Going away to college is a big deal for any student; but it can also be a big deal for the younger siblings they leave behind. Through Grand Valley State University’s annual Sibs N Kids weekend, students have the opportunity to show their siblings, family members or friends what being a Laker is really like.

“The event is great for students, as well as their guests, because it allows whoever is visiting to see how amazing Grand Valley is,” said Breana Ganton, one of the coordinators of the event. “You never know, you could be introducing them to their future college.”

Sibs N Kids weekend features a wide array of activities around campus for all ages. Some events taking place this year include: laser tag, inflatable twister and sled dogs.

“I’m super excited for the sled dogs to come – I think the kids will really enjoy them,” Ganton said.

Last year was the first time that Sibs N Kids weekend had a theme, and this year’s theme is Laker Land, a GVSU twist on the popular board game, Candy Land.

“Having a theme has allowed us to branch out fun ideas and has given us something to incorporate awesome activities from,” Ganton said. “We are definitely keeping the sibs busy this year. Ultimately, my goal is to give them a great time and make them fall in love with GVSU after their visit.”

Sibs N Kids weekend is not only for siblings; anyone is welcome.

“That is one of the biggest misconceptions about Sibs N Kids, and we want students to know that they can bring anyone,” said Nicole Gustin, one of the coordinators alongside Ganton. “It can be their own kid, niece, nephew, neighbor or friend of a friend. Basically, anyone who they want to come and spend the weekend with is invited.”

As GVSU’s student population continues to grow each year, so does the attendance of Sibs N Kids weekend.

“This year will stand out because we have focused on increasing the targeted ages for the event,” Gustin said. “Most people think that the siblings have to be much younger, but we realize that there may not be that big of an age gap with students and their siblings, so we have activities for all ages.”

The first time Jenny Adkins came to GVSU was when her older sister brought her to Sibs N Kids weekend when she was only 7 years old. Adkins fell in love with the university, and now she is a Laker.

“When we first drove under the Grand Valley entrance, I remember being so excited to see the place my sister had been calling home,” Adkins said. “Ever since that first weekend, I knew Grand Valley State University was going to be my home one day.”

Adkins plans to bring her niece to Sibs N Kids weekend this year.

“I’m hoping that this weekend will make an impact on her the way that it did on me,” Adkins said. “I cannot thank (GVSU) enough for holding a weekend like this, because without it, I probably wouldn’t have fallen in love with Grand Valley the way that I did.”

This year’s event takes place Jan. 29 – Jan. 30. Any GVSU student can attend Sibs N Kids weekend for free after registering online. If they plan on bringing a guest, the cost for their guest is $15.

Students can get involved in volunteering at Sibs N Kids weekend by contacting the Laker Traditions Team at [email protected] or stopping by the Office of Student Life for more details.