Residents And Their Families Are Raving About Greenspring's First Grand Camp

Greenspring, an Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, Va., recently hosted its inaugural Grand Camp, a multigenerational event designed to bring residents and their grandchildren together for a day of fun, engaging activities.

The event drew an impressive response, welcoming 169 participants, including 68 children from 32 different families.

"We are thrilled with the success of our first Grand Camp," says Community Resources Manager Carol Opiela. "We received such positive feedback, not only from our guests and their grandparents, but from the resident volunteers who also loved being a part of the fun."

She adds, "We can't wait to do it again next year!"

Something for everyone

Families were greeted with a warm welcome before setting off to enjoy the day's activities.

At the Creative Corner, children painted, drew, and made bracelets, while others took part in board games, "Minute to Win It" challenges, and outdoor yard games. For older grandkids, the escape room was one of the highlights of the day.

"My grandchildren had a wonderful time at Grand Camp," says resident Helene Pettus. "There was enough to keep each of them entertained. The older two children waited in anticipation for the escape room experience, as did many other children. The Under 4 area was a hit with my 3-year-old granddaughter, especially the slide and ball pit."

Following a break for lunch, families gathered for group activities, including family yoga, a Disney-themed dance party, and a scavenger hunt that encouraged participants to take photos, capturing moments with relatives, team members, and completed crafts.

Later in the day, families returned to their favorite activity stations before wrapping up with a lively pool party.

Invaluable volunteers

Resident volunteers played a big role in the day's success.

"I didn't have any grandchildren attending, but I wanted to be part of it," says resident Dotty Fuchsman. "I volunteered at the beading table, which was very popular. The children loved making necklaces and bracelets, and many kept coming back to make more. The entire day was so well-organized. Everyone had a marvelous time."

Nearby, fellow resident Jean Boltz was running a ball-catching game. "It sounds silly, but we all had a wonderful time with lots of laughing as we chased balls," she recalls. "Events like this show how Greenspring residents care about each other's families."

Working together

Grand Camp was especially meaningful for Opiela. Her father, Ken Opiela, is a Greenspring resident, and her 4-year-old son, Owen, attended the event with his grandfather.

"From the moment we started planning, I kept picturing my dad and Owen doing these activities together," Opiela says. "It really guided how we shaped the day. I wanted to make sure it was as special for other families as I hoped it would be for mine."

Opiela's instincts proved right. Owen spent much of his time coloring, painting rocks, and participating in games in the activity zone with his grandfather.

"He was mesmerized by the photo booth," Opiela adds. "He must have taken a dozen photos, even with other families he met along the way. Seeing him and my dad laughing together, in this community that my dad now calls home, was incredibly meaningful."

Making connections

For Opiela, the highlight of Grand Camp wasn't watching her son play--it was witnessing the connections forming all around her.

"Seeing residents light up when their grandchildren arrived, watching neighbors pitch in to help kids at activity stations, and hearing the joy in every corner of campus showed me exactly why events like Grand Camp matter," she says. "These are the kinds of memories families will carry for years."

A community celebration

At the end of the day, Opiela and her planning team achieved exactly what they set out to do. Grand Camp was a memorable, multigenerational celebration. Families left with new memories, resident volunteers felt proud of their contributions, and staff were energized by the success.

"Even without grandchildren of my own there, I felt like part of something special," says Dotty.

And for Opiela, the day was proof that Greenspring's spirit of community is as strong as ever.

"This was more than just a fun day--it was a reminder that Greenspring is about community in every sense," she says. "Grand Camp truly lived up to its name. It was a grand day, a grand effort, and a grand memory for all who took part."

To learn more about independent senior living at Greenspring, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Kelly Shue