Have an Awesome Teen Camp Out

Okay, so your birthday is coming up and you want to do something a little bit different? Have a camp out and follow these rules to make sure it rocks!

Steps

  1. Write an Invite your friends, around 5-8 people is enough. Send out invites in the shape of tents and make them green! Make sure the date, time and place are very clear!
  2. Plan! There are loads of fun games you can play at a camp out! In the day have water-fights, sleeping bag races, dance to some banging tunes, play celebrity 20 questions, the chocolate game (where you have 20 seconds to throw on some funny clothes-underpants etc. and run to a tray with a knife and fork and some chocolate - you have to try to cut a square and eat it within the time limit!), have a barbecue or play sardines. When it gets dark, play flashlight tag, ghost in the graveyard, roast marshmallows, sip hot cocoa and play Think of a Dare! Other games you can play is 'I have never' which involves having all the lights out -and someone saying, for example: 'I have never...farted in public'. If you have, then you have to cough. This will make everyone giggle! Another idea, go into groups or pairs, and give each group or pair a toilet paper roll each - play mummies! You could race or have a fashion show!
  3. Think about food. If you're going to have a barbecue, why not cook it on a campfire! Barbecues are excellent camping food, so this would really set the scene! For dessert , yummy treats like cookies and brownies are very tasty and fun to make! Breakfast can be really simple, like cereal, toast, fresh juice. Or if you're a bit ambitious, go for pancakes, or a fry up! Also, if you're serving tea quite late, serve up some Dips to keep everyone going!
  4. Put up decorations. Decorations can play a huge part in your camp out. They don't need to be big and expensive, but if you use some of these ideas, they could really set the scene. Why not try collecting empty glass jam jars and placing little candles in them. Arrange them around your garden and light them when its dark! This will really give your garden that magical look! Also, make your own bunting by cutting old, or cheap fabric into triangles (or any other shape) and stapling it to some string. A few banners here and there look festive and balloons are a must have. Why not cut out a flower shape and write all your guests names on the shape, then sellotape the shape to the ceiling of your tent!
  5. Even if you have the most fun things planned, being a good host(ess) will always make things that extra bit more fun! As well, your guests will feel more relaxed and willing to participate in your mad games! If you are a very shy person, try to practice simple things like opening a door to your guest and welcoming them in, in front of a mirror - it may sound silly, but it'll work. When your guests arrive, at least seem happy to see them, give them a hug (or do your handshake?!) and compliment their outfit, or their hair, or their tan (if they've been on holiday). Take their bags and thank the folks for bringing them. (It's probably best to keep most of the guests belongings inside, so you don't have to worry about people losing things, or belongings getting wet or mucky). Offer light food and a scrummy drink, like a smoothie or milkshake. These simple things will make your party so much more enjoyable!
  6. Most of the time, the most relaxed parties, which go with the flow, are the most fun. Sure, have a plan, but don't treat it like a school day and make sure everything on your list is done by the minute! If you feel your guests look bored or uncomfortable, play an icebreaker game or some music to relax even the shyest of guests!

Tips

  • Make sure that you have fun as well, and aren't just looking after your guests. Remember that it is your party!
  • Don't leave anyone out, and try not to break off into pairs or groups too much because that's when things can get awkward and uncomfortable.
  • If you have any pets, make sure that none of your friends are allergic or afraid of them.
  • If most of your guest want to do one activity, but you want to do another, go with their idea first. After all, you are the host(ess). Then ask about the game you wanted to play
  • Mention some basic rules, so that none of your guests upset your family.
  • If you have annoying little sisters or brothers, try to drop hints to their friends parents to look after them while the party is in place. If this isn't possible, if they annoy you, stay calm and don't start an argument or shout at them. The last thing you want is your guests seeing you scream and have a strop.
  • Last hint, in every teen girl group, certain people will be closer to another person in your group - whether they grew up together or went to the same primary school, it happens. If you want to prevent pairs or triplets going off, try to play 'team games' which involve everyone at once and not just pairs.

Warnings

  • If you do have a campfire, make sure you are extra careful. Have fun, but be cautious.
  • Don't do anything illegal or that could get you into trouble
  • Don't be too loud, waking up grumpy parents in the middle of the night isn't exactly cool!
  • Don't do anything too stupid, and think about your actions before you act.
  • Don't be mean to anyone at your party, or anyone outside of the party - gossiping is okay, but keep it limited - you wouldn't want to be portrayed as a bully.
  • Don't sneak out in the middle of the night- you're already outside!
  • Don't drink alcohol unless you're over the legal age limit.

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