The Aerogard Great Gran and Grampout

The Aerogard Great Gran and Grampout

Australian families are being encouraged to join the growing trend of -gramping' – camping with the grandparents – with the launch of The Aerogard Great Gran & Grampout. Kids, parents and grandparents can participate in the nationwide event by registering their own Grampout to kick off the summer.

At a time when family sizes are shrinking – the number of people in the household has halved in the last century – holidaying with three generations is seen as beneficial to the social development and wellbeing of children who have fewer siblings, aunts and uncles to interact with in comparison to previous generations. Gramping also suits grandparents: studies have shown that 86% of grandparents would like to spend more time with their grandchildren.

Campsites in Europe have reported a rise in bookings for extended family groups over the last several years, while recent surveys have shown that a quarter of grandparents holiday with grandchildren. Yet, this is the first time ever that the creation of a national movement for -gramping' has been attempted, with Aerogard aiming to tap into Australia's long tradition of enjoying the outdoors.

'The kids loved learning the old games their Nan taught them and hearing some of her stories about when she was their age," says Melissa Zeiderman from Malabar, NSW, who recently camped in her garden with her three children, Luke, Jonah and Millie, and parents Ann and David. 'It's nice to see them all spending quality time together and getting to know each other away from the distractions of the TV and iPad!"

Aerogard, Australia's leading personal insect repellent, is encouraging families to take part in The Aerogard Great Gran and Grampout on 30th November 2013 – one night when Aussie families can camp out in their own back yard and enjoy important quality time with each other. By registering their Grampout for this night – or on any other evening throughout the summer – at www.aerogardgrampout.com.au, grampers will have the chance to win $5000 worth of 'Backyard Giftcards" (subject to terms and conditions). They will also receive a free -Gramping Guide', a digital pack that will include camping tips, games and ghost stories.

Aerogard is encouraging participants to share their photos, by tagging with #aerogardgrampout and uploading them to Instagram on the night, and any night throughout summer if they cannot join in the fun on 30th November.

To celebrate 50 years of providing long-lasting protection, Aerogard will also be hosting an exclusive showcase Great Gran & Grampout event on Cockatoo Island, Sydney, from 30th November to 1st December to mark the start of summer. Grampers can apply to win tickets to the event, where Harrison Craig, winner of TV talent show The Voice, will top the bill.

A host of other activities will be on offer including a tug-of-war competition, sack races, face painting and lawn croquet while inquisitive kids and grandparents can take guided tours of the island. After Harrison Craig has signed autographs for fans, the evening will draw to a close around the campfire as an indigenous group perform traditional dance and teach children how to play the didgeridoo.

Participants can apply at www.aerogardgrampout.com.au and winners will be announced on 18th November 2013.

'The concept of gramping is such a brilliant idea and it's great to see it catching on in Australia. Kids and grandparents love spending time together, parents can kick back a little and it's good for the whole family to get back to nature," says Rowena Newman of Reckitt Benckiser Australia, Aerogard's parent company.

'For 50 years Aerogard has been protecting generations of Aussies and being part of their summer memories. We want to continue to create more mozzie-free family moments this summer and ensure camping traditions continue to be handed down year after year, which is why this is something we really want to get behind. Gramping really is a winner for everyone. We want every family from Cairns to Perth and Darwin to Adelaide to get involved, register their Grampout and share in the fun. Happy gramping!"