Contributed by: Lucille Kyle
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Camp is a great way to step away and enjoy family, friends, nature, worship and grow in practical knowledge from God’s Word. For Grandcamp, you pick up your grandchildren, leave their parents at home and head to JOY for a weekend away. There is nothing more precious than spending time with grandchildren, and others with a similar heart and desire for their grandchildren.
In this unique Partnership with Legacy Coalition (Canada), you’ll discover how to deepen your spiritual impact through their teachings. As a grandparent, you hold a unique place of influence in passing on your faith in Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, your grandchildren enjoy engaging activities and time with a caring team of leaders who encourage faith-filled fun and meaningful connection with you, their grandparent.
This is my second year at Grandcamp as part of the ministry team. I participated in leading the group in worship, hosting families and sharing my stories as a grandparent of faith. All this while I too got to listen and learn about being a grandparent of integrity and purpose, while respecting the parents’ role and authority.
It was a joy to facilitate and witness two generations spending time playing, laughing and enjoying time together. Built into the program are crafts, activities, campfires with s’mores, delicious meals with lively conversations around the table, bedtime stories, prayers, singing together, and learning with others about God through His word.
Some of my favourite moments came around the dinner table, chatting with grandparents attending camp at JOY for the first time, and others whose families have been coming to Joy Bible Camp for three or four generations.
I remembered the importance of the godly Legacy passed down from my grandparents. What does that mean for me now? What is most important in the years to come? I fondly recall my praying grandmother, who was very involved in my life. I know that her testimony not only influenced me, but also influenced my mom, who came from a very different place.
We are living in an age where busyness is robbing us of family rituals. Going to church and being involved in church, eating around the table, storytelling, playing together or just dropping in to visit, are a few things that have changed. Having one-on-one moments where our grandchild can feel valued, listened to, and cherished by a loving grandparent can influence a little heart for life! Influence happens at all ages!
The weekend ends with a Blessing… the opportunity for grandparents to speak to each individual grandchild and share some positive things they see in them, it’s a commitment to assure them of your love, their value, the importance of your presence in their life either physically with them or connected in thought and prayer.
The feedback at the end spoke to the value and importance of being intentional and spending time together, acknowledged by both the grandparents and grandchildren.
Lucille Kyle
