Generations growing together Posted on September 7, 2026

A camper grandad, Erik Bengsten, Director of Lake Michigan Family Campground and Interim Director of Wesley Woods, and his grandson enjoy a meal together at Grandparent Camp this summer at Wesley Woods in Dowling, Michigan. ~ photo courtesy Grace Outside

Ahead of National Grandparents Day, discover how Wesley Woods’ Grandparent Camp helps grandparents and grandchildren build faith and lasting bonds together.

GLENN M. WAGNER
Michigan Conference Communications

National Grandparents Day is observed annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year, many congregations across the country will honor grandparents on September 13.

Estimates place the number of grandparents in the United States between 63.5 million and 70 million. About 70% of adults over 65 have grandchildren, and more than 2.5 million American grandparents actively raise their grandchildren. According to Grand Magazine, grandparents control approximately 70% of America’s wealth.

The history of National Grandparents Day traces back to Marian McQuade, a West Virginia housewife and mother of 15 children. In 1970, she launched a national campaign by writing to governors and leaders across the country, advocating for a day to honor grandparents. West Virginia established a state Grandparents Day in 1973. Congress established National Grandparents Day in 1978 after President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution. The first national observance took place in 1979.

One effective way to strengthen faithful, loving relationships between grandparents and grandchildren is to attend the annual Grandparent Camp at Wesley Woods in Dowling, Michigan. This four-day Christian camp is designed for grandparents and their grandchildren, ages 4 through middle school (up to age 13).

Top: Grandparents and their grandkids pose for a group photo at this year’s Grandparent Camp at Wesley Woods. Bottom: Grandparent Camp is a great way to grow intergenerational relationships in families. Here, a granddaughter learns to take aim in archery. ~ photos courtesy Grace Outside

Wesley Woods, one of our United Methodist-affiliated camps, sits on the shore of Clear Lake, 16 miles northwest of Battle Creek. It has hosted Christian camping since 1948. This year’s Grandparent Camp ran from June 28 to July 1, and plans are already underway for next year’s. Learn more about camping options at Wesley Woods.

Rev. Anita Hahn, pastor of Holt UMC, was happy to attend this year’s Grandparent Camp with her grandchildren. She also led the morning and evening devotionals, held in the camp’s chapel and outdoors around the evening campfires.

Hahn was pleased to spend quality time with her own grandchildren and to build meaningful new friendships with other grandparents and their grandchildren through participation in the many camp activities. These activities included shared meals served cafeteria-style in the lodge, swimming in the pool, boating on the lake, arts and crafts, fishing, archery, and sports such as volleyball, basketball, and gaga ball. Participants noted how great it was to spend time together amid the natural beauty of the surroundings and to be freed from the constant distractions of cell phones and television.

Hahn also mentioned how special it was to share stories over meals, during activities, and around the campfire. “Exchanging stories about past experiences can bring people closer together and forge new friendships,” she said.

Krista Clark, a staff member for Grace Outside, the organization that coordinates Michigan Area United Methodist Camping, also attended this year’s Grandparent Camp and greatly enjoyed the experience.

Grandparent Camp is a great place to grow new friendships. ~ photo courtesy Grace Outside

Clark notes that camp costs vary by the number of participants per family and the desired accommodations. Hotel-style accommodations with air conditioning, separate bedrooms, and attached bathrooms in the lodge are a bit more expensive than staying in one of the camp’s cabins. “But considering food, lodging, programming, and the many amenities of a great camping experience for all on a beautiful lake in a wooded setting,” she explained, “Grandparent Camp is a great deal from every angle.” Clark also noted that scholarships are available to make the camp even more affordable.

Special dietary and medical needs are accommodated as well.

Research has shown what campers experience. Christian camping builds relationships, helps faith blossom and grow, teaches important life skills, and, in the case of the Wesley Woods Grandparent Camp, gives grandparents and their grandkids a great opportunity to deepen their love for each other by spending quality time together.

A great way to honor grandparents this Grandparents Day on September 13 is to invite them to join their grandkids at Wesley Woods for Grandparent Camp next summer.

On the Grace Outside website, you will find up-to-date information for all the camping opportunities at the three Grace Outside camping facilities: Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat, Lake Michigan Family Campground, and Lake Huron Retreat Center. Discover camping options through Grace Outside, a long-time ministry partner of the Michigan Conference.

The publication of this article was made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.

Last Updated on September 10, 2026

Posted in Featured, NewsTagged Generational Ministry, Grandparent Camp, Grandparents Day, Michigan UM Camping, Wesley Woods, Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center