A letter from Camp Icagawahn
Told by Ryan
Don Schmitz & Grandkidsandme

Dear Mom and Dad,

I never knew Grandma could be so much fun! Grandma's been helping me with our special projects and it makes it so much fun. Last summer I went to camp by myself but I like Grandparent Camp the best. 

Yesterday we went canoeing and Grandma help me catch a turtle with a fishing net.   My turtle was small but so pretty! I named him Stripy because he had these orange and black stripes under his shell.  Later, when we got back to shore, we had a turtle race.  The turtle that crossed the circle first was the winner. Stripy won! 

After the race Grandma helped me put Stripy back into the water because that was his real home. I didn’t want to let him go but knew it was best for Stripy. It was really neat when he swam away; he turned around one last time and looked right at me. I think he enjoyed his big day too.

You know something Mom and Dad? I learned something about Grandma. I learned she is really smart! We went on a scavenger hunt in the woods and Grandma helped discovered some strange mushrooms and flowers. She knew where they were hiding and helped the other kids and grandparents too. I was so proud of her!

I’m really happy we got to come to Grandparent Camp. I hope I can do this again next year.

Love,
Ryan

Don Schmitz is a popular speaker and writer on parenting and grandparenting. He is the author of The New Face of Grandparenting…Why Parents Need Their Own Parents and founder of The Grandkidsandme Foundation and Grandparent Camps. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration and Human Development. He is the father to three sons and nine grandchildren. Contact Don@grandkidsandme.com