What we learned from GRAND-Families Camp 2026
In August 2026, we brought grandparents and other caregivers raising children together for family recreation, peer connection, respite and child-focused programming. We asked caregivers, children and staff about their experience so we could understand what worked, what mattered most and what will guide future camps.
Part of our Research & Impact work. See Research & Impact for the wider evidence, evaluation and program-learning work.
Evaluation summary updated September 2026. This page shares selected public findings from our 2026 camp evaluation. We have excluded private family information and internal financial reporting.
A family camp designed around grandfamily life
We held GRAND-Families Camp 2026 at Camp Abegweit in Prince Edward Island from August 14 to 16. The weekend combined recreation, supervised child-focused activities, caregiver-only time, shared meals and informal opportunities for families to connect with others who understood similar caregiving circumstances.
How we evaluated the weekend
We did not rely on a single satisfaction survey. Before camp, we collected eight welcome cards representing seven family groups. After camp, we reviewed six full caregiver evaluations, six child evaluations and six staff reflection forms. This gave us several perspectives on the same weekend.
We compared the different sources to see whether the same themes were appearing across caregivers, children and staff. Because the group was small, we treat the findings as qualitative program evaluation, not population-level statistical research.
What caregivers, children and staff told us
Families found people who understood.
Caregivers repeatedly told us that meeting other grandparents and caregivers with similar experiences mattered. Staff also recorded families and children forming relationships throughout the weekend.
Caregivers had room to relax.
Caregivers told us they valued being able to talk, participate in adult activities or simply sit together while staff safely engaged the children nearby. Staff recorded the same pattern of caregiver relaxation and connection.
Friendship, confidence and independence grew.
Children told us about making friends, trying activities and feeling proud. Staff recorded children becoming more confident, more independent and more willing to try unfamiliar experiences.
Families felt welcome and understood.
Caregiver and child feedback described feeling welcome, included and understood. Staff observations also recorded children and families naturally gathering, helping one another and building relationships.
Selected indicators from 2026
5 of 6 children
said they felt proud of themselves or someone else during camp.
6 of 6 staff
described children or families forming connections.
6 of 6 staff
observed increased confidence, independence or willingness to try new experiences.
6 of 6 staff
observed caregiver connection, relaxation or respite.
6 of 6 caregiver evaluations
included comments about connection, shared experience or belonging.
3 of 6 staff
specifically recommended additional camp time or a longer Sunday.
What participants valued
Our feedback showed that the weekend was not defined by one activity. Families valued the combination of organized recreation, time together, caregiver connection and unstructured time.
- Peer connection: caregivers could talk with people who understood the realities of raising grandchildren or other children in kinship care.
- Safe child programming: trusted supervision gave caregivers meaningful breathing room without requiring them to be far from the children.
- Separate child and caregiver activities: children had opportunities for independence while caregivers had time to connect and recharge.
- Unstructured time: free time often became the setting where friendships and informal support developed naturally.
- Positive family experiences: shared activities, meals, beach time, arts, archery and evening programming helped families create memories outside the pressures that often surround caregiving.
What we learned for future camps
We used the 2026 feedback to identify the parts of the weekend we intend to protect and the areas we plan to strengthen.
Protect informal time
Unstructured periods gave children and caregivers space to build relationships naturally, so we will continue to leave room for that time in future programming.
Keep separate child and caregiver programming
These periods supported both caregiver respite and children's independence.
Continue high-interest activities
Beach activities, arts, archery, games and campfire programming were repeatedly identified as positive parts of the weekend.
Explore a little more time
Several staff members recommended extending the schedule, particularly on Sunday, rather than changing the overall model.
Expand carefully as resources allow
Our evaluation supports reaching additional families when resources permit while preserving the safety, connection and community participants valued in 2026.
How we will use what we learned
Our 2026 feedback showed that families valued the camp as more than a recreational weekend. Caregivers described peer connection and respite, children described friendship and positive experiences, and staff recorded belonging, confidence and growing independence.
These findings give us a clearer basis for improving future camps, explaining the purpose and outcomes of the program to partners and funders, and continuing to track whether the same themes appear as the program develops.
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