One of my favorite things about Devoted Grandma is talking to fellow Grandmas. I have met so many extraordinary ladies from around the country (and the world!) and enjoyed hearing what you’re up to and your favorite things about being a Grandma. (You can email me anytime – I read all of them and respond!)
Recently, a fellow Grandma shared that she was hosting a week-long “Grandma camp” for her grandkids. I had never heard this term before and was instantly intrigued! In short, Grandma camp is where your grandkids come to stay without their parents, do fun activities, and go on different adventures. Isn’t that fun?
I couldn’t keep this ingenious concept to myself, so I researched and put together this short and sweet guide on hosting a fun and memorable Grandma camp for your grandkids. There is no wrong way to do it, so have FUN!!!
Planning Your Camp
Planning Grandma camp should be fun, so don’t stress out with the scheduling! Are your grandkids into dinosaurs, fairies, or spaceships? Keep their interests in mind and cook up activities just right for their age and passions. Remember: While it isn’t a boot camp, a little structure can go a long way, so jot down a basic plan for each day – but always keep room for surprises!
Fun-tivities
- Crafting Together: Be it painting masterpieces, knitting scarves, or constructing birdhouses, crafts can stir up creativity and giggles.
- Kitchen Capers: Let’s make some mess in the kitchen while we bake grandma’s secret cookie recipe or whip up a spaghetti dinner.
- Outdoor Adventures: How about a whimsical picnic, a day playing in the garden, or a scavenger hunt in the park? Nature is one giant playground waiting to be explored.
- Bookworm Buddies: There’s nothing quite like diving into a great book series together. Or, let them explore their own reading adventures!
- Dress-up Days: Who says every day can’t be Halloween? Space explorers on Saturday, pirates on Tuesday – the possibilities are endless.
It’s all in the details
- To make things a little more streamlined for you, plan your camp meals in advance – heck, you can even keep it simple and let the grandkids help prepare things like homemade pizza or colorful salads. (Don’t forget to stock up on snacks – kids are a bottomless pit!)
- Plan a little downtime for you and the grandkids (but mostly you, hehe). After a day of non-stop giggles and excitement, everyone needs a breather. How about a movie marathon, storybook time, or a peaceful nap under the trees?
- Make a keepsake of the day for all! Take LOTS of pictures so you can revisit the fun whenever you want. If you are like me, you can print the pictures later so your grandkids can assemble a small scrapbook of their adventures.
- Turn your living room into a campsite or the garden into a fairytale kingdom. A touch of imagination can make your home (and camp!) a whole new world.
Supplies
Keebler, Cookies and Crackers, Variety Pack
As I previously mentioned, kids go through a lot (and I mean A LOT) of snacks, so be sure to stock up before Grandma camp. (On a side note, what did we ever do before Amazon?)
7July Wooden Arts and Crafts Kits for Kids
Don’t feel like planning out a lot of crafts and activities? There is no need to plan when you get one of these fun all-in-one kits!
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera
Do you remember your old Polaroid camera? The Instax is the updated version and is perfect for capturing memories and printing them instantly.
Conclusion
Grandma Camp should be a delightful blend of giggles, hugs, and “remember when” moments. It’s not about ticking boxes but about making memories that will have us all smiling ear to ear for years to come. Enjoy, Grandmas – and let’s talk again soon!