Tomorrow our 21 grandkids will invade our little farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia for 4 days and 3 nights of Cousin Camp. It will be wild, crazy, exhausting and fun!
This is our eleventh year of camp. When we first began we had 5 campers. You have to be age 4 to come, and this will be our third year with everyone included! John and I used to do it by ourselves but when we hit 19 kids we knew we needed support so a couple from our church’s youth staff comes along to help.
The first of many loads from BJs!
Planning Begins Early
Trips to BJ’s for supplies, sending out camp invitations, planning the schedule, ordering crafts, figuring out the menu, the teams, the sleeping arrangements and of course the buddy system, one of the most popular surprises.
The Buddy System
Months ahead a child will call to ask, “Ghee who’s going to be my buddy at camp this year?” In the early days, at one point we had 8 kids between 4 and 6. We couldn’t help each one so we devised a buddy system and trained the older ones to help the little ones-getting water, finding lost shoes, making sandwiches, etc. The kids loved it so we’ve kept it up over the years.
These three love to cuddle on the floor.
The Coolest Thing About Cousin Camp
Kids sleep everywhere—closets, couches, sleeping bags on floors. And we try to separate siblings so the cousins get to know each other. Each sleeping area has a digital clock and the kids know they can’t come out of their “areas” until it reads 7 in the morning! One of our grandsons, then 4, told his parents this was the “coolest thing about camp!”
We are always surprised by things the kids like best!
A small glimpse into the craziness!
Can I apply to be your granddaughter???
I’d love that Judy!!!!
Love you!
Susan
Ellen,
I’d love for you to be a cousin! Thanks for your encouragement!
Blessings, susan
What a beautiful gift you give to everyone! May I be a cousin too? ?
Ellen,
I’d love for you to be a cousin! Thanks for your encouragement!
Blessings, susan
Praying, Susan! What joy inexpressible!!! Such an inspiration to me. We have 11 grandkids ages 9 and under, and I am taking notes! Hope this is the best year ever!?
Thanks so much Laurie!
It went so well and I really appreciate your prayers! Check my site for a blog on it on Wednesday.
Love, Susan
Every year I read the posts (love the ones written by the cousins themselves) and I marvel at your bravery! Praying the Lord increase strength and patience and giggles and handy washcloths and… oh, just have fun!!
Jennifer,
Thanks so much for the prayers! We needed them and it was our best camp ever!
It helps that the youngest are now 6!
Love, Susan
This sounds like SOOOO MUCH FUN!!!! 🙂
What a Sweet Idea—and–WHATA GREAT MEMORY MAKER for Your BLESSINGS to HOLD ON TO FOR “LIFE!”
GOOD FOR YOU TWO!! (and yes, for your helpers too!)
U-R-Wise-Folks-2-Ask-4-Assistance!
HAVE A BLAST! 🙂
Thanks Becky!
Yes we now need help:)
And yes it’s a blessing,
Love, Susan
Hey Susan! Took some time to marvel at and enjoy your past years of Cousins Camp . . . this is just absolutely beautiful! I love how y’all pour into your grandkids, nurturing their hearts to know the Lord, while creating with and for them memories unlike any other that they will cherish the rest of their lives . . . what a gift!
Hey Lynn,
How special to hear from you. What a blessing! Hope all is well with you and your family.
Love, Susan
Love hearing about it. Can’t wait to know more.
Thanks Jessica! It’s an encouragement to hear from you.
Love, Susan
Have a blast, Susan! You inspire all of us with your enthusiasm to have the grandkids be together and know one another better each year, and their awesome grandparents as well!
Thanks Erin! You are a blessing to me!Thanks Jessica! It’s an encouragement to hear from you.
Love, Susan
We are counting down the hours! Can’t wait! Cousin Camp is the highlight of the year 🙂
Susan, don’t you think it’s time to write a book about how to do a kids camp for one’s family?! You once told me it’s important to always have a challenge ahead. I think you would be the perfect one to write this book with your husband.