Gina Lee, of Redlands, California, created a camping party for her daughter Madeline’s eighth birthday, complete with tents, s’mores, and fireside fun for all.
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Tent-eriffic
Madeline (center) loved that the lawn was covered in tents. Lee and her husband, Chris, built them using two A-frames, plywood, and floral fabric.
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Scout’s Honor
This sign made sure it was girls only!
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Cute Campfire
A roaring felt centerpiece added cozy — and worry-free — atmosphere. Lee had it made as a decorative party keepsake for Madeline.
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Thirst Quencher
Lee ordered kid canteens from Birthday Express and added ribbon and “8” stickers from nellie-design.com.
Gina Lee Photography
Calling All Gamers
Lee found vintage-inspired bingo cards and cleverly used pebbles for chips.
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Grub to Go
Paper bags held a healthy lunch that was easy to tote to the tents and picnic blankets.
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Sitting Pretty
The girls took a break from the party games with a leisurely lunch on the lawn.
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Foodie Fun
Guests nibbled on “kids in blankets” and tent-shaped PB&J sandwiches.
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Super Juice
No campout would be complete without sweet and tangy bug juice. Lee added 7-Up to fruit punch for a fizzy kick.
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Sweet Anticipation
That night, the girls toasted s’mores and settled in for a movie under the stars. You can download a printable version of the Nellie*Design s’mores bag tag below.
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Roasting 101
As the sun set, the girls got a lesson in how to toast the perfect marshmallow.
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S’mores Please
Notice a theme? Mini s’mores topped vanilla and chocolate cupcakes.
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Canteen Cake
A fondant cake made turning 8 taste great!
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Adventurous Accessories
Each guest was given two felt hair clips as souvenirs.
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Outdoor Essentials
Brown paper bags were decorated with a map of the Sequoia National Forest and filled with a flashlight, trail mix, a bandanna, a cuddly stuffed animal, and a handy compass from Oriental Trading Company.
Originally published in the August 2012 issue of Parents magazine.
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