Monday, August 2, 2010

a CLASSIC BOY Campout Party

After trading my bed for a tent and 200 mosquito bites later, I am home sweet home from a camping trip. Camping was the IDEAL theme for Dakotah's birthday! He is our little outdoorsman. Last summer I wrote about Kotah's love of camping.

I asked him if he would rather do a big campout party at the house with a lot of friends OR if he would prefer to go on a REAL campout BUT only invite one friend. He chose the real deal with one friend and I asked myself ten million times what I got myself into! Camping isn't really "my thing". I'd rather be sitting cozy in a 5 star resort getting a pedicure...BUT the reality is I spent the weekend in the dirt with 4 little boys....


Setting the Scene

The best part of using God's breathtaking creation for a party canvas, is most of the decor is naturally taken care of! Colorado boasts clear blue skies, lush green trees, and plenty of peaceful water.
I {freaking} love this state!



(I set 3 different party scenes at our campsite:
the main table,the gift and banner area,and the s'more buffet.)
Scene One: Banner and Gifts
We sent Dakotah off on a mountain walk and briskly set up his surprise gift area. He would return to exclamations of "SURPRISE" and a view of his best birthday gift: a handmade teepee. His other gifts were arranged under his banner too.

As Dakotah skipped around the corner,
he spotted his surprise!....


Look closely to spot his gifts,
because they're wrapped in camouflage!
The handmade teepee from etsy
was a gift from my parents.

The banner read:
A D V E N T U R E ,

the perfect WORD for a boy's summer campout!
I ordered it from PEASANDTHANKYOU on etsy
and was extremely happy with this seller.


I used my chalkboard placemats that I made this spring for banners throughout the party.
I used chalk ink and wrapped the board with twine.


Scene two: The Main Table and Food


The centerpiece was a bear with a birthday sign.
Our campground was called "Little Bear Campground".
I sent the boys to the fields to pick some wildflowers for the centerpiece while we set up camp.

And Kotah's favorite book was added to the middle of the table as well.

Little hot dog boys in sleeping bags and mustard smiles

No drink could be more appropriate than BUG JUICE on a campout in the woods...
Hot Chocolate, yes please
Homemade trail mix on every plate
(and beef jerky for the guys)


You can't have a camping trip without trail mix. I made custom bags to mock something you would pull off the rack of a convenience store! I used festive scrapbook paper to seal the deal.

I wanted classic camping food for our menu:
baked beans in a can,
corn muffins,
chicken and veggie foil packs
cooked over hot coals of course!
The cake was A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E. I used my favorite local cake shop and placed a VERY specific order and they created it better than I had imagined.




The cake "table"

I added the roasting marshmallows to the fire with toothpicks and some micro mini marshmallows I had. (I've used these in my hot chocolate bar before too). I was very excited about this little touch!



Scene three: S'More Dessert Bar
This was EXTRA fun to create! However, this post is already as long as the Bible, so I'm sharing a few sneak peeks and will post the more details in another post SOON!

Party Games and Activities with Party FAVORS
I am all about decorating and making magic out of parties SO it was a BIG surprise to me that my FAVORITE part of this birthday party ended up being the activities and games instead of the treats and decor. It satisfied my Mama heart to see the boys get out and run outside with no worries in the world and just being CLASSIC LITTLE BOYS!

I had a few rules, but the rest of the campout was all fun...

My Dad made my day as he taught the boys all the classic things that little boys can create using only their imaginations and the tools of nature rather than a keyboard and tv screen.

He taught them to make:
a homemade bow and arrow
slingshots
a wooden sailboat
and more


Watching the handmade sailboat sail away was SUPER FUN.

One of the games was a NATURE HUNT.
After each boy gathered their nature treasures
they were rewarded with a fishing hat with markers to color it with.


Before the next game
we had a lesson about "explorers" and what tools explorers needed to embark on an expedition.
All the boys eagerly shared their ideas on what tools were needed for an adventure! I then told them that ONE PARTICULAR explorer tool was hidden in the forest and they were little explorers who needed to find that tool before they set out on adventures. They took off to find their treasures (which was also a party favor).

And one by one, they each discovered their own pair of new binoculars.
And they wore them the REST of the trip!


Another activity was a trail walk by the lake with their hobo sticks. I made hobo sticks INSTEAD of treat favor bags. I was on a mission to make camouflage CUTE instead of TACKY. Mission Accomplished. {wink}


And this is what was wrapped in the camo bandanas....
I oredered specialty shaped camping crayons from etsy!
These were the custom camping crayons I ordered from etsy.

More activities for BOYS! I've mentioned how important it is for my boys to learn all the "macho manly skills" in a previous post. Every boy got a piece of rope and Chris taught them 3 different knots to tie.

The last fun activity was fishing the NEXT morning after tossing and turning sleeping under the moon in a tent.

This CAMPING THEMED party made me so dirty happy as I watched my boys and their friend explore the outdoor world while running and smiling. It was the best party theme for a group of curious little boys.

Visit PART TWO, the S'More Dessert Buffet.







This post is linked to: All About the Boy, Tuesdays Unwrapped, Friday Favorites, Tablescape Thursday, Wednesday Gratitude, LambAround Party, Spotlight Yourself, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Motivate me Mondays, Inspired By, I'm Lovin It Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff Thursday, Be Inspired, Topsy Turvy Tuesdays, Making the World Cuter, Its so Very Creative, Tasty Tuesday,Get Your Craft On, Toot Your Horn Tuesday, Market Yourself Monday, Works for Me Wednesday, Show and Tell, Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday



90 comments:

Leanne said...

Oh my gosh Lisa! You've done it again. What a fun and exciting party full of amazing ideas. I hope one of my boys want a camping party now so I can steal, oops, I mean borrow your ideas. I'm sure this was a birthday he will never forget and how special his mom makes everything. Have a beautiful day!

mama hall said...

BRILLIANT! I can tell that he LOVED his party theme...so perfect! Everything looks wonderful. YOu did a fantastic job with every detail. And you're right- Colorado is God's canvas! Way to go!

Kate said...

Lisa
Just want you to know this was amazing!!! You truly top all of So CAl planners in Cali!! Girl you are full of talent and I love seeing what you come up with. Have a wonderful week!

xo
Kate

The Taffs said...

I always look forward to your "party posts"! You put so much thought and so many special touches to make them so memorable - thanks for sharing!

It looks like the boys had a GREAT time!

Nana's Fun Stuff said...

OMG Lisa this was SOOOO cute!! All the details you put into it were just amazing girl!! What a fun fun adventure. You rocked it girl!!! Great job :)

Alison said...

Stumbled upon your blog... WOW! Can't wait until my little guy is old enough for this amazing bday party! What an extraordinary party planner you are!!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Is there anything better than bunting and s'mores? Methinks not!

Staci J said...

That's soooo cute! Totally amazing, I bet your boy was in heaven!!
Visiting from justsewsassy.com

Rebecca said...

Oh wow, this is awesome! I would LOVE to throw a party like this for my son someday! And i love that grandpa came to show them those manly things!

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh. My. Gosh! This is the coolest thing I have EVER seen! The little hot dog boys in blankets cracked me up, I have to make some! The cake is amazing and your son will remember this party the rest of his life. Awesome Lisa!

Anonymous said...

the whole thing is adorable and i love ALL the little details.. they are never ending!!!

Susana said...

Oh my goodness! This is awesome!! I love everything you did! Over the top! My boys would have been in little boy heaven:-).

You Rock!

Michelle said...

That looks like so much fun! I especially love the pigs in a blanket adaptation. Too cute!

Val said...

Oh, how I truly love this!!!

Jenny said...

This is so cool!!!

You have done a great job putting all of this together - you have such great, creative ideas!!!

Ashlee Marie said...

love love LOVE this! What an AMAZING birthday party! I am SO going to steal this in a few years when my boys are older! FANTASTIC!

La said...

WOW! That looks like so much fun. Can I come next year? La

Melissa Miller said...

How fun and so beautiful Lisa!

Miller Racing Family said...

Girl this is amazing. You throw the best parties. I love the whole campout theme. Fabulous for little boys. I agree though the bed is much better than the tent.
Great post.
Have a wonderful day!

Jenn Erickson said...

Lisa what an incredible party! Those kids will surely treasure those memories for the rest of their lives. Your creativity and love touched every aspect of the party! Wonderful games, foods, decorations... I loved the little hot dog campers!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Well what a fun Mom YOU are! I raised boys too! (I didn't offer too many choices--Ha!) So of course I love to camp also. Thanks so much for stopping by! I enjoyed my visit here too! Jacqueline

Rebekah Lindenmayer said...

so fun! I wish I could have gone too :) I will be stealing most of your ideas, thank you very much!

Karla@TheClassyWoman said...

Wow, Lisa! You did an amazing job on this party-look out Martha Stewart! I was so impressed with the level of thought and detail that went into this, you have so many great pics too! You seem like a really fun mom. :)

I wanted to thank you for stopping by both of my blog posts today and leaving such sweet comments-they made my day. :) I'm so glad that you are enjoying my blog and now I'm following you too!

Warmly,
Karla

a quiet life said...

this is all adorable, every single detail, could not have been more perfect! great shots, great fun!

Red Couch Recipes said...

WOWSY! That was some birthday party you put together! Loved your cake! Loved your banner and tent and everything about it...I have loved doing fun parties for my kids when they were young too...the memories last forever...became a follower! Joni

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

This has to be every little boy's "dream" birthday party!!! You thought of everything and it must have been grand!!!

Megan Gunyan said...

BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY EVER!!!

Jacqueline said...

What an incredible birthday party you put together. This was quite amazing! I don't even know where to begin. Loved everything and it was sure fancy for camping. The tent was adorable and the cake and the chalkboard and the fun labels for everything. WOW

Entertaining Women said...

This will be a lifetime memory for that precious little boy of yours. Fantastic! Nuff said. Thank you for sharing your over the top wonderful design...it deserved to be long. Cherry Kay

Kara @ Mine for the Making said...

WOW!!! Everything about this party is absolutely adorable and well thought! Very creative and a party they will never forget! Love all the little details. The cake is AMAZING. The idea with the cute hobo sticks...seriously. Fantastic job!

Visiting from Fireflies and Jellybeans linky party!

Kara

Elisabeth said...

What an awesome party you planned. I LOVE it! I'm like you - I really enjoy all the planning and all the little details although I think you did an extra special job of pulling it off - ESPECIALLY since you were away from home! I'm looking forward to reading about your S'mores bar.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment at Treasuring the Moments.

Elisabeth
http://homeschoolblogger.com/timbuck2mom/

Cupcake Crazy Gem said...

Wow this is actually amazing! I'm so glad I found your blog! the work that went in to that party is incredible, I especially love the smores bar and can't wait to see the next post!

I know we are incredibly blessed we are getting to move somewhere so beautiful! It was actually me who got the job, I'm a behavioural therapist working with autistic children and they've just opened a School for autistic children on the Island so I'm going over to help start it up!

Colorado looks like a pretty beautiful place to live too though with all the lakes and trees!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Wow! Your party is amazing! I love all the details. Looks like they had a fantastic time. Thanks for sharing and I will be linking to your amazing party. I am so glad I found your blog. I am your newest follower.
Brooke
thecraftcave.blogspot.com

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

That's such a great party ... I love all your fantastic details and the setting was spectacular. Thanks for sharing.

Reunion Committee said...

You seriously have the BEST IDEAS!! I love it
Thank you for the nice words on the floors! Stop back and check out the details!
And yes I did the ice cream party for my daughter (thank you for the compliments) and I will post pics, although they were nothing like what you did! But you were my inspiration! thank you!
~Tana

Faded Plains said...

With each new party...you simply amaze me...great job!

annies home said...

Lisa-
Wow what a great party idea. The pictures tell the story with so much fun it looks like a lot of planning went into this.

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous party - exactly what I envisioned for a boys campout adventure and more!! Thank you for the mention! I am going to share on my fanpage and hopefully you will inspire many more campouts, because I can't imagine a better way to celebrate with little boys!! ~Jill

Heidi said...

Hi Lisa,
Wow, what a wonderful party you put together for the boys. I'm sure they will remember it for a long time, and your son especially will cherish those memories. You really didn't forget a single detail, did you? Except for maybe the blowup mattress to sleep on?!!
(I'm with you on the camping thing...!)
Thanks for linking, I'm guessing you're thankful it's over and you can relax now!

XO
Heidi - Heart and Home

Barbara said...

What an amazing party! One wonderful day in the future, your boys will say, "Remember that time..." and it will bring you instantly back to all of this. Every detail just made me smile. I am still grinning about the hot dogs in the sleeping bags!

Kristen Andrews said...

how fun, every little detail is just charming!

mle said...

Oh! Super, super cute party ideas!! I'm sure it was something the boys will remember for a long time... and one the other mommies will not be able to outdo : )

All That Glitters said...

this is the cutest party ever!

Unknown said...

I love this! It's so cute and you had so many little details! Wow!

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

You win theme party person of the year! Love the black bear - what a cute touch. And I think you have the cutest little pigs in a blanket I've ever seen - just adorable!!!

:)
ButterYum

Ranelle said...

Lisa, you and your hubby did it again! Sewing sweet memories in your children's minds forever. I loved how you decorated for the party despite it being outdoors. I especially loved the games and the little lessons on knots, etc. That is too cool. Can't wait to see the details on the smore table.

Marigene said...

Cute, cute, cute...love the little sleeping bags on the cake!

KJ@letsgoflyakite said...

Found your link at Weekend Wrap Up, I don't have boys but I absolutely love your party.

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

I know firsthand how much time, energy, and planning went into this party :). So, so cute and I'm so glad that you were able to snap photos of everything for us! Sometimes with all the set-up finding the time to photograph is difficult! You did a fantastic job Lisa!!!

Nori said...

what an amazing party! every detail was incredible. i'm sure your son will never forget it. :o)

Natasha in Oz said...

You have THE best ideas for parties! I just cannot believe how amazing this all looks. I am glad Kotah had a great time.

You are so kind sharing these great ideas, Lisa-thank you!

Best wishes,
Natasha.

Ashlee Marie said...

I'll be featuring this Monday! Thanks again for coming to my party!

Jessica Loukota Leimback said...

:)
What an amazing party & such awesome ideas. My favorite was the miniature marshmallows on the cake...that was the final touch it needed. I have never been a fan of camo but you proved it can be used with class. I don't know how you packed that much adventure in the two days but it looked like a blast!!

Holly Lefevre said...

Will you LEASE invite me to your next party! You are a genius! What a special birthday. Everything is just perfect. I love the activities and the s'mores bar. You out id yourself. What a lucky family you have! And how lucky they are to have you - so much love went into this party - it shines through.

Bree, Home of Blogmania said...

Love it! thanks for entering the giveaway...what a great idea. I have a son and that is so much better than a some I have seen. Now I need to talk my husband into camping- ha.

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

Perfection! I expected nothing less from the head mistress of party planning! You outdid yourself on all of the special details!

Judy@cutest-little-things

Brittany Schwaigert said...

Gorgeous party!! I am sure that the boys loved every second of it!

Kelli W said...

What awesome party! I love all the presents wrapped in camo! Such a fun detail. We did a Camp Out party for my oldest back in April and all of the boys loved it! The S'mores bar is a really cute idea too!

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

What a fun party! I just love the table, decorations, and cake! Great ideas! I'll definitely have to feature this for this week's Friday Favorites!

Thanks so much for coming by and linking up with me!

seven thirty three said...

GREAT Party! I did a Camping Themed Baby Shower back in June. It is a fun theme to work with.

Room to Inspire said...

Seriously adorable - your family is super lucky to have you! Thanks for linking this post up too!

Chelsea

Natalia said...

This is an incredible party! I am planning something outdoorsy' for my 4year old. So many ideas you got here!!! Thank you for sharing.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

The most creative and cute birthday party EVER! You are my hero. You are a master at this, Lisa! BRAVO! What a fun time. Made me want to go camping, and I don't set foot in the great outdoors if I can help it. LOL! It's itchy and hot and dirty, but I would go to this party in a flat second! Loved it!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Amie said...

HOLY freakin' amazing!! How in the world you planned all that and got it up there in one piece is a miracle. When we camp, there's so much stuff, everything is smashed and cramped together and there's no way any of that would have come out in one piece. Way to go!

Kate said...

Oh my gosh, you are the best mom ever. Seriously.

Kim @ The Celebration Shoppe said...

Just had to share with my readers! Wonderful job! Here's a link: http://blog.thecelebrationshoppe.com/2010/08/20/real-parties-wilderness-camp/

Unknown said...

SO creative and inspiring! I love it. I featured it on PartyLikeaKid.com today :) http://www.partylikeakid.com/2010/08/campout-birthday-party/

Unknown said...

wow can I go to the next camp out? this looks like a blast! I wish I was that creative completely jealous! how fun!

Unknown said...

So stinkin cute!!!!! I LOVE that you did all of that while roughin it in the mountains you rock!

Kellye said...

Now THAT is camping in style! You really went all out and that will be a birthday he'll remember forever! What a fun Momma!

Lorena Cagnotti said...

I love your creativity! I featured your party here:
http://www.sueniosencantados.com/blog/2010/08/camp-out-party/

the Author said...

Lovely party. Next time maybe you can go creatively more green...all the excess paper and waste puts a damper on being outside. Beyond that, an incredible job!

Mrs. W said...

Thank you for sharing! I linked you on our blog!

http://twolittlechickadees.blogspot.com/2010/09/birthday-campout.html

Wishes and Whimsy said...

What a great party! I too have 3 boys (and a girl), but they are a little younger than yours (ages 3, 1, and 2 weeks!). Their birthdays are in May, June and August so I am storing up summer birthday ideas to use later. I love planning parties, but I am much more adept at girly parties. THat will change as the years go by! Thank you for sharing a perfectly boyish party!!

MisHaps said...

I just wanted you to know what an inspiration you are! My step-son is turning 10 and his campout (Camp Wannarunamuck) is this weekend. I used your ideas for the bag toppers, candy bar wrappers, and the giant marshmallows (that I had to order from Mexico). This is going to be a huge, fun, and very festive perfect party and I owe much of that to you. God Bless!
Missy

Kendra@My Insanity said...

Love this! I've actually been trying to talk my son into doing a camping party since his b-day is on Labor Day. I will be borrowing lots of your ideas, I'm sure. I think my fave may be the pigs in sleeping bags!

Leigh said...

WOW! This party looks amazing. If I was a little boy, I would love a party like that. Well done.
--Leigh

~K @ VintageSkye said...

Wow! That's the cutest bit of camping I've ever seen. What an awesome mom you are!

Laura J Harrison said...

Howdy Lisa!
That slingshot pic is awesome!
I am a new follower stopping by from Lamb Around Hop.
If possible, pay me a visit and consider giving us a little help a the link below. CSN Store finalists. (3rd place)
Laurie
http://bit.ly/eacQ9P

Steph @ somewhatsimple said...

So fun! I am featuring this on somewhatsimple this Tuesday! Thanks for the idea!
-Steph

Leslie said...

Hi! I love your camping party theme! You did a great job! I was wondering if you could tell me where you got all the great containers for the food? The rectangle trays and the tiered stand are awesome! I would love to get some for my son's party May 5. Please let me know where to buy! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I can not believe how amazing this party is, you did such a great job of thinking of every detail. I'm so impressed! :-)

Celeste said...

I was thrilled to find this blog post becasue this is the party I'm throwing for my 4-year-old in Colorado this weekend. Great ideas. If you have time do you mind telling me how your Dad made those cute little wooden sail boats with the boys? What did you use for the masts? Thanks!

Moore Minutes said...

Hi Celeste, :)

I couldn't see a blog or way to email you so I hope this works! However, I believe I saw your question too late. :( Anyways, the sailboats were simple. After arriving at camp, the boys searched for a flat strip of wood and a stick. We stuck the stick into the wood by just wedging it between the bark and used white computer paper for the sail.

Enjoy your party!

Celeste said...

Thank you! That's what we were guessing. So simple and very cute.

Safdar Ali said...

this is so cute. looking so much fun what you have posted. i think this will be the best weekend for you all.

Send gifts to Pakistan from Australia
Send gifts to Pakistan from Australia
Send gifts to Pakistan from Australia

HollyReed said...

Where did you find the cute wooden whistles? Or did someone make those?

Robert wordsworth said...


It may sound a bit worrying offering activities such as lighting fires without matches, but we have done these things for years now without incident. We are extremely

safety conscious, but we recognise that kids want to do some activities which just aren't done these days. I can still point out trees in the local park which I built

camps in as a young boy, but I know I wouldn't let my own kids go off at the age of 8 to build camps by themselves in the woods. That's where we come in to offer those

experiences that aren't so common these days.
http://physictourism.com/category/adventure/camping/

irwan.s.m said...

I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.

Unit link terbaik di Indonesia Commonwealth Life investra link

Unknown said...

blog with good article that will benefit jual crystal x di bekasi cara mengobati keputihan yang gatal jual crystal x asli nasa jual obat gatal pada selangkangan parfum choirose