First Things First

So, you’re thinking about hosting a Grandkids Camp? Here are a few preliminary considerations.

Purpose

Why? That’s the best place to start! Why are you considering Grandkids Camp for your grandkids? Is there something you hope to accomplish? Answering these questions will help you build the framework of a grand adventure perfectly suited to you, your grand-campers, and your situation.

Possible goals:

WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

Name

What’s in a name? Haha! There are a few different names you could use for your events: Cousins Camp, Nana Camp, Grandkids Camp, Camp Cool, anything! Choose whatever fits your purpose and goals.

For example, we chose Grandkids Camp, because:

• Grandpa. Grandma AND Grandpa are both involved, so we didn’t want Nana or Grandma Camp.
• Relationships. We wanted to focus on OUR relationships with our grandchildren, not their relationships with each other, so we didn’t choose Cousins Camp.
• Cool is tough. It’s a lot of pressure to be cool all the time, so we didn’t go with Camp Cool! Haha!

WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR CAMP?

When and How Often

How often do you want to host Grandkids Camp? And when is the best time?

Some factors to weigh:

• Your Stamina! This is a biggie! Truth is, as your grand-loves grow in age and number, YOU will also grow in age but not in number! Think about this! But, you can always make adjustments as the odds shift ever not in your favor over time.
• School. If grandkids are in school, you could hold camp on a break or during the summer.
• Weather. Depending on where you are holding your camp, the weather could be a big factor. Make sure the location and time of year ensure weather will align with your plans and activities.
• Cost. Grandkids Camp can be planned to cost a lot or a little, but you will want to determine a budget and then see how that influences the frequency, duration, location and more.
• Travel. If you have grand-cuties living some distance away, gathering everyone is a bit more challenging.
• Keeping it Special! This event is more than just Sunday dinner or a day at the lake, so choose a frequency that preserves its grand status.

HOW OFTEN WILL YOU HOLD CAMP?
WHEN WILL YOUR CAMP OCCUR?

Attendees

Who should be invited to your grand camp? Your first response is probably, “Everyone!”

But, what about these points:

• Babies. Any grandbabies who are still babies and need diapers changed, bottle-feedings, and white noise machines to sleep are probably not your best grandkids camp candidates! You could include them with their parents (like we do for Opening and Closing Ceremony) or just wait until they are older.
• Toddlers. Grand-toddlers are also tough to include, because of diapers, naps, needing to be carried, and more. We included a toddler for our first camp, because we only had three grandkids who were all siblings. Our adult-to-child ratio was a manageable 2:3; we put a portable crib in the tent; and their mom and dad helped out in between activities. Since that first year, we had had toddlers come only for Opening and Closing Ceremony as well.
• Youngsters. Grandkids about 3-12 years old are a fun group for which to plan.
• Teens. Grand-teens are so awesome, and you can plan some more challenging, high-adventure, and unique experiences with them. You can also ask for their ideas. If you have both teens and youngsters, there are lots of activities that will fit them all!
• Parents. What about parents? Contemplate the pros and cons. PROS: Extra help! Extra transportation! CONS: There is a different dynamic when the parents attend; they may “get in the way” so to speak!

WHO WILL YOU INVITE TO CAMP?

Length

Do you want to have your grandkids overnight? Maybe to go camping? Or to travel somewhere? Will the grandkids be comfortable? Will you get any sleep?! Haha! You don’t have to do the same length of time each camp.

Here are some ideas:

• You. How do YOU feel about it? Grandkids Camp is so fun and exciting that it will also be exhausting! Try to accurately assess your personal limits.
• Parents. How do the PARENTS feel about it? Are they okay with overnight? With several days?
• Grandkids. How do the GRANDKIDS feel about it? It’s important to gauge their self-confidence and self-sufficiency.
• Options. With these points in mind, you could do a few hours, a full day, a weekend, or longer!

HOW LONG WILL YOUR CAMP BE?

Budget

How much do you want to spend? Setting a budget is never fun, but if you don’t start with a budget, you’ll go overboard, because…it’s your grandchildren! A great Grandkids Camp does not have to be costly.

Just remember:

• Your purpose. Go back to your “why?” Camp is all about time and attention, listening, laughing, sharing and being together. Those things can happen without spending a lot of money.
• Ways to save. Look into ways you can stretch your dollars: making things yourself, using what you already have on hand, reusing things from year to year, shopping sales, bulk, or discount stores, ask parents to help make things, donate food, or contribute in other ways.
• Prioritize. Decide what matters most to you and spend your money there first. If you find a suggestion on this site that isn’t in your budget, skip it! Or modify it!

WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?

Parent Permission

How do the parents of your grand-treasures feel? Parents peace of mind is a critical element of a successful Grandkids Camp. Each parent in your crew is an individual with his/her own concerns, fears, and parenting style. The only way GK Camp thrives is with the support and excitement of the parents. Every year, I talk to them about dates, places, activities, safety measures, and anything else they want to know BEFORE finalizing the plans. For example, if we do any water fun, I promise them that every grandchild will wear a lifejacket, sunscreen, and have constant supervision… and then WE DO IT!

Help them be on board:

• Share details. Always share enough information about your plans to ease their worries.
• Listen. Hear their concerns. Answer their questions and ask for their feedback. Communicate respectfully and make sure they are comfortable with all your plans.
• Comply. Assure them you will adhere to their reasonable requests. If you can’t accommodate all their requests, just give them some other options, like joining you, bringing their child(ren) to the activities they choose to, or not participating.
• Send Updates. Send lots of pics, texts, polos, and videos to parents regularly throughout camp to keep them informed and reassured. You’ll love having all these captured moments to look back on later.

ARE YOUR PARENTS ALL IN?

Split Camps

Maybe two is better than one? After a few years and a few more grandkids, we decided to implement a split-camp format: Junior and Senior Camps.

Several factors prompted this change:

• Ages. We have grand-cuties of all ages, from 0 to 15 years old! That complicates every aspect of GK Camp.
• Numbers. We’re badly outnumbered! It’s now TWO against FOURTEEN! That’s four arms against 28 arms! Four old legs against 28 energetic, always-running legs! And four aging eyes to keep track of 14 grand-bodies!
• Transportation. With fourteen grandkids, we would have to rent a school bus to go anywhere all together!
• Connection. We can give more time and attention to our grand-participants when we divide them into two groups.

WOULD TWO CAMPS WORK BETTER FOR YOU?