GRANDPass provides respite for grandparents

Jul 24, 2023
| Posted in
Aging
Grandpass header

The GRANDPass program provides a free week of camp for the children of older caregivers. 

When Sandra Claussen of Gladstone retired from her job as a medical technologist after 46 years, she was worried about how to keep her twin grandsons active and entertained in their first full summer together. Claussen and her husband have cared for 11-year-old Roman and Chase since they were young children. When the older caregivers heard about a new program called GRANDPass through MARC’s Department of Aging and Adult Services, Claussen said she jumped at the opportunity. “To be able to have a free week of camp is a blessing,” Claussen said. “It’s a gift.”

GRANDPass provides a unique form of respite to caregivers aged 55 and older who are caring for children in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties in Missouri. The YMCA of Greater Kansas City partnered with MARC to offer the program, which gives children ages 5-12 an opportunity to participate in day camp activities at approved sites throughout the region at no charge. Jordan Elo, senior district program director for the YMCA, said the program not only gives older caregivers a break, but also affords children who might not normally be able to attend camp the opportunity to enjoy new experiences.

Our camps give older caregivers the peace of mind to know that when they drop off their children, they are going to be in a safe and caring environment and also have a great time.

Jordan Elo, Senior district program director for the YMCA
Roman and Chase Claussen
Roman and Chase Claussen play ping pong at the North Kansas City YMCA

“Our camps give older caregivers the peace of mind to know that when they drop off their children, they are going to be in a safe and caring environment and also have a great time,” Elo said. “So, if we can provide that peace of mind and fun environment, it's a win-win.”

Roman and Chase Claussen participated in everything from basketball and crafts to swimming, STEM activities and snow cones during their week at North Kansas City YMCA in July. “My favorite part was making new friends,” Roman Claussen said.

Roman and Chase Claussen

Across town in Lee’s Summit, another pair of twins enjoyed a water park field trip with their YMCA Day Camp at Highland Park Elementary School thanks to GRANDPass. Nine-year-old brothers, Sean and Dillon Betsher, have lived with their grandparents since birth. Debbie and Steve Betsher officially adopted the identical twins in 2019. Steve Betsher said he was already planning to send his grandchildren to camp but was worried about the cost. His wife is also battling cancer, which means extra medical bills on top of their regular activities, food, clothing and health care expenses times two. “Being 70 and trying to raise two boys — that’s not what we planned to do.”

Steve Betsher & sons
Sean and Dillon Betsher with their grandfather, Steve Betsher.
Steve Betsher & sons
Sean and Dillon Betsher get some tablet time at camp.

Raising children as an older adult is hard for a variety of reasons, Betsher said. Finding babysitters, navigating technology and physical stamina are among the challenges, he said. Juggling multiple unexpected caregiving responsibilities and expenses can feel overwhelming and lonely at times, Betsher said. “We just feel like it’s no-man’s land because we can’t relate to the younger parents, but we’re not on the same page as the older folks either.”

“Thank goodness GRANDPass has come through and helped us out with a week of camp, so the boys can be here with other kids, enjoying the summer and having fun. It’s very warming to know that there are organizations out there to help us grandparents get through these troubling times.”

To find out about support, resources and respite options such as GRANDPass, call MARC at 816-421-4980 or visit the website.

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