A Grandparent’s Guide to Summer Camps That Nurture Grandkids’ Faith

Written by Scott Larsen, Development Director for Legacy Coalition & Sherry Schumann, President of Christian Grandparenting Network

Summer Camp! Those two powerful words can bring back so many memories.

Have you considered helping your grandchildren go to camp this summer? Or have you thought about going to camp with them? Below is some great information and options to consider as you plan your summer activities.

Sending a Grandchild to Camp or Going to Family Camp

Scott Larsen, Executive Director of Twin Lakes Bible Camp in NW Iowa, shares that Bible camp has a long history of being a life-changing experience, and for good reason. With age-appropriate Bible instruction, energetic worship, mentoring, and outdoor adventure, it’s a powerful package!

As a camp professional for the past 20 years, Scott sees the impact firsthand. He encourages grandparents to consider camp for their grandkids and even go with them. Here are a few of the reasons:

1. Transformed Lives

At camp, young people have the mental room to consider some of the most important issues of life. This break from the craziness of their regular routine allows campers to think about their future, evaluate unhealthy patterns, and discover the truth that God loves them and has an amazing plan for their lives.

2. Nature

Campers explore nature, participate in new adventures, and test their limits in a healthy environment surrounded by the grandeur of God’s creation. Studies show that kids average less than four minutes a day playing outside. At camp, the majority of their day is outside in God’s creation.

3. Community

In a setting separate from their daily routine, with an opportunity to shed the expectations and pressures of others, campers are freed up to truly be themselves, to live above artificial limitations and blossom into who they were created to be. Everyone belongs.

4. Friendships

Good friends who exert positive peer pressure can make all the difference in a kid’s life. Friendships with caring adults and other campers, forged through shared experience and the compressed time at camp, can last a lifetime and provide a connection that helps young people navigate the challenges of life.

5. Mentors

According to researchers, kids spend on average 40 minutes in meaningful conversation with their parents each week. At camp, caring adults, counselors, and mentors come alongside campers, helping them think through decisions and experiences in a way that will prepare them for their future. Many campers point back to a positive role model they met at camp as one who helped shape the direction of their lives.

As grandparents, we can encourage camp. We can provide camp as a gift for a birthday or Christmas. Family camp is a wonderful option as well. We know many families who have chosen family camp for several generations, and they attend summer after summer. The stories they tell are evidence of significant spiritual impact and greater family relationships because of their time together at camp.

A couple words of guidance:

• When you find a camp, ask them questions – about their statement of faith, safety procedures, daily schedule, lodging descriptions, food service…. We suggest looking at the Christian Camp and Conference Association – a trusted organization for Christian camps.
• Family camps might be the best fit, especially for the first experience.
• Talk to the kids about activities that are important to them and match a camp with those interests.

Taking a Grandchild to GrandCamp

Did you know there is another amazing opportunity for grandparents to camp with their grandchildren? Sherry Schumann, the President of Christian Grandparenting Network, shares what GrandCamp is below.

1. The History

In 1998, God gave Cavin Harper a vision to bring grandparents and grandchildren together for a grand faith adventure in the beautiful Pikes Peak region in Colorado. Faithful to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Cavin and his wife, Diane, established GrandCamp. In addition, Cavin founded a grandparent ministry now known as Christian Grandparenting Network.

For years, the initial GrandCamp served hundreds of grandparents and their grandchildren, ages seven to twelve, until it wasn’t able to meet the growing demand. The ministry decided to take the GrandCamp experience to a national level by offering a program model for various camps, churches, and denominations. Today, there are multiple GrandCamps in the United States and Canada, and more are being planned by Christian Grandparenting Network each year.

2. Experience & Format

Each GrandCamp is unique. If you or your grandkids want to rock climb, pack your bags for the Colorado Rockies. If you all want the sun and sand, sign up for St. Simons Island.

While each GrandCamp location offers different experiences, all are based upon the original design format. This format includes daily intergenerational Bible teachings led by a staff member, fun outdoor activities, Scripture memorization, and evening family-time devotions led by grandparents in the privacy of their room (all the materials you need are provided). Every GrandCamp concludes with the blessing ceremony.

3. Daily Schedule

Each day begins bright and early with breakfast, followed by morning worship and an intergenerational Bible lesson based on the theme. These lessons are fun and engaging; more importantly, they are steeped in God’s Word.

During the second half of the morning, grandparents and grandchildren are separated for ninety minutes. Grandparents attend grandparent classes, affectionately known as GrandBits, where they discuss what it means to be godly and intentional grandparents. Meanwhile, grandchildren spend time with youth leaders who lead them in activities such as arts, games, and Bible stories, all designed to reinforce the theme.

Afternoon and evening activities depend upon the location and culture of the camp. It could be playing Marco Polo in the Olympic-size pool, playing pickleball, ziplining, competing in a scavenger hunt, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, horseback riding, or relaxing in the sun. Those who are adventurous may even want to attend one of the GrandCamps in Canada. Look at the great variety of options and choose the one that matches your grandchildren’s interests and age.

Evening activities are varied as well. There is one thing for sure that will happen – FUN!

As the sun sinks below the horizon, the evening activities come to an end. Grandparents and grandchildren retire to their rooms where grandparents lead personal family devotions using the Scripture passages, discussion questions, and prayers provided in their programs.

Start Planning Now!

Now is a great time to discuss camp, make plans, and get everyone signed up!

• If you are interested in more information about GrandCamps, visit this link.
• If you live in the Midwest and want to join Twin Lakes Camp for Grandparents, visit this link.

Summer camp experiences can help you make memories that last a lifetime as you enjoy faith-focused conversations with your grandkids. Chances are, you will leave camp closer together and loving Jesus more. It is certainly worth the investment!

Summer is fast approaching, so do not delay! Start planning today.