For a long time, I considered the word “staycation” to be nothing more than an overhyped buzzword—an exhausted expression that had lost its charm amid the pandemic years. Yet I must admit, I was entirely mistaken. What I once dismissed as a cliché turned out to describe a surprisingly meaningful experience that allowed my family to reconnect in a way no expensive getaway ever could.
In early June, my son and daughter-in-law approached us with a rather tentative request: they wondered if they might park their camper in our yard while their two boys attended swimming lessons in our town. Their hesitation was understandable, for our home was already quite full—we had been accommodating our other son, his spouse, and their children for nearly a year. They worried their request might impose upon us, perhaps stretching our hospitality too far. Yet to their surprise, we immediately welcomed the idea with open arms. After all, we had no travel plans of our own, and the notion of their visit felt like an opportunity rather than a burden.
Our hope was twofold: that this arrangement would provide the entire family a rare chance to reconnect and that the grandchildren would enjoy long, laughter-filled days with their cousins. To our delight, both hopes were realized beyond expectation. For years, we had spoken longingly about organizing an annual family gathering—a tradition where all four households could come together. Given that none of us lived more than an hour apart, it seemed like a simple thing to accomplish. And yet, year after year, life kept intervening. Work schedules clashed, weddings and pregnancies filled our calendars, and the arrival of new babies always shifted priorities. Each year we promised ourselves, “next time,” but that mythical perfect moment never arrived. When our daughter-in-law proposed transforming an ordinary week at home into a staycation, we seized the chance immediately.
Soon enough, our backyard became a miniature campground—complete with a parked trailer, lawn chairs, and the cheerful chaos of cousins reuniting. It truly offered the best of both worlds: the comfort of home paired with the novelty of outdoor adventure. Meals and showers could take place inside while the camper served as a cozy retreat for sleeping and family bonding. The children, still young enough for naps yet old enough for independent play, entertained one another effortlessly, giving the adults unexpected moments of peace. Some family members couldn’t take full days off work, but that hardly mattered; they joined in whenever they could, creating a steady rhythm of togetherness across the week.
We began planning, quite fittingly, with food—the heartbeat of any family gathering. The first evening coincided with our camping son’s thirty-third birthday, which we celebrated in style with a hearty steak dinner. In our family, a birthday meal means customizing everything around the honoree’s favorite dishes, so everyone contributed to a simple yet satisfying weekly menu that balanced ease of preparation with great taste. Throughout the week we dined on generous helpings of ham, perogy casserole, smokies, and hot dogs, complemented by an array of crisp, colorful salads. Our culinary finale—a homemade pizza night—added just the right touch of festivity. Between meals, our kitchen counters overflowed with snacks and treats that kept both children and adults content, warding off the dreaded “hangries.” With extra adults around, tasks in the kitchen became collaborative rather than tiring, creating a sense of teamwork that lightened every chore.
Mornings unfolded in a relaxed fashion. Each person rose according to their own rhythm, fixing individual breakfasts of fruit, toast, or coffee. Occasionally, we gathered for special breakfasts: rich stacks of pancakes one morning, sizzling bacon and eggs on another. Freshly picked strawberries, gathered from a local field, graced nearly every meal—sun-kissed symbols of summer we couldn’t get enough of. When the weather allowed, we brought our plates to the deck, dining outdoors while gazing across the gentle green valley below. The soft murmur of the creek and the distant calls of songbirds completed a picture of pure tranquility.
Of course, children demand entertainment, and our second day offered the perfect occasion—Canada Day. Our third son, granted a holiday from work, joined us with his one-year-old in tow. Five young boys, all cousins, paraded proudly in matching red shirts emblazoned with white maple leaves, a heartwarming sight under the blazing summer sun. Because the temperatures soared, we inflated a thirty-foot slip ’n slide across the lawn—a new family favorite we had purchased especially for the event. As expected, the children adored it. Between gleeful rides, they armed themselves with refillable silicone water balloons, engaging in hilarious battles while the adults relaxed in the shaded breeze, contentedly watching the spectacle.
To keep boredom at bay, we set out an assortment of simple outdoor games within easy reach: kites ready to be lifted by the wind, bubbles that shimmered across the yard, safety-approved lawn darts, a soccer ball, Frisbees, and other toys that kept the energy flowing. The children invented their own rotating schedule, moving freely from one distraction to another. Family excursions added variety—bike rides, leisurely walks, and even an afternoon exploring a wooded trail where we discovered a charming covered bridge and searched for small creatures like frogs and garden snakes.
One evening, our plans for a campfire coincided with the arrival of a dramatic summer thunderstorm. We gathered safely inside the garage, where we watched nature’s power unfold in a dazzling symphony of light and sound. Every flash of lightning drew delighted gasps from the children, followed by squeals at each booming clap of thunder. Once the storm tapered off, they ran into the fading drizzle, laughing as the rain slowed to a mist. Moments later, a spectacular rainbow arched across the sky—so vivid and sudden it felt as if a movie scene had materialized above our heads. Not half an hour later, the fire crackled in the pit, and we sat in quiet contentment roasting marshmallows and assembling sticky, glorious s’mores under the stars. The following nights brought their own gentle routines: additional campfires, evening swims at the pool, impromptu park trips, and relaxed outdoor play in the yard. At the end of each day, pleasantly exhausted, we wound down together on the couch, watching an episode of Bluey as the children drifted toward sleep.
By the end of the week, the concluding moments carried a mix of fatigue and gratitude. On the final day, we headed as a group to the pool, where we proudly watched the little ones earn their swimming badges—a fitting finale to a week defined by family connection. Saturday arrived with a bittersweet air; after lunch, tired but fulfilled, our son and his family packed up the camper and drove away. Before leaving, however, we all promised to make this gathering a recurring tradition, not an isolated coincidence. Next year promises even more convenience—our eldest son will have moved into a new home only ten minutes away, making spontaneous visits and weekend sleepovers an easy joy. The basement, now cleared of guests, will offer ample space for our other two sons and their families should they prefer the comfort of indoor lodging to the camper experience.
Because everyone’s workplaces remain within commuting distance, future stays can be flexible—some might take vacation time, others may join after work, yet all will share the same essential moments of laughter, play, and connection. Our backyard staycation reminded us that meaningful experiences don’t require grand destinations or elaborate itineraries. Sometimes, the richest joy is found not in getting away from home, but in truly coming home to one another.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/staycation-adult-children-families-fun-camping-multigenerational-2025-10
