Backyard Camping Party Ideas for Teens
Host a camping party in your backyard to get all of the camping perks, such as munchies, exposure to nature and a little bit of freedom from your parents, while being close enough for your parents to keep an eye on things and help out if any unexpected situations arise. A backyard camp-out is a more grown-up version of a slumber party that you and your teen friends may find more exciting or unusual. Does this Spark an idea?
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Food
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Food is usually one of the best things about camping, and growing teens typically love to eat. Provide a lot of snacks that are easy to grab-and-go, such as chips, pretzels, trail mix, rice crispy treats and candy. Water, juice and soda should be readily available in coolers to keep your guests hydrated. Dinner can include something simple, such as pizza, or opt for camp favorites, such as roasting hot dogs over an open fire or barbecuing hot dogs, hamburgers or chicken. S'mores are a must, so have graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows available. If you can't build a fire pit, consider using a grill without the grate.
Activities
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Camping out, even in the backyard, makes choosing activities or games easy since there are so many things you can do. Plan a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt where your guests are split into two teams and have to document their findings with pictures or videos. Set up a large projection screen to watch movies outside. Choose movies that are acceptable for all your guests to watch. For example, don't choose R-rated movies if your best friend isn't allowed to watch them. Flashlight tag or freeze tag where everyone is wearing glow-in-the-dark necklaces can make the night interesting. Play music in the background if you plan on dancing or want some background noise as you gossip, play truth-or-dare or play a creepy Halloween soundtrack in the background as you tell scary stories. Tape glow-in-the-dark necklaces to a volleyball or Frisbee to play in the dark.
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Decorations
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You probably don't want a lot of decorations like you used to when you were a kid, so keep it simple. The backyard likely doesn't need much to set the scene for your camping party, anyway. Tie balloons in your favorite colors around your deck or fence if you want something festive, or simply set up tents, pillows, blankets, lawn chairs and other items you can actually use during the party.
Favors
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Pass out goodie bags when your guests arrive if you want to supply them with things they'll need for the party, or wait until they're leaving. For example, fill goodie bags with snacks, treats, glow-in-the-dark necklaces, water, lip balm, bug spray and a bandana. Use two different colors of bandanas to create two random teams for scavenger hunts. Alternatively, hand out goodie bags as your guests leave filled with candy or any keepsakes that complement your camping party.
Safety
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Safety is the most important aspect of your backyard camping party you should consider. Set rules to keep all your guests safe, such as no one is allowed to leave. Make sure guests always have a partner with them if there are woods or a forest behind your house that you plan to use for games or activities. Tell everyone the best way to get your parents if there is an emergency, such as giving everyone your parents' cellphone numbers. Have a first aid kit on hand in case of accidents.
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