Grand Camp: 101
A Personal Retreat with Your Grandchild
For four summers, I had the joy of taking my oldest grandson, Nathaniel, to Grand Camp. However, by the fifth summer, he had “aged out”. He was very sad. So, I decided to have a “Grand Camp: One on One”. It was Grand Camp in 24 hours! I reserved a room for us at a local Christian retreat center, Camp St. Christopher. Soon, we were off together.
“Nina Camp” began at noon on a Monday when I picked up Nathaniel. In the front seat of my car were three items waiting for him: a blind fold, a Bible story book and a small gift. As I tied the blind fold around his head, his mom took our picture. This picture was the first one of many in a Memory Book I later compiled for him. “Nina Camp” is building a memory to last a life time. The Old Testament calls it an “Ebenezer” or a “stone of remembrance”. My goal for the overnight was to build and document a memory for Nathaniel. I want him to always know Jesus loves him – and so do I!
Once in the car, I began the first of five conversations I had strategically planned for our time together. These conversations were built on the key verse from Grand Camp, Ephesians 2:10. Blindfolded, Nathaniel sat in darkness. Due to sin each of us begin life in darkness. We talked about what it is like to be in such a state. But God, the Creator, did not leave us in darkness. Instead, He redeemed us and brought us to Him. Nathaniel took off his blindfold. In the brightness of the day, he looked at the Bible storybook I had brought. We talked about the Creator, His creation and how we are His masterpiece.
As we drove onto Seabrook Island, Nathaniel opened his gift. It was a paperback book on heroes of the faith. Nathaniel loves to read, especially at the beach. This book, inscribed by me, was to be another part of his “Ebenezer”. It was a token for him to keep as a remembrance of our time together. Also, it was a word of encouragement about men who have lived their lives for Christ.
The twenty-four hours flew. We enjoyed beach time, meals in the Dining Hall and even some card playing on the porch. Scattered throughout our retreat were the intentional conversations. Some talks were brief lasting only a few minutes. Other talks were longer and more meaningful. I ended our “Nina Camp” with a short Spoken Blessing reminding Nathaniel he is God’s masterpiece.
Over the next few weeks, I look forward to assembling the Memory Book. I’m entitling it “Your Ebenezer”. God has mighty plans for Nathaniel. Yet, he lives in a challenging world. I pray this book will be a concrete reminder of our sweet time together, the special love of his Nina and, most importantly, the deep love of his heavenly Father.
If you would like a copy of the schedule for “Grand Camp One-on-One”, information on the talks or to plan your own Grand Camp for your grandchild, contact Catherine at cathy@passthelegacy.com
What is GRAND Camp?
Grand Camp is one of the best weeks of the summer! It is a power-packed experience where grandparents bring their grandkids, ages 6 – 12, to the sandy shores of South Carolina for five days of building life-long memories. Originally, this national camp program was organized by Cavin Harper of Christian Grandparenting Network. For seven years, Pass the Legacy Ministry has joined the Diocese of SC to bring this amazing experience to the Charleston area.
Each morning the “Grand Campers” meet for interactive worship and Bible stories. Later, the grandparents slip off to “Grand Bits”, a 90-minute workshop designed to encourage and inform them of practical ways to lead their grandchildren to the Lord. Meanwhile, the children are led in age-appropriate Bible stories, related crafts and multiple activities. The afternoons are filled with everyone swimming, kayaking and walking along the beach. In the evenings, grandparents and grandkids gather together around a campfire singing songs, telling stories and making sticky S’mores. The highlight of the week comes on the last night as “The Blessing Ceremony” is enjoyed. In this special chapel service, grandparents speak words of blessing over their grandchildren and often share a special token of remembrance. Truly, it is the conclusion of a week filled with lasting memories and life-changing relationships.
For more information, contact Cheryl Cargill at ccargill49@gmail.com
The GRANDEST Camp
Version 1
Eighty plus “grands” gathered eagerly together
On the shimmering shores of the North Edisto River.
To learn, to play, to grow in the Lord
As two generations bonded in one sweet accord.
We trekked to the “Mud Pit” on the first day.
To grandkids delight! To grandparents dismay?!
Kayaks and seining were other fun choices.
The five days flew by as we laughed with our voices.
The mornings were spent with a more serious bent.
To catch God’s vision, to learn The Word’s intent.
For Godly grandparenting is not our western worldview.
We think it’s a choice, or not particularly true.
This year we learned we’re the Lord’s “masterpieces”
Planned by God as His Creation increases.
Each day He’s prepared good works to be done
As we seek to serve Jesus, His only Son.
This cherished time of families united
Concludes with a service where God’s blessings are cited.
A bright future is pictured for each precious child
As grandparents speak words carefully compiled.
Yes, evening campfires and morning musters
Are put “on hold” as our lives refocus.
We say our “good byes” and seek God’s ways
Hoping to return to GRAND Camp one day.
“For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
Key Verse for 2017
Grand Camp 2018:
June 18 – 22, 2018
Camp St. Christopher
Contact ccargill49@gmail.com for more information
The GRANDEST Camp
Version 2
Eighty plus “grands” gather expectantly together
On the shimmering shores of the North Edisto River.
To learn, to play, to grow in the Lord
As two generations bond in one sweet accord.
We trek to the “Mud Pit” on the first day.
To grandkids delight! To grandparents dismay?!
Kayaks and seining are other fun choices.
The five days fly by as we laugh with our voices.
We devote the mornings to a more serious bent.
To catch God’s vision, to learn The Word’s intent.
For Godly grandparenting is not our western worldview.
We think it’s a choice, or not particularly true.
This year we learn we’re the Lord’s “masterpieces”
Planned by God as His Creation increases.
Each day He prepares good works to be done
As we seek to serve Jesus, His only Son.
This cherished time of families united
Concludes with a service where God’s blessings are cited.
A bright future is pictured for each precious child
As grandparents speak words carefully compiled.
Yes, evening campfires and morning musters
Are put “on hold” as our lives refocus.
We say our “good byes” and seek God’s ways
Hoping to return to GRAND Camp one day.
How grateful we are for this time alone
With God and our grandkids; our relationships have grown.
For passing our faith to our loved ones’ hearts
Is a priceless legacy for us to impart.
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