Gone Camping

Gone Camping

 Are you a “long distance” grandparent?  My husband and I have been in the past to our five grandchildren, and I had been praying that God would help us with the unique challenges we face. I was eager to get started on something—but frustrated because I wasn’t sure what.  It wasn’t long until my prayer was answered. 
           
I had read many grandparenting books, so when my friend Linda brought me back another one from a conference she attended, I gratefully accepted it. Would I learn something new? I wondered, as she handed me the copy of Treasures of a Grandmother’s Heart by Esther Burroughs (New Hope Publishers).       
          
  I eagerly read the book, but when I got to the chapter entitled “Nana’s Summer Camp,” I knew I had found my answer.  The idea of providing a “camp-like” experience for our grandchildren (ages 3-7) where we could offer activities, family experiences, and lessons from the Bible captivated me.  The excitement became reality as plans developed for the first camp. As we planned the camp activities, we personalized each day’s activities for our situation, incorporating the children’s ages and interests.  This will be our third summer of “Nana Camp.” Again through the winter, I planned my theme (centered around a Bible truth) and collected appropriate materials. Now I can hardly wait until children’s voices fill our house and warm our hearts.
           
The joys of grandparenting are many, but our spirits especially soar when we hear from our daughters the various ways Nana Camp has impacted their children’s lives. This year our five-year old grandson, Andrew, even asked his kindergarten classmates, “Would you like to go to my Nana Camp?  It’s really cool!”  With thoughts of his precious sentiment echoing through my longing spirit, I can’t wait to hang my sign out, announcing that once again I have “gone camping!”