6 to 12 are welcomed, and activities will include fishing and looking for fossils, as well as experiencing plantation life by sampling bricklaying, playing the recorder and cooking in an open-hearth kitchen. A five-day intergenerational camp is operated at Stratford Hall by Elderhostel and will take place July 13-17. Starting at $693 per person, this longer camp is open to children 9-12.
New Camp in North Carolina
In its second year, the Haw River State Park Grand Camp welcomes children who are rising 2nd to 6th graders and their grandparents. Haw River State Park is near Browns Summit, North Carolina. Activities will include hiking, fishing and a bird-a-thon. Cost is $110 per person for one of two sessions, Aug. 10-12 or Aug. 17-19. Accommodations are in a cabin or motel. One unusual aspect of Haw River State Park is that it is in the early stages of development as a park, so is not open for public use. The conference center that is one of the few facilities was previously owned by the Episcopal Diocese.
Grandparent University
A slightly different type of grandparent camp is offered at some universities. Typically these two or three day camps allow grandparents and grandchildren to sleep in university housing, take classes together and visit neighboring attractions. Obviously the university is trying to attract future students, and the welcome should be warm. One caveat, as you are searching for these programs, the term "grandparent university" is also widely used for programs for grandparents raising grandchildren.
- University of North Texas
- University of Wisconsin
- Oklahoma State University (for legacy students)
- Michigan State University
Church Camp
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and you’re a person of faith, church camp may be just the ticket. More and more church camps are offering a grandparent/grandchild experience, and they are usually open to participants of all faiths. Some of these will be primarily the usual camping experiences, with some singing and devotionals around the campfire. Others will have a heavier spiritual component. Hundreds of these camps are available; those listed below are only a sample.
