24 Magazines and Newspapers have included stories
about the work of The Grandkidsandme Foundation!

Grandparenting is big news! 

2005 News
      
GRAND Magazine, June/July 2005
       "Summer Camp: Reconnecting with Grandkids"

       The Wall Street Journal, January 13, 2005
       
"Granny Burnout: The Downside Of a Family Visit"

2004 News
       
Faribault Daily News, May 27, 2004

        "Today's grandparents are lucky, author says"

        
Arizona Republic, March 4, 2004
        "Boomer Grandparent: Involved, mobile"

        Best of Times,
Spring, 2004
        "The Changing Face of Grandparenting"

       
The Pioneer Press, February 3, 2004
        "Close Encounters"

        
2003 News
         Northfield News, November 15, 2003
        "Bringing Generations Together"
        
       
Time Magazine, July 21, 2003
        "Off to Camp We Go"
        

2002 News
       
Shoreview Press, May 28, 2002
         A Grand Experience Across Generations...
        

       
Selling to Seniors, March, 2002
        "Camps cater to seniors who want to share
      
   nature with their grandchildren"

       
Minneapolis Star Tribune,  March 11, 2002
        "Ageless Fun"

       
The Catholic Spirit, February 14, 2002
        "Grandparent Camp Provides Quality Time"
 
        
2001 News
       
Wall Street Journal: November 2, 2001
        "The Grandparent Industry"

       
The Leader Telegram, October 7, 2001
        "Weekend program makes participants
        happy campers"

 

        Owatonna People's Press,
September 26, 2001
       
"Workshop Examines Role of Grandparents"

        Cape Cod News, July 2001
        "Camps Bring Grandkids, Grandparents
         Together"


        Chicago Tribune, July 15, 2001
        "It's A Grand Time in the Quiet of Camp"...

       
The Island Packet, June 10, 2001
        "Camps Help Rediscover"

        The Pioneer Press, May 29, 2001
        "Camps with Gramps"
 

        The Highland Villager, May 23, 2001
        "Grandkidsandme Camp Gives Grandparents 
        a Weekend Away... 

        Minnesota Monthly, May 2001
        "Grand Plans:
Hello, muddah. Hello,
         faddah. Here I am at…Camp Grandpapa?"


        Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 11, 2001
        "Grandparents, Grandkids Have New 
        Ways to keep in Touch"

        
        Woodbury Bulletin, February 28, 2001
        "Being a Good Grandparent"


GRAND Magazine, Mary Hunt, June/July 2005
"Summer Camp: Reconnecting with Grandkids"

The information below includes some of the quotes from an article written by Mary Hunt, the editor of GRAND Magazine, about The Grandkidsandme Grandparent Camp.

"But the best-known genuine grandparents-and-kids camps a real live 'sleepaway camp' run at Camp Icaghowan outside Amery, WI, by The Grandkidsandme Foundation."

"Throughout the camp time, he and his staff run programs to improve communication and bonding between grandparent and grandchild."

"And that's the key: Whatever learning is going on is largely invisible to the children, who are busy having a wonderful time."


The Wall Street Journal, Hillary Stout, January 13, 2005
"Granny Burnout: The Downside Of a Family Visit"

The following are some of the excerpts from Hillary Stout's article about the stress of family gatherings on grandparents.

“Grandparenting in the U.S. has become a high-octane pursuit. Those extended-family gatherings last month produced prized snapshots, precious moments—and, perhaps, some secret relief when they came to an end.”

“It isn’t just post-holiday burnout. Toy stores market directly to grandparents with special discount days, travel agencies offer grandparent-grandkid packages and multigenerational comps are springing up0, with activities that re far from laid-back. At Grandkidsandme Camp in Wisconsin www.grandkidsandme.org activities include canoeing, a hot dog roast and a scavenger hunt in the woods.”

“Grandparent burnout may come as a bit of a surprise—or even go unrecognized—to the middle generation, who after producing the coveted grandchildren are proud o=to turn them over for the requisite doting, bonding and bay sitting. And they assume the grandparents will feel privileged to have the opportunity.”

“They’ll say ‘Dad, we want to go shopping—can you take the kids?’” says Jerry Kind, a 60 year-old grandfather of four in Champlin, Minn., who frequently drives five hours to see three of them (ages 6, 4, and 2). Last February, when his daughter and son-in-law both had to travel, he agreed to move in and care for the kids for a week.

“Mr. Kind cherishes the time spent with the grandchildren and wouldn’t miss a chance to see them for the world. But he admits that little things—like chasing up and down stairs and policing kid’s squabbling—add up to sheer exhaustion. He also wrestles with how to impose order. During the week with his grandkids, he clashed with the 6-year-old over her choice of outfit and she responded, “I hate you, Grandpa.” Though he knew she didn’t mean it, he says, “It makes you cry inside.”

 

Faribault Daily News, May 27, 2004
"Today's grandparents are lucky, author says"

Pauline Schreiber wrote an article about how lucky grandparents are today because of technology. To read the entire article, click here.

The following are quotes from that article:

"Children need adults in their lives, and what better adult mentors could there be, besides parents, than grandparents."

"I think a grandparent's role is more important today than ever," Schmitz said, during a recent interview at his parents' condo."

"We have technology to keep in touch with our grandkids who live far away, Schmitz said, "It's a great time to be a grandparent."

Arizona Republic, March 4, 2004
"Boomer Grandparent: Involved, mobile"
Ellen Tomson's article in the Pioneer Press got picked up by Knight Ridder in Arizona. To read the entire article, click here.

The following are quotes from that article:

"Baby-boomer grandparents are generally healthier and living longer than their parents, which means many will get to know their children as well as their grandchildren, as adults."

"There are going to be fewer children, and we are going to have the opportunity to step forward and be assertive to help children."

"Schmitz expects the percentage of active grandparents to increase because more men have become involved in child rearing."

Best of Times, Spring, 2004
"The Changing Face of Grandparenting"

JoAnn Amicangelo wrote an article about the changing face of grandparenting in the Detroit Area. If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to
Don@grandkidsandme.com.
The following are quotes from her article:

"Fifty years ago there were more volunteers within the community who played a role in families."

"Due to changes in family structures...there is a tremendous need for more people to be involved in the care and nurture of our offspring."

"Aunts and uncles can serve as mentors to their nieces and nephews. Others might look to volunteering in community programs and local schools to find families who may be looking for family mentors."

The Pioneer Press, February 3, 2004
"Close Encounters"

Ellen Tomson, from The St. Paul Pioneer Press, wrote a feature article about Don Schmitz, his granddaughters and his new book, "The New Face of Grandparenting...Why Parents Need Their Own Parents." If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.comRead the entire story here.

The following are quotes from that article.

"Don Schmitz, 58, is one of a majority of grandparents in this country who has had grandchildren living far away."

"Schmitz's son, Jeff, met Swedish-born Torun when he studied in southern Sweden.  The two married in Sweden and lived only briefly in the United States before moving to Sweden before the birth of their third daughter."

"Schmitz encourages other grandparents to experience typical days with their grandchildren so they get to know them better."
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Northfield News, November 15, 2003
"Bringing Generations Together"

Kelly Zwagerman, from the Northfield News, wrote an article about Don Schmitz and his new book, "THE NEW FACE OF GRANDPARENTING...Why Parents Need Their Own Parents." The following are excerpts from Kelly's article. If you would like a copy of the complete article,  Send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"The New Face of Grandparenting is the first book by Schmitz, who grew up on a farm outside of Faribault."

"The book stems from his personal experiences, along with life experiences, teaching and his education."

"When parents help, children get more attention, which enhances development."

"Schmitz reminds people that situations change, and parents and grandparents can shift to new categories. Getting involved in the lives of children or grandchildren can happen even if it does not occur now."
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Time Magazine, July 21, 2003
"Off to Camp We Go"

Sally Stich, from Time Magazine, wrote a feature article about Grandkidsandme Grandparent Camp. The following are quotes from the story. If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"Today, families are scattered across cities, states and continents. How does a grandparent develop a meaningful relationship with a grandchild? The task can be daunting."

"Grandkidsandme Camp provides the ideal environment. Removed from the influences and interruptions of every day life, grandparents have the time to focus and develop a relationship with their grandchild." 

"Grandkidsandme wants to "spread the word" of the value of intergenerational relationships to our children, grandchildren and to our society."
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Shoreview Press, May 28, 2002
"A Grand Experience across generations puts the 'A-ha' back in life"

Tammy Garrett, from the Shoreview Press, wrote a story on Grandparents Camps. The following are quotes from that article. If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"I learned that people tend to stop their quest for learning and growing about the time they retire.  

"I found out that being with youth keeps elders young. That was a big 'a-ha' for me."

"The name Grandkidsandme is designed for intergenerational fun, whether it be aunts and nieces, uncles and nephews or just good friends."
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Selling to Seniors, March, 2002
"Camps cater to seniors who want to share nature with their grandchildren"

Jean Van Rizin, editor of Selling to Seniors, wrote about the connection of grandparents with their grandchildren. The following are quotes from this magazine.
If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"With today's families often spread across the country, many active grandparents are looking for ways to connect with their grandchildren--without Mom and Dad looking over their shoulders."

"Activities are geared toward getting the generations teamed up."

"Grandparents like the opportunity to teach their grandchildren their value systems--They've seen the effects of industrialized society and like that our camp gets them away from technology."
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Minneapolis Star Tribune,  March 11, 2002"Ageless Fun"

Warren Wolfe, from the Star Tribune, wrote a feature article on Grandkidsandme's Winter Grandparent Camp. The following are quotes from the article.
If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"Whirling through the Cake Polka in their matching purple leotards, grandma and granddaughter looked like they'd been together forever."

"Sure it sounds good--hay ride, ice fishing, folk dancing, stories, a wintry scavenger hunt--stuff kids could have fun doing. But with grandparents?"

"Back in Hastings, The Ott family has decided they will be doing another Grandkidsandme Camp."
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The Catholic Spirit, February 14, 2002"Grandparent Camp Provides Quality Time" 
Julie Carroll, from the Catholic Spirit, wrote a feature article on the Grandkidsandme Grandparent Camp. The following are quotes from her article.
If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"No parents allowed." That's the rule at Grandparent Camp, a fun, weekend retreat for grandparents and grandchildren to spend quality time together playing and learning in the great outdoors.

"I felt this was one of the best things that I could do to help the families--to provide opportunities where grandparents can help."

"For Katie, the highlight of the weekend was the turtle races. "I liked the turtle race," she said. "Our turtle won."
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Wall Street Journal: November 2, 2001"The Grandparent Industry"

A feature article written by Nancy Ann Jeffrey and Sarah Collins wrote a feature article on new ways to bond with the grandkids.
If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"Special camps. How-to videos. Whoever thought grandparenting could get so complicated? Nancy Ann Jeffrey and Sarah Collins on how a shortage of grandkids has spawned a $30 billion business."

"There is scheduled down time for grandparent-grandchild bonding."

"Move over Mom and Dad. As the first wave of bay boomers become grandparents, they're giving a whole new meaning to the role."
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The Leader Telegram, October 7, 2001"Weekend program makes participants happy campers" 

Stephanie Ulcej, from The Leader Telegram, wrote an article on Grandkidsandme's Fall Grandparent Camp. The following are quotes from her article. If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

“They never once said, ‘I want to call my mom, or I’m homesick. They seemed very comfortable there,” Elaine Willis said of her grandchildren.

"Even though the most recent camp took place only days after the attacks, Schmitz said he's glad he held the camp--because in times of crisis, family is what society needs most."

"I hadn't seen the camping side of my grandparents before. Mostly they're just reading books and stuff, Willis said, Now she sees her grandparents as more fun people."
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Owatonna People's Press, 
September 26, 2001
"Workshop Examines Role of Grandparents"

During the workshop, Schmitz will share such topics as: "helping families become stronger through intergenerational activities. If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 
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Cape Cod Times, July 2001
"Camps Bring Grandkids, Grandparents Together"
 

"I feel very strongly about doing the one-on-one thing with grandkids," says Hensel, a Wayzata grandmother of nine.

"Big aluminum post of colored water-purple, yellow and blue await the kids after the groups midday hike."

"I never thought much about grandparenting. And I never thought much about how the circle stays unbroken" says grandpa Vague.
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Chicago Tribune, July 15, 2001
"It's A Grand Time in the Quiet of Camp" Woods"

"The only camp rule, Schmitz said, is no parents allowed."
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The Island Packet, June 10, 2001
"Camps Help Rediscover"


The following quotes are taken from an article written by Knight Rider. If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

“Parents need a break from their kids," he says. "It takes a village, kids need other role models too."

"Hiking, crafts and square dancing join canoeing on the three-day agenda, along with memory making and forging deeper intergenerational bonds."

"At some point, we get reminded we've gained something and want to share that with our grandkids," the 55-year old say of grandparents.
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The Pioneer Press, May 29, 2001
"Camps with Gramps" 


Kay Harvey, wrote the following quotes in her column in May, 2001. If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"For the first time in this area, hiking, climbing, singing and s'mores are shared by grandparents and grandkids. At this camp, no parents are allowed."

"Marnie Hensel arrives at Lake Wapogasset dressed in her camp clothes, a denim handbag decorated with photos of her nine grandchildren slung over one arm."

"Adventure awaits everyone during a 90-minute hike in the woods."
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Highland Villager, May 23, 2001"Grandkidsandme Camp Gives Grandparents a Weekend Away... 

Catherine Condon, from the Highland Villager wrote a feature story on Camp Icagawahn. The following quotes are from her story. If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"The (structure) is wonderful," said Laurie Ott, who attended the May 18 weekend camp with her husband and their four grandchildren. "We could go there and relax because we didn't have to plan anything." 

"I believe the children require more adult companionship,"
says Schmitz.

"All children need nurturing." Schmitz said. "They need cuddling. They need time with adults."
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Minnesota Monthly, May 2001
"Grand Plans:
Hello, muddah. Hello, faddah. Here I am at…Camp Grandpapa?"

Susan Barbieri, from the Minnesota Monthly, wrote and article on Grandkidsandme Grandparent Camp. The following quotes are from her article. If you would like a copy of the complete Article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"The only rule that's in the camp is, 'No parents allowed,"' jokes Grandkidsandme founder Don Schmitz.

"The best reason for the camps is to spend quality time with your grandchildren," says Grandpa Ott.

"Not that parents are bad but there's a time for grandparenting too."
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Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 11, 2001
"Grandparents, grandkids have new ways to keep in touch"

Kim Ode, from the Minneapolis Star Tribune wrote this following article in her column in March. If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"But the other reality is that today’s longer-lived grandparents may literally have decades more free time to spend with their children, grandchildren – and great- grandchildren."

"For a lot of kids, Grandma and Grandpa are little more than faint voices on the phone...It's not really anyone's fault, just the inevitable consequences of more job transfers, more divorces and more diversions."

"Today's grandparents are different from those of even a generation ago."
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Woodbury Bulletin, February 28, 2001"Being a Good Grandparent"
Judy Spooner, staff writer for the Bulletin, wrote a special feature on our Grandparent Workshop. If you would like a copy of the complete article, send an email with your name and address to Don@grandkidsandme.com 

"Most grandparents don't think much about their roles. Don Schmitz thinks they should and he's got advice to share."

"The stories reinforce family values--this is one way grandparents influence their grandchildren."

"Our children will remember us through the heritage activities we practice and the values we represent."
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