Nearly three decades ago, Bradley University alumni Michael and Rosemary Greene—both in the class of 1967—said yes to a simple request that would grow into a lifelong tradition and eventually, a book helping grandparents everywhere build deeper relationships with their grandchildren.

Their oldest daughter and her husband were planning a weeklong cruise and asked if their two young daughters could stay with them. “Rosemary and I jumped at the opportunity,” Michael said. “We even took the week off work so we could be truly present.”

The week wasn’t filled with elaborate plans, but it was defined by small, meaningful moments through shared meals, backyard play, bedtime routines, and long stretches of uninterrupted time together. “We laughed, played, shared routines, and discovered the joy that comes from unhurried time together,” explained Michael.

Their granddaughters felt it too. When the week ended, they asked if they could do it again. “And just like that, a tradition was born,” he said.

They began hosting their grandchildren each summer for what they came to call Grandma and Grandpa Camp—a week spent at their home filled with creativity, exploration, and connection. “We call it ‘Camp’ to describe the environment we create,” Michael explained. “It allows us to participate in shared experiences, strengthen our relationships, and get to know our grandchildren as individuals.”

The activities themselves were often simple, shaped by curiosity and the world around them. One year, they visited a local nursery to make fairy gardens. Another time, they explored a wildlife preserve they’d discovered while thinking like tourists in their own community.

“The internet is a great tool for discovering what’s new and fun,” he advised. “We revisit places our own children once loved or find something completely new.”

But some of the most meaningful moments happened at home, with no schedule at all. “Free time at home is an important part of Grandma and Grandpa Camp,” Michael said. “This is when their imagination kicks in.”

The grandchildren dreamed up lemonade stands and art sales. They decorated cakes. They hosted tea parties. They invented their own fun—because they had the space and freedom to do so.

Even as technology became more prevalent, it never diminished the experience. “Electronics never got in the way because when we were together, we were fully engaged with one another,” explained Michael. “The cousins became close friends, happy just being together playing games, creating crafts, cooking, swimming, and sharing lots of laughter.”

But what mattered most wasn’t the activity. It was the presence behind it.

As the authors share, Grandma and Grandpa Camp isn’t so much about what you do and where—it’s about spending quality time together and being present. Over the years, as their grandchildren grew older, the Greenes began to see the lasting impact of those summers. Even those who had aged out of camp carried the memories with them.

Those reflections became part of Grandma and Grandpa Camp, the book Michael and Rosemary wrote to share their story and help other grandparents create their own traditions. The decision to write it came from a desire to pass along not just memories, but encouragement.

“We hope that by sharing our story, others can take some of these ideas and create special memories with their grandchildren,” Michael said. The book offers practical ideas, but its deeper message is about intention. It reassures grandparents that meaningful connection doesn’t require expensive trips or elaborate planning—just time, attention, and care.

“There is no magic formula,” he explained. “But when you share your time and experiences with your grandchildren, magic will happen.”

Grandma and Grandpa Camp: Inspiring Stories to Strengthen Generational Bonds is available on Amazon and other book retailers.

—Emily Potts