Garlic, grandmas, and growing up: This California camp is anything but ordinary

Los Angeles: In a small, bustling community centre in Fullerton, Southern California, the scent of frying garlic and ginger fills the air. A group of children sits cross-legged, eyes fixed on an elderly woman in a blue plaid apron as she prepares a traditional chicken stir-fry. “When I was growing up, my mum used to make this a lot,” she says, with a nostalgic smile.

This is no ordinary summer camp. Hosted by Olive Community Services, the Intergenerational Summer Camp brings together children aged 8 to 14 and older women--fondly referred to as "grandmas"--to share skills, stories, and meals. Each week, the participants learn to cook a new dish and take on a handicraft project, such as sewing, embroidery, clay jewellery, or card-making.

The camp aims to tackle issues like loneliness and isolation among senior citizens while introducing younger generations to valuable life skills. “Isolation and loneliness is something that seniors are challenged with, and they love having younger people around them,” explained Zainab Hussain, a programme manager at the nonprofit.

The initiative found a particularly warm reception in Fullerton, a city in Orange County with a large Arab-American population. Many of the children and grandmothers taking part are members of that community, and the atmosphere in the centre is one of chatter, laughter, and cross-generational warmth.

During the final week of the camp in July, 9-year-old Janna Moten and her friends were learning to use a sewing machine to make fabric pouches. “Slowly, slowly,” one grandmother gently coached as Moten accidentally set the needle flying with a heavy foot on the pedal. With a second attempt, she managed a straight line. “Honestly, I’m just here for the food,” Janna joked, proudly showing her hand-sewn pocket.

Janna said she had been practising embroidery at home after learning it earlier at camp. “Sewing’s pretty easy. It’s just hard keeping the lines straight,” she added, noting that her own grandmother is stricter than the ones she met at camp.

Haqiqah Abdul Rahim, the sewing instructor, said she is proud to pass on skills that many schools no longer teach. “We’re filling in a gap,” she said, holding up tools like seam rollers and thread snippers to demonstrate their use. Rahim, whose grandchildren live far away, said the experience has been especially meaningful for her. “It is heartwarming to be able to interact with those who love being around you.”

Beyond sewing, the children have picked up traditional kitchen techniques, like mixing spices with water before cooking to prevent burning or using fresh turmeric for flavour and health.

The camp was held in partnership with the Golden Connections Club, a student-led initiative founded by 14-year-old Leena Albinali. Living with her grandmother, Leena was inspired to create opportunities for her peers to connect with the elderly, particularly after learning about ageism and senior care challenges in school.

The club hosts monthly lunches where elders and students come together to share knowledge. “They treat us like we’re their grandchildren,” Leena said. The teens offer insights on topics like artificial intelligence, while the older participants share wisdom, life stories, and advice.

One of the most lasting lessons Leena has taken from the experience is the importance of being present. “The people we have right now, they’re not going to be with us forever,” she said.