Grand-Bits From GrandCamp

GrandPause: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… (Isa. 40:31)

“I just want to keep coming to GrandCamp forever,” eight year-old Kate shared with me. Now in our seventeenth year of GrandCamp® programs, I’ve heard that statement many times from the grandchildren who come with their grandparents.

This week we completed the second of our three GrandCamp® programs this summer, this one in Estes Park, Colorado. This year’s theme, ON WINGS LIKE EAGLES, is based upon Isaiah 40:31 – “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.” I was overjoyed by the enthusiasm with which these grandchildren and their grandparents took this to heart. From Scripture memorization to team competitions, they did it all with vigor. Children love to learn, and they love learning God’s Word with their grandparents.

After seventeen years I never cease to be amazed by the way God works in lives. Children and grandparents come from all types of home situations.

Yet, even in the most difficult of circumstances, at GrandCamp® they are able to find respite and a time to reflect on God’s goodness and grace in the midst of the storm. They discover that it really is true—when we hope in the Lord, He renews our strength.

Even though we’re all tired and exhausted from five days of constant activity, there is a deep sense of renewal and delight that we experienced as grandparents in that high-energy environment. The strong bonds of precious relationships with grandchildren were secured, spirits were renewed, and the promises of God were fanned into flame in hearts and minds.

One grandmother commented that this time with her grandchildren has refocused her understanding of her role as a grandmother. A grandfather found a fresh sense of joy and delight in being a grandfather. Another shared that a new sense of hope had sprung up in her heart that relationships with her adult children could be reconciled.

GrandCamp® may not be for everyone, but I can think of very few who shouldn’t try it. Whoever who comes with their hearts receptive to God’s truth, and their hands open to receive God’s blessings and promises will never be the same. And neither will their grandchildren.

GrandCamp® doesn’t guarantee that everything will suddenly be wonderful in your relationships with your adult children and grandchildren, but it will lead you to where your hope is, and that when your trust is placed in God, He will renew your strength and keep you from growing weary and faint in the journey. It also provides an environment in which we all learn from and encourage one another. I discover I am not alone, and that God has provided a support system to help me face the challenges of being a grandparent in today’s world.

If you aren’t able to participate in a GrandCamp® event this year, make plans to do it next year. You are investing in more than a good time. You are investing in a legacy for future generations that is worth outliving you—a legacy of hope, truth and faith in Christ for all eternity, and the joy of seeing your grandchildren walking in the truth. You can’t put a price on that!

By the way, there’s still time to get in on the blessings at the Minnesota GrandCamp® in August (see GrandCamps.org/locations). Don’t miss an opportunity to build a legacy with your grandchildren that really is worth outliving you. Register today.