Each summer, we enjoy taking our grandkids on a camping trip in Howie (our home on wheels). It provides a great opportunity to spend quality time with the kiddos and gives their mom and dad a few days of quiet (a definite win-win for everyone). Our grand-babies are five and seven this year, which means they are still young enough to think hanging with the grandparents is pretty cool! 

Unfortunately, we waited a little too long to make camp reservations and found ourselves desperately seeking a site at the last minute. Each day, I hopped online hoping a cancellation might pop up for something that fit our needs. We prefer to stay somewhere local just in case a little one gets sick or misses parents (although that has yet to happen, yay!).  It’s also essential to visit a location that offers plenty of things to keep the kids busy.

Persistence paid off and we secured a spot at the local KOA (Kampgrounds of America) in San Diego. Phew! It wasn’t the outdoorsy, middle of nowhere locale we hoped for, but it turned out to be perfect. Yes, the spot was located in Chula Vista right off the freeway, but here’s the cool thing–The KOA is designed specifically with kids in mind. Each day, a calendar of activities kept them happy and fully engaged from sunrise to sunset. They swam, rode bikes, participated in a scavenger hunt, enjoyed a magic show, worked on arts and crafts, panned for gems, and so much more. The staff were exceptionally friendly and accommodating (mostly teens). There was definitely a feel of being at summer camp with your family. 

In the evening, we sat around the campfire, making smores, telling stories, and just being silly. The days were busy and kept us on our toes but we loved every minute. As we packed up to leave, the kids asked if we could extend the trip next year to a full week. “We’ll see,” we promised with a sigh.

Shortly after returning home, I came across an article in the Washington Post that stressed the importance of grandparent/grandchildren relationships (what timing!). Apparently numerous studies (both national and global) have cited the emotional and physical benefits for both child and adult. Even better, grandparents who play an active role in children’s lives often live longer, healthier lives. There is something golden about intergenerational relationships that shouldn’t be taken for granted. I know how incredibly lucky we are to have family only minutes away. But here’s the cool thing–research demonstrates that even long-distant relationships can make a real difference in our lives.

Maybe the idea of a full week camping trip isn’t such a bad idea afterall?