It has been 10 years since our last Johnson family reunion so were long overdue but life, new babies and health kept getting in the way of the six families involved. But we never stopped trying to to duplicate the gathering we had in our cozy cabin at YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center. Fast-forward several years and we recently rented a much-larger Eight Bedroom Cabins where each family had their own room, which might be the opposite of bonding but we ran with it.
And ran ourselves ragged in what I have deemed the ultimate venue for a family reunion in Colorado.
The Estes Park Center borders the famous Rocky Mountain National Park on three sides and offers a variety of fun for all ages, which is key because our interests were across the board. The kids delved into a gallimaufry of on-site indoor activities despite inclement weather–Pickleball, rollerskating, volleyball, swimming, basketball, shuffleboard, Animal Detective, Spirit Animals and glorious creations in the Craft and Design Center. Some of us also indulged at the multiple candy stores in Estes Park and we had a blast playing puzzles and board games at Frames, Games and Things Unnamed while also watching a glass blowing demonstration at Mountain Blown Glass.
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- Animal Detective
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- Birthday parties
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- Diving boms
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- Valentine’s Day fondue
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- Pickleball
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- Mid-February cabin view
We’d all come back together for meals in our glorious cabin with a kitchen that could accommodate an army with two refrigerators, two dishwashers, two stoves and more utensils and cookware than I’ve used in a lifetime.
In the evenings, we’d snuggle up by the fire to watch movies, play games in our expansive family room or conquer our 1,000-piece RMNP puzzle. Grandma and Grandpa each took time to talk about family history, which added wonderful meaning to all the fun.
We’ve vowed to now let another 10 years pass before we get together again.
I asked Estes Park Center about their tips for planning a family reunion and they provided these helpful guidelines:
1. Have a few organizers: This is a role that a few family members must do in order to maintain everyone’s sanity. From cooking to food prep to dishes, even scheduling a group photo, there’s a lot that goes into planning successfully running a great family reunion. Someone organized and energetic should be in charge of ensuring these must-dos get done.
2. Make sure everyone has something to do: If you can walk and talk, you need a role. Cleaning-up, babysitting, shopping, planning… ensure everyone pitches in. This is not only good for family harmony, but ensures that each member of the family recognizes their value in creating harmony, no matter how young or old. The organizer(s) can help assign duties, but everyone should pitch in.
3. Take time to explore and remember your family history: A family reunion is a terrific place to bring out old photos, scrapbooks, or even antiques and family heirlooms. Consider having a special place to display these items and consider having time set aside to discuss and cherish the family history, so younger members can understand the lives of their elders.
4. Visuals are key! If you have many cousins and they all have their own kids and spouses now, it can be hard to remember to everyone. Family trees displayed visually are great, as are visual calendars and activity poster. Consider creating easy-to-read posters with daily activities and reminders, and hang them in the common areas so people know where other family are and what’s the on the agenda for the day.
5. Consider some special activities such a talent show, scavenger hunt, or family field day. Having a big family activity like this is a surefire way to create new memories.
6. Plan early. The holidays are when most families begin thinking about summertime family reunions, and that means family cabins begin booking up in the winter and spring. Begin organizing now for reunions in mid-to-late 2016 and beyond.
For logistics and lodging information, check out available family reunion cabins at www.ymcarockies.org. These large cabins can easily house families with well over 100 members, and the 800+ acre grounds ensure there is something for everyone. From arts & crafts to horseback riding, to hiking, reading or grilling on a patio amid the stunning mountain-setting, there is truly something for everyone.
Note: You may book YMCA of the Rockies’ family reunion cabins as far in advance as 2017 or 2018! For their regular lodges and cabins, summer registration opens April 6, 2016.
In partnership with Mile High Mamas.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
jenn2
We stayed in that *exact* cabin a few years ago. It seemed to sleep, like a 100 of us. OK, maybe not that many but I really loved that all the bedrooms had their own bathroom so individual families could stay together. We crammed a lot of kiddos in that bunk room, which was super fun. There’s a lot more to do in the summer but I’d imagine it would be fun year round.
Sandra
I’ve started looking for family reunion venues. VRBO is good but just for lodging and not activities. This seems to have it all. What kind of prices are there?
Amber Johnson
Jenn–what are the odds! My kids also loved the adjacent playground and we would have used the firepit if the weather hadn’t been blustery. It was fun to meet kids from other cabins as well!
Amber Johnson
Sandra–Obviously, rates vary by season. I’d start by checking out their Groups section: http://ymcarockies.org/groups/.
We went in February, which is less expensive than their summer peak season.
Their other location, Snow Mountain Ranch, has lots of great options as well. Snow Mountain has a lot more activities in the winter due to its on-site Nordic Center and both locations are awesome in the summer!