It’s a Grand Time!

By Rev. David Berkey

As I write this, I am spending a few days with my youngest grandchildren – a nearly five-year-old and a one-year-old. It’s great to be a hero for a little while and have the opportunity to contribute to the nurture of a young child once again. And there is so much joy in the experience!

Did you know that there are over 70 million grandparents in the U.S. and 72% think being a grandparent is the single most important role in their lives? Studies show that as many as nine out of 10 adult grandchildren feel their grandparents influenced their beliefs and values. Plus, the support that relationship gives to parents is priceless.

Beyond the grandparent-grandchild role, uncles, aunts and other intergenerational family relationships are so important today. My brother is currently hosting my other grandkids at one of those Florida entertainment venues and the time spent together is forming a wonderful bond.

Crafts, games, activities and Bible stories are part of Grand Camp at Wesley Woods.

There are great opportunities to spend intergenerational time together outdoors through our camp and retreat ministries all year round. This summer, Grand Camp (at Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center in Dowling July 5-7) offers quality time for grandparents to introduce camping to their grandchildren. Uncles and aunts are welcome, too! 

A typical day at Grand Camp includes sleeping in comfy cabins, singing grace before meals at the dining hall or at outdoor picnic tables, Bible stories and fun activities like games, crafts, swimming, walks in the woods, archery and more! This special two-night camping experience often helps children feel comfortable and get acclimated to being away from home and opens the door to them going to mini camp (three nights) or a full six-night camp!

Four generation of Otsego Family Campers at Lake Michigan Campground.

Family gatherings are welcome at all of our sites. Memorial and Labor Day weekends are Family Camp time at Wesley Woods where you can reserve a cabin and enjoy camp life at your own pace. Lake Huron Retreat Center (north of Port Huron) offers an R&R Family Weekend those weekends as well. Lake Michigan Camp & Retreat (in Pentwater, between Muskegon and Ludington) is a family campground where cabins and platform tents form a gathering space for storytelling around the campfire. You can even bring your RV, travel trailer or tent. 

Campfires and roasting marshmallows are part of the family fun at Lake Huron Retreat Center’s R&R Family Weekends.

Time spent in building relationships in families across generations is perhaps one of the most important things we can do. Why not take the time this summer and build a long-lasting memory? Let Michigan Area United Methodist Camping help you!