Every year at the beginning of July, grandparents and their grandchildren gather at Vancouver Island University (VIU) for the one-of-a-kind Grandkids University to spend two days on the Nanaimo campus experiencing university life.
Just like other university students, participants get to choose their major from subjects such as chemistry, culinary and sports. Course activities can include chemistry experiments and learning how to make the best cupcakes.
“We’re also really excited about the XploreSportZ option this year,” said co-ordinator Regan McKeever. “It’s new and grandparents and their grandchildren will get to try their hand paddling at Long Lake, learning how to Hip Hop, and also delving in to sports, nutrition and how best to fuel their bodies to keep active.”
Participants can also attend a barbecue, campus tour and organized evening games. They can even get a taste for life in residence, staying on in a dorm.
“The program has been running now for five years,” said McKeever. “It is so successful because it allows grandparents to spend time with their grandchildren doing something that is very different. Because of that many of them come away with wonderful memories.”
There are still a few spots in the July 3 and 4 program but it sells out every year so anyone who is interested should book quickly. Call 1-866-734-6252 or www.viu.ca/grandkids.
— Submitted by VIU