Date: Fri 07-Aug-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

Granny-Camp-Alexander

Full Text:

Hello Mudda, Hello Fadda-- Things Are Great At "Granny Camp"

(with photos)

By Joanne Greco Rochman

Oh, the things that go on in the backyards of Newtown! Considering the

talented and diverse population of Newtown, it is not surprising originality

thrives here.

Take Marilyn Alexander's idea for instance. Every summer she sponsors "Granny

Camp." This is a "by-invitation-only" summer camp open to the Alexander

grandchildren. Now in its sixth year, this camp idea came about when Mrs

Alexander realized her grandchildren, spread out all over the world, could

easily grow up without ever knowing their cousins.

"We are a naval family and many of my grandchildren are children of naval

officers. I wanted the children of my five children to know their cousins. I

decided that I would bring them together," said Mrs Alexander, who stressed

that she invited them when they are at least five years old, well beyond potty

training.

"I don't do diapers," she stated emphatically, adding a wink to the

pronouncement.

Six years ago, Marilyn mailed out formal invitations for one week at "Granny

Camp" to those grandchildren who were old enough to attend. The idea was very

well received and the hand-written, enthusiastic responses were overwhelmingly

positive. Each year the children look forward to their hand-written

invitations.

"It's become an annual event," said Marilyn, who plans diverse activities

ranging from field trips and backyard camp-outs to reading sessions and story

telling.

"I didn't and still don't tell them what we'll be doing or where we'll be

going ahead of time. That way if the weather doesn't cooperate the children

aren't disappointed. It also keeps the element of surprise in everything we

do."

This summer, 11-year old Paul Alexander, III, and 9-year-old Meghan Alexander

flew in from Palm City, Fla.; 10-year old Lauren Alexander and 8-year-old Eric

Alexander were driven up from Virginia Beach, Va.; and 8-year old Mark Stater

and 6-year-old Preston Stater flew in from Jacksonville, Fla.

The cousins were thrilled to be together again. "My brother Eric got his

invitation before me, and I was holding my breath waiting for my invitation to

come," said 10-year old Lauren. "Grandma writes each invitation personally, so

we don't get all our invitations at the same time. We keep in touch with each

other and let each other know who gets invited back. We have such a great time

together; it would be awful not to be invited."

"I think the boys hold their breath, too." said 11-year old Paul. "We really

have a great time together. This year, all the boys got to go to Yankee

Stadium. We had box seats. It was awesome."

Quick to point out that though the campers usually participate in the same

activities regardless of gender, for this particular outing the girls

preferred to attend the newest Disney animated movie Mulan , followed by tea

at Elizabeth's Tea Room in Newtown. So on this occasion, the boys went off to

New York with Grandpa Paul to see the Yankees, and the girls got dressed up

and stepped out with Grandma.

"I really enjoyed fishing at the Shepaug River," said nine-year old Meghan.

"We tried to catch fish, then we had a picnic. It was a lot of fun," she

added. "During the year, I talk with my cousins on the phone or by e-mail, but

it's so much better being with them," she said, adding that cousins are great

because they're family and considerate of each other's feelings.

Although Granny Camp was Marilyn Alexander's brainstorm, she insists she could

never do it without the help of her husband. "He helps me think of things to

do with the children, and he tells the best ghost stories around the

campfire," she said with a laugh.

"Ghost stories are the best," said young Preston. "It's great bring with

Grandpa and cousins and listening to very spooky ghost stories." After

considerable thought, Preston changed his mind. "No, I think the best thing

about Granny Camp is finding twigs and roasting marshmallows."

"I think that sitting on Elephant Rock is the best thing," piped in eight-year

old Eric, referring to a huge gray rock on the Alexander property that has

striations resembling the rippled skin of an elephant.

"Our dads gave that rock its name," Lauren pointed out proudly. She also

stated that her favorite activity is playing with the big yellow ball.

The young children began reminiscing. One thought the best year was when they

all went to the Bridgewater Fair and rode a whip-like ride called The Tempest.

Another was certain the best thing they ever did was visit the Norwalk

Maritime Center, or the Indian institute in nearby Washington, Connecticut.

Before long, they got down to the heart of things. What they really liked best

of all was going to the ice cream shop, going to the bakery and selecting

their favorite cookies, picnicking on the Shepaug, singing songs, swimming in

Grandma's pool... just about anything, as long as they were all together.

"I'm pretty flexible," said Marilyn. "And I don't let things that can't be

helped bother me.

"For instance, I really wanted to take the children to Gillette's Castle this

year. I wanted them to enjoy the Connecticut River by ferry boat and arrive at

the castle for a picnic. However, with all the rain we had this year, the

river was swollen, the area was flooded and it just wasn't feasible.

"So I switched gears and we went to Southford Falls, 20 minutes away. The

children enjoyed the hiking trails, the fishing pond and the beautiful

waterfalls," said Marilyn, who keeps a "Granny Camp" file with ideas for

activities throughout the year.

A well organized lady, Marilyn provides the children with a reasonable

schedule and plenty of time built in for daydreaming and just hanging around

with each other. They start each day with tai chi and swimming instructions

with Marilyn, who is a certified swimming instructor. Time for reading and

resting is also part of the daily schedule.

"I usually take them on two or three field trips, but they do tend to like the

simple things the best," she said. One of their projects this year was

tie-dyeing t-shirts.

This year Granny Camp was held the last week of June and culminated with a

huge Fourth of July celebration.

Dixon Stater, who is three years old and living in Jacksonville, can't wait to

grow up and receive one of the highly regarded, most desirable invitations.

Anne Alexander from Virginia Beach is only two, so she has a bit of a wait,

and six-month old Thomas Alexander, in Shanghai, China, The People's Republic

of China, doesn't know what lies ahead for him. He has a lot of cousins ready

to meet him in Newtown in a few years. They'll show him the ropes and count

him in on upcoming Granny Camp adventures.