The kids are patiently waiting for school to arrive; oh who am I kidding I’m waiting patiently for school to arrive! Although, summer is enjoyable and I love family gatherings, playing with my children and getting much needed time with them, 2.5 months is long enough and I’m ready for some alone time. This year is going to be very difficult on me though. I’ve said it several times and I’ll say it again; my youngest is heading to kindergarten. I’ll no longer have anyone to dance with, sing with, laugh at my crafting abilities or just snuggle on the couch. I’m going to miss all of that.
So to get my children prepared for their new adventures; middle school and kindergarten, and ready for the new school year ahead, what’s a mom to do? Host a BACK TO SCHOOL BONDFIRE party for all to enjoy and get enthusiastic for their upcoming adventures! I’m thrilled to be this week’s camp counselor at HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE. HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE offers weekly tips, stories and memories around a variety of fire themes. You’ll want to check weekly for the new theme with fellow bloggers sharing their stories, tips, videos, pinboards and more!
We headed to my dad’s one weekend with family for a pleasurable outdoor party complete with 4-wheeling, grilling, a campfire, Hershey’s S’mores and all the goodies that go along with entertaining. Having a back to school party is a great way to get the children back in the school spirit. Here are a few back to school party theme tips if you consider a back to school party.
Back to School Party Theme Tips and Ideas
Decorations-Keep it simple. Head to your local Dollar Tree and pick up streamers and in the teachers area are many banners, name tags etc. for you to glam up the party. Place books for centerpieces and if you want to get really into the spirit you can add maps and globes.
Activities-We had many young children at our party so I stocked up with crayons, construction paper, coloring books, Play-Doh and books to read.
Get Crafty-Children love painting, coloring, glue and creating messes. Buy composition notebooks for the kids, wrap them in heavy construction paper or scrapbook paper (parent’s hot glue around the cover of the composition) and let the children decorate with their name, subject they are most excited about and pictures. Tape on a pencil and their all set with a unique notebook for school.
Food-Think packed lunch here. Fruits such as apples, grapes and bananas and vegetables such as celery and baby carrots work well. We also had animal cookies, pudding cups, chips & dip and juice boxes. My dad grilled out hamburgers and hot dogs since it was a beautiful day outdoors.
Have Fun-It is the last of summer before the kiddos head back to school. We enjoyed 4-wheeling, a game of kickball, adults had a blast playing dodge ball against one another, but also had fun by sitting in circle time discussing the children’s fears and excitements of the first day of school. We learned a lot by chatting with the kids. My son is super excited about Science this year and learning Spanish, my daughter is nervous but excited (although she says she is very sad she can’t be with me all day) and my niece is looking forward to seeing all her friends again.
Dessert-Start up a campfire and take the children on a nature walk to find sticks. Adults will then sharpen them so the kids can make their S’mores-warm roasted marshmallows, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate and crunchy graham crackers. Fun fact you can tell the kids…
“S’more” originated from the combination of the words “Some More” as people could not get enough of the classic combination of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, crisp graham crackers and gooey marshmallows.
Need more for dessert? Purchase single serve ice cream cups with the wooden sticks!
I enjoyed this get-together with my family. It was enjoyable setting up a back to school scene even though we kept it simple. You can choose an art class theme or a book party theme to make it more interesting. Although simple, it simply was the best first day of school party. The memories will last a lifetime just like S’mores has done since 1927! Remember family and friends make the best parties, add in happy children and that makes everything more memorable.
Want to join in on the fun and bond with your family? Register to be a Camper of the Week at the Hershey’s Facebook page where you will have a chance at winning S’mores themed prizes like a backyard fire pit! Once you register you are encouraged to capture your own memories and share in the Fireside Memory Book at CAMP BONDFIRE.
Disclosure:This post is part of my participation in the HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE campaign. All opinions expressed are mine.
We love S’mores in my house! Looks like you had a great party!
what a fun bondfire theme you had! i love it! we may steal it
)
You had me at Hershey’s then smores! How fun. These are great ideas for a cool party. I am passing this onto my friends who are always looking for new ideas for their kids. I love the idea of a “bondfire”. This would also be great for the Fall!
How fun!!! We love doing s’mores .. mess and all.
Your party looks like so much fun! I love the photo with all the four wheelers! I am “patiently” awaiting the first day of school too, I will miss the kids while they’re gone all day but I very badly need some quiet time soon! If we have a dry weekend, I think we’ll have a little bondfire of our own!
OMGosh how much fun!!! I love you eating a s’more too freaking cute!
I so want to have a party like that! We have been making S’More’s a lot
now I want to build a fire pit and make smores!
How fun – I bet the kids loved it (and the grownups too!). We school year round in our home, so we don’t do anything special for ‘back to school’ but I think we might have to have a “bond fire” before September just because
Looks like a great way to finish up the summer and send them of to school! So much fun!! I want some smores now. lol