Don’t Just Dream It- Build It!
There is an Intentionality Gap: Over 70% of parents and grandparents state that their highest priority is passing down a strong family legacy of faith and values—but studies show that fewer than 10% of families have a concrete plan, written vision, or intentional strategy to achieve it.
Let that sink in! 9 out of 10 families leave their family spiritual legacy to only a “wish and a prayer”.
We couldn’t imagine 16 years ago what “Grand Camp” would become: but we knew we needed to find opportunities to share our love for Jesus with our grandchildren.
And that meant we had to make some kind of plan to intentionally pass down our understanding of God as Creator, Father, Savior, and Friend, in a meaningful, but incredibly fun way. We thought we should try to do this every single year. 😊 We didn’t have a clue how that would become a challenge and highlight of each year!
But in the beginning? We were completely overwhelmed. ‘Where to start? What to do?’ We almost convinced ourselves to wait until the grandkids were older. Then, we decided to do exactly what Scripture tells us to do:
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin… Zech. 4:10
At the time, our children Josh, Moriah, and Bethany (9) were still living at home. We only had two grandchildren back then—ages 4 and 2—whom I watched during the week. I was also nannying a sweet 6-year-old girl and her energetic 8-year-old brother. There was simply no time like the present.
The 45-Minute Beginning
So, we started. For one week, we set up a small tent awning outside, laid down a blanket, and kept it really simple:
We told Bible stories.
We sang a couple of songs.
We did a quick craft.
We ate snacks and played water games.
Josh was working that summer, but Moriah was able to sit in with us most days. To be honest, it felt underwhelming and perhaps a little insignificant. We wondered if we’d made a difference. The whole thing probably lasted all of 45 minutes tops! But they had an absolute blast, and it became the official launching pad for something that has completely taken on a life of its own.
Comparison is the thief of family joy. Your family is unique, and your connections will be too. Ask the Lord to spark your imagination, build memories your way, and have FUN!
Flexing, Growing, and Looking Forward
As each new grandchild was added to our family, we’ve flexed, adjusted, tweaked, and expanded. Today, we have 21 of our 23 grandchildren coming to Grand Camp, and it has evolved into what you see today (check out the video below!).
Our oldest grandchild is now married, and our next oldest is away at college in California, so they can't attend anymore—but that deep interconnection and family love still remains. What makes it possible is that we began to give leadership to the older grands. Once they become “double digits”, they become staff. They help us plan, prepare, and they take a mentorship role to the younger cousins we affectionaly call “the littles.” Then we reward the older grands for helping by doing something special just for them! This year we’re taking them to a Family Fun Center to putt putt golf, race go carts, and play in an arcade. Ending back at our house, we’ll do a movie and sleepover for the 10, Amazing double digit Grands!
You Can Do This, Too!
Please don't ever look at this and say, "I could never do that!"
Start small.
Be unique, but be intentional.
Don't overthink it. Just do it!
Pray and get a vision to impact and encourage your third generation.
Do it your way- whatever works for you! Loving Jesus and each other, Fun, Memories, and Connection are the keys to success!
Whether it is a simple gathering or an elaborate plan, all it takes is a genuine desire to pass down your faith to the next generation. Have fun with it!
During Grand Camp this year, we got a text message from our daughter’s friend, Rachel. After seeing our social posts, she said she was so inspired she was going to do something similar!
She decided to organize a one day of camp for her kids and their cousins. The “unofficial theme” was The Joy of the Lord. They went bowling, got donuts, did self portraits and then talked about how God has made us different and special and loved. The day wrapped up with team relays, water balloon baseball, and making family recipes. Most of all, they laughed alot and loved being together!
After this day of intentional fun, Rachel said, “We had the MOST fun yesterday. I don’t think I sat down all day and I slept so hard and so did my kids. 😂We all agreed we need to do it every year!!! Sign me up for whatever your parents are willing to offer!
Rachel took an idea—adapted it to her family—called it Cousin Camp—and deemed their day “The Joy of the Lord!” This is how it’s done.
You can't take your car, home, degree, or 401K to heaven with you—but you can take people! Leave a legacy of God’s love for your family, one step at a time.
"The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith." — Billy Graham
Start building your CrossGen Life Today!
Connect the generations and build beautiful and stronger tomorrows- Cindy
P.S.- What one thing will you do before summer is over to build memories and connections and share your love for Jesus? Take the time to share it with us! We’d love to celebrate with you!🎉