One doesn’t have to look at the calendar to know that summer is fast approaching. The length of our days and intensity of the sun have increased, resulting in higher temperatures than we experienced last month. Various shades of green signify new growth on the deciduous trees lining our neighborhoods, and depending on where you live, the hummingbirds have returned to their feeders.  With a renewed skip in their step, our grandchildren eagerly count down the days left in the current school year.

Our grandchildren’s summer vacation affords us the opportunity to spend increased, quality time with them. The question we have to ask ourselves: how will we spend the time?

Christian Grandparenting Network has the privilege and joy of promoting GrandCamp throughout the United States and in Canada. This article is different than most, however. Instead of talking with you about attending GrandCamp, I am asking you to consider hosting a camp for your grandchildren in the comfort of your home.

The good news is that you don’t have to recreate the proverbial wheel. Christian Grandparenting Network is here to help with format, curriculum, discipling tools, and tons of fun ideas. Let’s begin with four steps (pray, plan, prepare, and celebrate) and a detailed explanation for each. 

PRAY

GrandCamp is an adventure, and before embarking on any adventure, we need to commit it to the Lord. Scripture says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV). 

Remember to bless the Lord by glorifying him and giving thanks for your grandchildren, their parents, and the opportunity to share your faith with them. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your plans and preparations, so you fulfill the Lord’s will for your camp. Mention each of your grandchildren (and any others who are attending the camp) by name and pray for their salvation. Ask God to bless your camp and glorify himself in this adventure.

PLAN

Yogi Berra said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Plans are important not only for baseball but for your DIY GrandCamp.

First, it’s imperative you include your grandchildren’s parents in your plans. Ask their permission. Discuss calendar dates, travel arrangements, which grandchildren are attending (if not all), meal plans, and medical concerns. Address any other concerns the parents have. You may even want to discuss the idea of ending the camp with a huge celebration for the entire family. 

Secondly, you need to decide on a theme. We offer different theme paks or curriculums in our online GrandCamp store. All the paks are affordable, downloadable, and contain the signature pieces unique to GrandCamp. These signature pieces include intergenerational devotions, Scripture memorization, opportunities to create lasting memories, and the spoken blessing. For more information about our curriculums and the spoken blessing, please see GrandCamps Store – Christian Grandparenting Network.

Thirdly, you need to plan your daily GrandCamp schedule. We recommend you have devotions following breakfast, given that everyone is refreshed after a night’s sleep. Normally, the afternoons are reserved for family activities and outings such as swimming, visiting a children’s museum, building a tent, or hiking the trails at a local park. You may want to consider having s’mores or a family movie night, complete with popcorn, in the evening.

Your daily schedule can be detailed or general, depending on what works best for your style. It is important you hold your schedule loosely. It needs to have built-in flexibility for bad weather, an upset stomach, or the need for naps. 

Remember: GrandCamps are designed to create long lasting memories that make everyone smile!

PREPARE

The more you prepare in advance, the more time you will have to enjoy your grandchildren. Therefore, we highly recommend you keep a to-do list and shopping list as soon as you begin planning. Check off each item as soon as you complete it. Keep meals simple. You don’t want to spend your time in the kitchen, unless preparing a meal is one of your family activities.

CELEBRATE

You have diligently prayed, planned, and prepared. Finally, the date on the calendar reads, “First day of GrandCamp.” Your precious grandchildren arrive in a burst of energy, eager to spend time with you in the comfort of your home.

DIY GrandCamp creates a special opportunity for you to “do life” with your grandchildren. It’s important to remember that life sometimes gets messy. Grandchildren squabble or become homesick; a shifting weather pattern brings storms the day you plan to swim. Your grandchildren are like sponges, watching how you deal with life’s messy moments. GrandCamp affords you the opportunity to show them a grace-filled life. Together with your precious grandchildren, you will draw into a closer relationship with Christ, celebrating God’s goodness and love and his design for family. 

Recommended resources for DIY GrandCamp:

• GrandCamp Field Guide by Cavin Harper and Gwen Colfer (GrandCamp Field Guide – Christian Grandparenting Network)
• Cousin Camp by Susan Yates (Cousin Camp – Susan Alexander Yates)

For more information about GrandCamp, please see GrandCamps – Christian Grandparenting Network