Grands to the Rescue: Summer Camps & Programs

Grands to theRescue: Summer Camps & Programs

Why you should consider paying for your grandchild’s summer experiences.

Toys, games, clothing and gear. As grandparents, it’s easy to go overboard with all the stuff! And frankly, most kids don’t need any more stuff. So, here’s a suggestion: Stop gifting “things” and start giving your grandchildren experiences. Paying for your grandchildren’s summer enrichment opportunities — think summer camps and classes — is a great way to give your grandkids invaluable experiences they’ll cherish forever, instead of stuff that will quickly get lost in the shuffle.

KIDS ARE EXPENSIVE It’s no secret that kids are expensive to raise — upwards of $230,000 each, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For many parents, providing anything beyond necessities can be difficult. However, as a grandparent, you’ve likely reached a level of financial stability you didn’t have 30 years ago. So, if your grandchild shows interest — and if it’s OK with their parents — you might consider funding all or part of your grandchild’s art classes, music lessons, sports enrollment or summer camps. These extras can provide life-long benefits for kids, and are much more valuable than that toy or video game on

18 Indy Grands Spring/Summer 2020 their wish list. (Bonus: Their parents will thank you for getting the kids out of the house — and not contributing to household clutter!)

CAMP IS FUN FOR EVERYONE Is there anything better than summer evenings eating s'mores and telling stories around the campfire at camp? How about sharing in the adventure with your grandkids?

Summer camps for grandparents and grandchildren are totally on trend in 2020, and have exploded in popularity among families looking to combine summer adventure for the kids with bonding opportunities with the grandparents. There are a ton of options available that vary in length, cost and focus. Some have an emphasis on nature, others focus on sports, but all are about strengthening the bond between grandparents and grandkids.

While admittedly expensive, most camps are weeklong, all-inclusive experiences, with small group sizes and lots of different activities. (And compared to the cost of a few video games, these camps are much more valuable!)

Here are three Midwest “grand” adventure camps worth considering:

Wolf Ridge Grandparent and Grandchild Grand Adventure wolf-ridge.org/camp/ grandparent-grandchild

Located in the beautiful backwoods of Minnesota is Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. Their “Grand Summer Adventure” is an intergenerational camp program where grandparents and grandchildren can bond with the natural world — and each other. This program includes all the typical summer camp experiences, and is designed for grandparents with grandchildren ages 6-11.

Grandparent/ Grandchild Outdoor Adventure in Shawnee National Forest roadscholar.org/find-anadventure/14848/outdooradventure-in-shawnee-nationalforest-with-your-grandchild/ dates

Illinois with your grandchild as you canoe, kayak, zipline, hike and rock-climb. Think the classic camp experience you had as a kid. This camp is best suited for more active grandparent/grandchild duos, and is geared toward grandkids 9-12.

Grandparent/ Grandchild Summer Camp in the Ozarks roadscholar.org/find-anadventure/14633/horsescanoes-summer-camp-in-theozarks-with-your-grandchild

Adventure awaits for you and your grandkids in Missouri! Grandparent-and-grandkid pairs will go horseback riding, canoe and explore the Eastern Foothills of the Ozarks. This camp is for tweens 10-12.

SUMMER OPTIONS FOR INDY KIDS Looking for an adventure closer to home? There are lots of day camps and special opportunities for Indy grandparents to connect with their grandkids.

Conner Prairie From art and archaeology to STEM and adventure, Conner Prairie offers a well-rounded menu of summer camps for Indy kids. This local gem also offers parent-child classes for a variety of age ranges that are perfect for a little extra grandparentgrandchild bonding.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis For Indy grandparents (and kids!), there’s no better resource than The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The Children's Museum offers engaging programs and special activities designed to get kids excited about learning. For grandparents looking for regular grandparentgrandkid bonding opportunities, consider a Grandparents Club Membership. This worth-thesplurge membership gives grandparents access to special benefits and with their grandchildren all year round.

Indianapolis Zoo Offered during school breaks and in the summer, Zoo camps incorporate age-appropriate activities to encourage discovery and appreciation of wildlife. Campers have the opportunity to make new friends, explore the Zoo and participate in games, crafts, presentations, animal visits and more. For grandparents looking for some QT with their grandkids, check out the Zoo’s Saturday Science Programs and Overnight Adventures.

Indianapolis State Museum For grandparents of younger kids, the Indianapolis State Museum is everything. Their Small Wonders and Young Explorers programs invite 3-5 and 4-6 year-olds, respectively, along with their parents, grandparents or caregivers to play and learn in the museum. These monthly programs are accessible, affordable and fun!

Indy Grands: adventures await you and your grandkids! This year, give your grandchildren the gift of experience — adventures that will shape their development, strengthen family bonds and open them up to the wide, wonderful world.