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Ah, it has been way too long since last I wrote. My only excuse is that "the world was too much with me"! I now hope to resume this blog by commiting to an entry at least once/week. This picture was taken the end of July this summer, at the end of our four day sojurn at my husband's brothers' "camp" in Peru, Maine. In addition to our 8 grand children, we had the pleasure of the company of our nephew, Dan, 14, and our nephew Rick's (and Rachel's) three children, Ethan, Ella and Caroline. Grand total: 12 children, 6 adults. I am happy to report that we all happily survived, with only a few bumps and scrapes (I injured Noah with the whipped cream can as I sought revenge after he squirted me in the house with the squirt gun I gave each one during Crazy Bingo!). Long story. Big mistake.
Anyhow, this tip today is about longevity, sort of.....we have now been going to "Camp Weinhold" for at least 8, possibly 9 years. The older children just love all the traditions of it: the food, the games, the activities, etc. The younger ones have seen pictures and heard tales, and can hardly wait to be a part of the scene. Now that they are all a bit older (youngest of ours, Jack, is now 5), it is much easier as they can entertain themselves a bit. We banned all electronics, except for an hour at dawn (but we still ended up playing Probe and Sorry then) and just before bed time. However, I don't remember them using their devices at night, except for perhaps the two older boys (Noah and Dan). Everyone also brought books, actual books, in case of inclement weather, which we did not have!
It is these "legends" of camp that will reside in their memories, carrying into adulthood, knowing that they had grownups who loved them enough to take them away to a place where they could romp and frolic all day long. We are used to the younger ones emulating, idolizing the older ones, but it is also true that the older ones can revert to their younger selves, acting silly and goofy and just free from the constaints of being "cool". I enjoy observing them just having fun as much as I do the little ones experiencing the things they've been hearing about for so long.
I don't think you have to have a camp to go to in order to provide this longevity of experience. I think the kids need stability and consistency whenever and wherever we grandparents can offer it. Perhaps a monthly gathering at your home where the children are involved in the meal set up and preparation and clean up. Perhaps an after-dinner activity, such as a performance or game playing or story telling. Something they can anticipate and know the routine. In today's crazy, whirling world in which they reside, this can be a bit of a haven. Try it; I am sure you (and they!) will like it!
Tip #55: Try to create a consistent "event" in which your grandchildren can participate on a weekly, monthly or even annual basis. This will create anticipation, set expectations, give the younger ones something to look forward to, the older ones something to tell tales about to the younger ones, and provide a sense of longevity for the family as a whole. We are here. We are not going away any time soon (we hope!). You are a part of us, and here is how you fit in with the extended family. We love you enough to want to be with you.
