The idea of a camping party offers a lot of appeal for a
range of ages. Perhaps it’s because the entire theme conjures up wholesome
images of nature, fresh air, sunshine, open sky…and no electronic games! If the
call of the wild appeals to you for your next kid-friendly party, plan for
needed supplies. On my blog, Spaceships and Laser Beams, we specialize
in boy birthday party
ideas, so I have tons of suggestions! From invitations
to decorations to cakes and take-home favors, we have lots of considerations to
help you.
One of the first decisions you need to make is where you’ll
host this party; do you have room on your own property? A backyard campout is
very convenient! I’ve also seen moms successfully plan for the entire campout
to be inside. One mom had kids roasting marshmallows in sterno pots on her
dining room table—and the guests had a great time!
Outside, a tent is not a have-to, but it does add to the kid
excitement. One large tent or even the A-frame DIY tents, can work wonders for
party atmosphere. If weather permits, just sleeping under the stars in a
sleeping bag is fun or have your guests bring their own pup tents! Don’t forget
to provide anti-bug bracelets or bug spray to make sure the party stays
enjoyable.
Camping Party Invites
Once you know your party venue, get the invitations ready.
An invite that reflects some aspect of your party is a good way to jumpstart
anticipation. An invitation in the shape of a tent with an envelope embellished
with trees, for example, is more exciting than a plain square of white. If your
campout is a sleep over, be sure to let guests know if they should bring
sleeping bags or tents.
Camping Party Games
Here are just a few activities that work well with a camp
out theme: a nature scavenger hunt; classic games like tug-of-war and sack
races or flashlight tag; star gazing; tall tales storytelling or retell true
stories of wilderness explorers; catch lightning bugs; nature crafts such as
leaf identification and crayon rubbings; give a lesson in knot-tying or some
other wilderness survival skill; sing around the campfire; go fishing (for the
younger set, this can be a game with magnetic poles and fish-no water
necessary).
Camping Party Food Ideas
Food is a major consideration at any party! At a campout,
preparing the food can be part of your activity. Of course most people expect
hot dogs and s’mores at a campout and that’s fine, but there is other camp
friendly food. Pre-made stews can heat in a kettle over the campfire
(or on the stove). Look up some camp recipes. There are a lot of
foil packet meals that can be nestled in fire embers. A couple of cast-iron
pans can produce some delicious culinary treats, too. Have you ever cooked
bacon over a campfire? Um…mmm! Add potato chunks, onion,
eggs and cheese and you have a feast.
Camping Themed Desserts
Don’t forget the birthday cake! It can be as simple or as
elaborate as you want. Top it with (edible!) miniature trees and a tent or hire
your favorite bakery to produce a woodland scene. Cupcakes, brownies, cookies
in theme shapes and hand-held pies are welcomed at any birthday celebration,
too.
Decorating Ideas
Whether you are hosting a camp-out or a camp-in, remember to
decorate the food and dessert tables. Think texture and rustic. For example,
table coverings can be a plaid blanket or burlap or even painter’s canvas. Old
tin ware, wood platters and baskets make excellent serving
pieces. Lanterns, vintage thermos jugs, even deer antlers, can add
to the out-of-doors ambiance. Don’t forget the possibility of using rocks,
leaves, twigs and moss in your arrangements.
Favors for Happy Campers
Send
the happy campers home with favor bags. You can include something as simple as
a theme-shaped cookie. If you want to be more elaborate, you might add a
compass, binoculars, a canteen, a flashlight or trail mix.
As with any theme, you can be as ambitious as you want in
planning your party, but a camping idea gives you the opportunity to simplify
and still pull off a great bash. Happy trails!
What's your favorite idea for a camping themed birthday party?
You can find Stephanie on the Spaceships and Laser Beams Facebook
page to keep up with even more great boy birthday party ideas!
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