My friend Judy has mentored me without even realizing it. You see, she is ahead of me by about eight years and she’s been a grandmother longer than I have. Over the years I’ve watched her building friendships with her grandchildren and I’ve copied many of the things she’s done. 

Every summer for ten years she has hosted “Camp Grandma.” She began with two brothers, ages four and six and camp lasted for just a few days. Now her camp has eight grandchildren and lasts a week. (See her photo). The children have to be four years old to attend. And no parents are allowed! 

Judy’s camp is full of planned activities and yes, laid back, unplanned time. She also has chores or responsibilities for each child! Each child is in charge of making something or helping prepare for dinner. One year they created “Wacky Wednesday” in which two girl cousins planned the menu for the day including green eggs and ham, “hand sandwiches” (shaped like a hand), “roast beast” and “kitty litter” cake! Her grands love to stay up late, fish, read Bible stories, and create plays. She has taught them all to play tennis on the local courts. Bingo has become a favorite indoor game. It takes no skill and everyone loves the silly prizes.  

Judy’s oldest grandsons are now seventeen and fifteen. At this age, you might think they wouldn’t want to come to “Grandma Camp.” But they have planned their whole summer around it. They serve as “staff” and they wouldn’t miss it. Camp has become the place cousins really get to know each other. It is a time in which children have rich blessings: spending time with their grandparents and making memories to share with future generations.  

Oh, did I tell you that John and I are hosting our first “Cousins Camp” next week? We’ll have five grandchildren for three days. We’ll let you know how it goes!