Descriptive Essay About Grandma Camp

The grandkids are staying for a few days. You have a nice time talking at breakfast, but after that they head for the sofa, and quickly check out with technology and television. They’re not talking to each other or you. How can you make their visit fun, engaging and memorable? Try hosting “Grandma Camp.” Most grandparents would love to spend special time with their grandkids, but just don’t know how to do it. They worry about keeping them busy, safe and happy. They worry about having the energy to care for them for hours too. Using a camp theme to structure the grandkids stay helps you handle the extra work and have fun doing it. Have a theme for your camp. Do you have a hobby or special skill? If you enjoy cooking, host a Chef’s Camp and

Have them make a keepsake craft related to it, add some research they can do, and some physical activity and you have a camp theme. For example, for Colonial Times Camp make a simple colonial soup they prepare vegetables for and make biscuits. Serve it in your “Colonial Inn” by candlelight. Have them research colonial trades and make signs for the Silversmith, etc. Play checkers, or hopscotch, or other colonial games. Visit a museum to see real artifacts. And, as an extra perk, if it’s Colonial Times, they will be getting away from technology for a

Play kick ball, or make a mini agility course. Have them bring their bikes and helmets, or go for a walk, but always supervise their outdoor activities carefully. If it’s rainy, pop in an exercise CD or have one of them be gym teacher and laugh together as Grandma tries to keep up. Prepare for cooking ahead with simple meals and healthy snacks they can help with. Plan where they will rest separately and have enough pillows and bedding., if they can bring sleeping bags that’s even better. In a pinch, use sofa cushions or exercise mats on the floor for young children who might roll off a sofa. Keep each child’s belongings in a laundry basket or box. Include a plastic bag for dirty clothes and another for camp keepsakes. Children, even teens, need some downtime and so will you. That’s when you can give them some limited tv or computer time. Pop in a short movie or watch something on You Tube that relates to your camp theme. Be aware of the Internet sites they are using. Don’t just assume, snoop and tell them why. At quiet time I always tell them “you don’t have to sleep, just rest quietly for a short while. Grandma needs to recharge.” I set a timer for 30 minutes. They usually cooperate and often doze off. Always be sure an adult is still awake and alert though. The younger ones should nap their normal