I was very excited when my daughter Michelle asked me to review a new company launching this holiday season - GrandCamp Adventures.   At first I thought, oh wow, I get to go to camp with the boys... but in fact, this is so much better!  Though the name GrandCamp Adventures would imply an actual camp, in reality, grandparents and grandchildren embark upon themed backyard “adventures” centered on a storybook and music.

After reading the first book, “Here We Go! - Around the World Family Adventure,” I realized the multitude of possibilities for creative interaction with the kids.  This first storybook (and there are many more themed adventures in the works), is complemented with the release of the company’s first music CD that helps grandparents and grandchildren add dancing and singing to the fun.  Now, I may not be the most artistic or crafty grandmother around, but I do love reading and listening to music, so the concept immediately appealed to me.  This first adventure is about exploring your own family and other families around the world.  A pair of grandparents just returned from a trip around the world only to discover that their plane sprung a leak and their precious treasures have fallen out.  With their three grandchildren and a magic compass invented by Papa, they set out to retrieve the lost items.  The book turns real life into an adventure through activities, games and music that support the central story.

At this point I thought, how will I ever create a compass, the family flag, hats and masks, and all the other items that make this story come to life?  Not to worry; through their website, www.Grandcamp.com , you can  purchase crafts, games and more so that you'll have everything you need for hours of fun.  I spoke with one of the co-founders of GrandCamp Adventures, Atlanta/Boulder, CO resident Scott Schaefer, who told me about all the wonderful products that will complement the books.  After the holidays, they will be releasing more fun and exciting products that bring the “Here We Go!” story to life.  The next phase will include GrandCamp Adventures digital games and activities that Grandparents and kids can enjoy together online.

Living in the mountains of North Georgia, we have lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures with our grandsons.  I can’t wait to read this book to the boys, and through their imaginations and our own, create new worlds to explore and memories to share that will last forever.  Make sure to check out the website soon and get your own copy.  Happy adventuring!

About the Book:
Acclaimed author Walter Sorrells and former freelance Disney illustrator Victor Tavares bring to life this multi-generational odyssey of fun and sharing in "Here We Go!" Join Savannah, Luca, Aidan and their “Pa-Parents” in their first around the world adventure as a family. Discover faraway lands and traditions, breach castle walls, survive a brush with quicksand, and meet a stowaway meerkat as we use Papa’s quirky magic compass to travel the globe.

About the CD:
A very special group of Atlanta-based artists come together on this CD just for grandparents and grandchildren.  As far as we know, it's the first CD created just for this inter-generational relationship. Eight of the ten songs were written just for GrandCamp Adventures, and all are original performances. There's music for every taste including jazz, bluegrass, reggae, and more, not to mention the GrandCamp Adventures theme song, "Here We Go!"

Here We Go! Storybook is $21.95 & Music CD sells for $14.99. Get them together as a "Fun Pack" for $29.95. Additional products also available online at www.grandcamp.com