Books – Cousin Camp Chronicles

“But what if I can’t?”

Maddie, Charlie, and Sophi are excited about their first ever Cousin Camp. With Mima’s knack for adventure, Papa’s mischievous antics, and no parents allowed, they’re sure to have a grand time!

When unexpected struggles arise during scavenger hunts, deep cave explorations, and a daunting hike, they must learn to work together to overcome their fears and take the next right step, or miss out on the adventure and the biggest discovery—that they can do hard things.

After three decades of facilitating adventures for youth and adults in both personal and professional settings, Mima (aka Lori Giesey) is capturing the most memorable moments from real-life events in Cousin Camp Chronicles, a series of purposeful adventures curated to help young children cultivate their imagination, sense of wonder, and belief in themselves.

Join a growing group of cousins who learn they are stronger than they think, especially when they work together.

What an amazing story of three cousins who seem to be good friends too! The descriptions captured in The Ascent, the first book in the Cousin Camp Chronicles, share the adventures of these relatable cousins as they walk through an action-packed week of experiences, life lessons, and imagination-enhancing and self-confidence-building events.

As an educator for 20+ years, I can easily see how The Ascent will quickly become a classroom read aloud classic.

If only everyone would have had Papa and Mima as their grandparents growing up, we all would be a little better off for it!

The Ascent is the ideal mix of lighthearted fun and adventure mixed with the challenges and rewards of completing a difficult task.

The characters and plot are well thought-out and evolve as the story progresses. This is a must read.

Lori’s captivating book is a fun, informative, teachable tale that all young readers will love. It’s exciting and teaches many life lessons. As a former elementary and middle school teacher, I know young readers will love it!

The Ascent by Lori Giesey is a delightful read full of humor, fun, and great lessons for kids. My kids were inspired by the stories about doing new and hard things, especially when Mima and Papa take the kids on a challenging hike and when they explore caves. Our kids have since mentioned the book as we have gone on our own adventures as a family. Read this book with your kids and you will laugh together and be inspired to do hard things and have fun while doing them!

This adventurous book is a must-read for all kids. The story takes readers on wonderful and engaging adventures that bolster confidence and inspire exploration. My kids enjoyed each new challenge the cousins encountered and found they were able to relate to many of the situations the cousins were placed in. They can't wait to read about the next adventure Cousin Camp Chronicles embark on, and maybe they'll be inspired to go and do some of the same adventures with their own cousins!

"Is that what you're feeling?"

Papa has to stay close to home this year, so Mima adapts Cousin Camp into a staycation adventure that Charlie, Maddie, and Sophie will never forget.

When big feelings arise during pool parties, crafting, and climbing, they must learn to lean in and listen or let the discomfort ruin their opportunities for laughter and growth.

After three decades of facilitating adventures for youth and adults in both personal and professional settings, Mima (aka Lori Giesey) is capturing the most memorable moments from real-life events in Cousin Camp Chronicles, a series of purposeful adventures curated to help young children cultivate their imagination, sense of wonder, and belief in themselves.

Join a growing group of cousins who learn they are physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger than they think, especially when they work together.

What an exciting way of finding adventure while staying at home! I just loved reading all about Cousin Camp. Having cousins myself, it took me back to those times we got to spend playing and having fun together. It also invited me, as a Mimi, to become more creative and intentional when spending time with my grandchildren. I especially enjoyed reading about those special moments of fun and love interwoven with teaching moments of feelings, taking turns, and accountability—so easy to see and celebrate. And that epic flour fight with Papa—oh my goodness! How playful to witness! This book is filled with encouragement, affirmations, and all the love a heart can hold. Excellent read.

Parents, grandparents, and caregivers alike, this is one series you won't want to pass up. Highly recommended and exactly what you want for the children in your life.

Staycation is an outstanding book to read with your child each night, going chapter by chapter and then talking about what they felt or noticed. It opens up great questions, introduces a variety of vocabulary, and it is full of great lessons and positive principles just right for kids of all ages.

This is also the perfect book for quiet reading time. The chapters are broken up into easy-to-read sections and story parts. The characters are fun and easy to follow, and I especially love the whimsical story within the story of Konfety Kingdom that the cousins helped create. I think you will enjoy it too.

This book catches the attention of the reader and doesn't let go. There is never a dull moment in the story, from Papa's jokes to Sophi’s snacks. The cousin's adventures are just as fun and creative as book one, and this sequel leaves you waiting for the third.

Snapshots

from real-life

Cousin Camp

Life is full of moments.

The moment she made the decision to go right instead of left. The moment she heard the voice and swerved to miss the oncoming car. The moment the doctor told her she would never be a happy, active wife, mother, and leader in her community again. Lori’s story is full of moments in which she had to make choices—some of which she had no idea would make the difference between life and death, thriving and surviving, joy or lifelong depression.

In this second edition of A Moment in Time, Lori updates her raw, inspiring account of turning a devastating accident into a series of miracles with the power of her choice with recent stories of expanding opportunities for healing her body, soul, and family. Her journey, combined with the powerful prompts for reflection, will show you how to:

- Swerve around and through the obstacles on the road ahead

- Slow down and listen to the inner voice that is guiding you

- Navigate those old pothole-like insecurities and wounds

- Heal your body, mind, and soul with powerful tools

- Get in the drivers’ seat of your life and build momentum toward your dreams

If you are facing a crisis of any kind—health, mid-life, or relationship—this book will remind you of the power YOU have to overcome it and live a great adventure.

Are you ready to turn that “accident” into an opportunity?

Lori’s inspiring book is a glowing example of where life can take you when you refuse to give up! It is a great illustration of where you can go and what you can achieve with hard work, perseverance, and the help of a loving Father in Heaven (and others who love and care for you). I admire the way she was willing to candidly and openly share the traumatic experiences, problems, and challenges she has dealt with throughout her entire life, and demonstrate how we can take control and not let past experiences control our decisions today. She is a strong and loving woman and I admire her very much!

Lori lives her life with grit and motivation. She is a powerful depiction of how anyone can overcome odds by demonstrating resilience, strength, and the capacity to conquer battles within oneself. She showcases the desire to live a life she wants despite roadblocks in her path! This book will leave you inspired while also allowing you to see there's always an avenue toward your own goals and purpose in life!