What are Grandparents and Grandchildren Activity Days?

Malcolm Callister | Jul 12, 2023

Many grandparents are parenting grandchildren alone during the summer, without external social interaction. Southern Frontenac Community Services (SFSC) stepped in to help with a program called Activities Days.

Thursday afternoon, July 6, in Centennial Park Harrowsmith, was South Frontenac’s first Activity Day event of the summer’ an afternoon of games, fellowship, and fun for the grandparents and their grandchildren.

Two afternoons during July and August have been set aside, allowing grandparents and grandchildren to share activities while having fun.

Under The Pavilion and the Trees

Natalee Lennox is the activities director from the Grace Center.

“Many grandparents supply childcare during the summer months or are home alone, finding themselves and the children without social contact. The Activities Days are two afternoons each month during the summer, creating an opportunity to meet and build fellowships through shared activities,” she said.

As the host for the afternoon, Natalee introduced the children and their grandparents to the beanbag games, hoop throwing, putting, and ball games.

Between games, grandparents and the younger children found their way back to the cool of the pavilion. In the shade of the pavilion, they could enjoy blowing bubbles, listening to stories, drawing on the concrete floor, or just talking to each other, an activity the seniors were particularly good at.

Water bottles, and ice popsicles, were also available at the pavilion, courtesy of SFSC.

A grandfather sat in the pavilion on the floor, chalk in hand, having fun. Over by the plastic horseshoes pit, a grandmother entertained with a spontaneous juggling act. Older children headed for the climbing frame and played competitive and imaginative games with water bottles.

Fellowship And Fun Activities Afternoon

The South Frontenac Community Services, Grace Center, put on this Activity Afternoon as part of their summer program. The next Grandparents and Grandchildren Activities Afternoon will be July 20, with more dates scheduled in August.

The concept is bringing seniors and kids together to have fun. Bringing out the senior citizens, grandkids, or your children for summer fun. Please pre-register with Natalee at 613-376-6477, ex. 310.

Contact South Frontenac Community Services (sfcsc.ca)