.
Every day, infants, toddlers and grade-schoolers come to Silverado to make friends with our residents and to participate in intergenerational activities alongside them. We do this because we believe that a multi-generational, family environment adds value and purpose to the lives of our residents; while simultaneously enriching the lives of the children as well.
But our Silverado community in San Juan Capistrano took this concept a bit further when they partnered with their local Boy Scout troop to recreate a wilderness campout.
The entire Silverado community was transformed into a campground. The administrator’s office became the Camp Leader’s Cabin, the office of resident and family services became the Counselor’s office and the wellness center became the first-aid tent. Additionally, the courtyard was converted into a campsite that included tents, tabletop grills for making s’mores and a Boy Scout canoe for resident and family photo opportunities.
The summer camp night also included a group sing-along and wilderness training demonstrations by the Boy Scouts and their Troop Leader. Residents and families watched attentively as the children constructed their campsite and then later tore it down. As the activities wound down, the children took seats next to our residents and shared stories of their experiences in the scouts while residents shared stories of their own life experiences.
“Our summer camp night was wildly successful,” explained Community Administrator, Carole Shaw. “Not only did all our guests have fun, but it was a great learning opportunity for the children as well. It is through these interactions that children learn the true value of interacting with older generations.”
The Orange County Register was also in attendance. Find their article by following this link, “Area Boy Scouts Camp Out with Seniors” or find additional photos from our event here.
.
