“I had never heard of grandparents camp,” says Ben Moravitz. “But when I found out about it, I wanted to sign up right away.”
Ben, a retired pastor from Georgia, has participated in events and programs at Lutheridge for more than 50 years. “I’ve enjoyed every time I’ve been to camp,” Ben says. “I loved being a Confirmation Camp pastor and my wife Leigh enjoyed being a CARE leader. Our children enjoyed their camp experiences at Lutheridge too. So, I hoped that our grandchildren could have a similar positive experience.”
This summer, Ben and Leigh brought their two grandchildren to Grands Camp. “It was our grandkids’ first time at Lutheridge,” Ben shares. “It turned out to be a great gentle introduction to overnight camping away from home. Having the grandparents with the kids at meals, during some activities, and overnight helped the kids to feel secure. Having time where the kids were in the care of counselors without grandparents around helped them to feel independent and it gave them opportunity to connect with counselors as role models.”
Ben says the grandkids weren’t the only ones who got something out of the week. The opportunity for grandparents to be together was an important part of the experience too. “Leigh and I appreciated the Bible study and conversation time with other grandparents. It gave us a safe environment to support one another in dealing with the challenges and sharing the joys of grandparenting.”
With so many years of experience at Lutheridge, Ben has a deep appreciation for the value of outdoor ministry. “There is a good mix between large group activity where kids feel like they are part of something larger than just their own group or family and small group activities that are geared to where they are developmentally.” Ben also says while at camp his grandchildren got to try some new things. “At one meal, my grandson looked at the food and acted really suspicious,” Ben laughs. “But by the end of the meal he had finished everything on his plate and was asking for seconds.”
Ben is grateful for the quality time he and Leigh were able to spend with their grandkids this summer. “It was unique that our grandkids got to go on a trip with just us,” Ben says. “And it was also unique that we got to share something that has been so important to us over the years. Lutheridge has been such a special place. I love that our grandkids got to come and see part of our world.”
Thank you for your gifts to Lutheridge, Lutherock, and Luther Springs which provide families special opportunities to grow in faith and grow together.
