Intergenerational
CMAP's intergenerational programs are crafted to nurture meaningful connections between diverse generations. We bridge the gap between seniors and schools, grandchildren, and beyond. Explore a multitude of opportunities, from one-time events to year-long volunteering, ensuring there's something for everyone!
For a list of our current course offerings, please see our Newsletter or Programming Calendar, linked below.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
At different times CMAP will bring in faculty, instructors, or authors to teach different classes on topics in literature as well as offering writing courses and workshops. Please see below for some examples of courses we have offered in the past.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
GrandPals
GrandPals is an intergenerational educational program connecting Princeton Public School children with older adults. The program’s goals are to foster positive relationships between children and older adults and to create a life-long love of reading and learning in young students. GrandPals offers an opportunity for our volunteer readers to share their life experience, skills, and interests. Teachers value this program because it gives their students a calm period during their busy day to listen to fascinating stories, get their questions answered, and relate to an older adult. Many children do not have grandparents nearby and GrandPals is a wonderful opportunity for several generations to meet and get to know one another: the GrandPals, the teachers, and the children. The GrandPals program is solely funded and staffed through the Center for Modern Aging Princeton. This kindergarten reading program started in 1997 at Littlebrook School and has grown to serve children at Riverside, Community Park, and Johnson Park Schools as well. Approximately 130 GrandPals, ages 47 to 94, read once a week to kindergarten children at these four public elementary schools.
Can I be a Grandpal?
We need a large team of GrandPals to read to approximately 300 children each week. If you love reading and talking with young children, please fill out the interest form below to learn more.
VOLUNTEER
Seniors for Seniors
This pen-pal style program matches seniors through CMAP to seniors in High School allowing both parties to learn more about their varying generations and to provide a mentorship role for young adults transitioning out of high school.
If you are interested in volunteering for Seniors for Seniors, please call 609.751.9699, or email Ella Leving at eleving@cmaprinceton.org, to learn more.
GENERAL PROGRAMS
Year-Round Programs for Playful Interactions Across Generations
Our intergenerational general programs are designed to provide opportunities throughout the year to bring generations together whether their grandchildren, family, friends, or anywhere in between.
GENERAL PROGRAMS
Grand Adventures: Grandparents and Grandkids On the Go
Come be a part of a whimsical adventure in this intergenerational series where grandparents and grandkids team up to explore nature’s palette for an unforgettable experience where nature, knowledge, and art unite for an extraordinary bonding journey. Aimed for grandkids age six to twelve.
Leaders: Steve Hiltner is a naturalist, musician, actor, writer, and founder of the Friends of Herrontown Woods. His Princeton Nature Notes blog tells stories of nature in Princeton over nearly two decades. Ella Leving is the community outreach coordinator at CMAP.
Grand Adventures takes place monthly, weather permitting. Check out our newsletter for upcoming adventures!
