A third wheel—or generation—can really get in the way on a camping trip. That’s why a few wise companies have started organizing outdoor adventure and camping programs strictly for grandparents and grandchildren—parents have to find their own fun.
“It’s a unique learning experience,” says Despina Gakopoulos of Elderhostel, a non- profit group that organizes more than 400 inter-generational programs around the world. “Grandparents and grandchildren say they get to know more about each other when they spend time without the parents around.” She says the outdoor adventure trips are growing in popularity as outdoor activities like camping and rock climbing become more mainstream.
Myrna Boulding started running Elderhostel’s inter-generational programs in 1986 at Strathcona Park lodge on Vancouver Island. “The programs and activities are designed so the two generations learn
And experience new things together,” she says. “It’s a real bonding experience.”
Most of Elderhostel’s programs are run by a camp or resort like Strathcona, where the week-long program is really just summer camp with the grandparents. Groups of grandkids and grandparents learn to canoe, rock climb, hike and then camp overnight under the watchful eye of an instructor. It’s no torture test though. If grandparents don’t feel up for anything— including a night on a camp mattress—they can always opt out.
Boulding says both generations make new friends in the groups. “I don’t know which generation has more fun.”
This article first appeared in the Spring 2007 issue of Canoeroots Magazine. For more great content, subscribe to Canoeroots’ print and digital editions here.
