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Grandparents, Grandkids Move Into West Chester Dorms For Bonding Experience

By Cherri Gregg

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) - With suitcases and grandchildren in tow, Grandpas and Grandmas are checked into dorm rooms and are headed off to class at West Chester University.  It's all part of a three day experience called "Grandparents University."

"They sleep in the same room, they take classes together, they help each other with activities, they learn and have fun," says Mary Braz, who created the program six summers ago.

She says West Chester faculty teach a variety of classes to the grandparent-grandkid duos, such as as flight, rope climbing, and the extremely popular television and radio broadcasting:

"I'm just very excited to be here, looking forward to our time together," says Alicia Acampora, who's enrolled in the program with her seven-year-old granddaughter Ella.

This is the first time she and Ella have ever had a one-on-one out of town sleepover.

"It's going to be fun," says Ella.

For Raymond Drago, this is the fifth summer in a row he's brought his grandkids.

"It's a great experience and the kids love it," says Drago, who is also teaching classes on flight and wind power.

"The first day- is kind of hi grandma and by the last day, they're best friends," he adds.

"Families often get together for anniversaries and birthdays and backyard barbeques-- but this is a hands on experience," says Braz, who notes the program ends on Wednesday with a graduation, a diploma and photos.  They'll also get to take home a DVD of their video work and projects from each class.

"Hopefully, they'll be able to look back and remember the great time they had," she says.

Braz says registration for Grandparents University opens up every December and it is usually sold out.

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