Grammy Camp
Grammy Camp is a great way to get the kids together and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Okay, I’m not a grammy but my good friend Julie Monroe is, and she hosts Grammy Camp for her lucky grandkids each summer. Her grandkids come from her stepson, ex-inlaw, ex-inlaws new husband, adopted child, and a good friend – you know, the all-American family — so it’s quite an eclectic group of campers. By hosting these Granny Camps each year since 2006, she’s created a wonderful reason for all of the grandkids to communicate together while planning their activities. It’s really brilliant.
In the past, the kids have played at the beach (she lives on Seabright!), explored redwood forests, and done the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Living in Santa Cruz is a big bonus! They also cook together, roast marshmallows at a beach bonfire, or stayed in their jammies for a “down day” to just hang out. Their favorite is going to the Boardwalk and getting wristbands so they can go on every ride – all day long! Julie’s favorite is hanging out with them as they wind down at the end of the day because that’s the time they open up and share their thoughts and feelings. On their drive back home at the end of Grammy Camp, they talk about and make plans for the next Grammy Camp.
This year, Julie also brought them to Merit Academy to learn about aquaponics, permaculture, beehives, and water catchment systems. Their grandpa is a key player in the beehive systems so they have heard all kinds of stories about our adventures in beekeeping. While they were here, they did a treasure hunt on our 2 acres to make it even more fun.
For those with grandkids who want to do Grammy Camps, Julie suggests that choosing activities that the kids will enjoy, but not filling up the days with too many activities. By allowing some down time, there’ll be more opportunities for getting to know one another. And, after all, isn’t that what this is all about? Creating memories and reconnecting with one another. Kudos to Julie and her Grammy Camps!