As grandparents, many of us have memories we wish we could show our grandchildren.

We remember the way their parent ran through the backyard in rubber boots after a summer rain, dragged a favorite blanket from room to room, performed a dance in the living room, or smiled proudly after learning to ride a bike. Sometimes, as we tell those stories, we find ourselves saying, “Oh, how I wish I had a picture of that.”

Every summer, I run Camp Carma for one wonderful, wild, joy-filled week with my grandkids.

And by “camp,” I do not mean cabins, counselors, and a lake with questionable canoe rules. I mean a week of backyard adventures, kitchen experiments, story time, crafts, giggles, snacks, surprises, and the occasional moment when I wonder why I thought glitter was a good idea.

But here is what I have learned: children do not need complicated activities to have unforgettable fun.

The ideas in this blog are tried and true from Camp Carma. They have been tested by real kids, real messes, real laughter, and real “Can we do that again?” requests.

Do you remember the red, white, and blue summer of 1976, when America turned 200?

Maybe there were flags everywhere: hanging from porches, lining parade routes, printed on T-shirts, paper plates, and picnic napkins. Maybe you watched fireworks with your family, attended a hometown parade, wore something patriotic, or saved a Bicentennial keepsake without realizing it would one day become part of your own history.

What makes a summer magical for a child? Sometimes it is not the big trip or the packed calendar. Sometimes it is a backyard at dusk, a good book, a firefly in the grass, and a s’more by the fire. In this heartfelt CJ Corki blog, Carlene reflects on why simple summer moments may be the ones children remember most.

Ah, Valentine’s Day. It’s when everyone seems to see the world through rose-colored glasses, spends a little extra, and tries to capture love with heart-shaped treats, flowers, and, if you’re lucky, a dinner reservation that doesn’t cost three times as much. But before Instagram roses and fancy dinners, Valentine’s Day was much more mysterious, a bit odd, and sometimes even downright peculiar.

What do you think squirrels, snacks, and storytime have in common?

At first glance, I am guessing you are saying "not much." But on a chilly afternoon, by chance, my grandson and I looked out the front window and saw a squirrel racing up the trunk of a barren oak tree, cheeks full, stashing its winter goodies in a hidden nook. Right there, with a busy squirrel, a simple snack in our hands, and a story waiting to be told, ordinary time turned into something unforgettable.

What do New Year's resolutions and an airport have in common?  You cannot “think” your way to the destination. Eventually, you have to board.

I am guessing that you are a lot like me; our New Year’s resolutions sound great in the safety of January. Drink more water. Lose 10 pounds. Walk more steps. Don’t get me wrong, those are good goals, but those resolutions that change you, really, really change you, are rarely comfortable.

The holidays are over, and by now you’ve probably seen that those precious, must-have toys start to break or be relegated to a closet shelf.

We know, stuff breaks. We also know that memories stick. So, if you’re a Modern Grand who wants fewer plastic parts and more sparkle-in-their-eyes moments, experience gifts are your secret super tool. The great part about it is that it’s affordable, easy to pull off, and doesn’t have to be tied only to “official” celebrations.