The invitations went out as tri-fold brochures for a special camp session for Camper Jack (the b-day boy). Inside was a picture of the camper of honor from a recent canoe trip plus session details (location, time, and date), frequently asked questions" (such as what to wear) and a Camper Spotlight about the b-day boy. Guests were requested to "sign up" for camp by calling the camp counselor.  We transformed our backyard into a campsite with a real pup tent kids' wooden picnic table and fire pit with camp chairs around it. On the patio we had long tables set up with red checkerboard tablecloths and lanterns. As the kids arrived we let them free play on our play set and in the tent. Our first activity before sundown was the pinata in the shape of a horse. Breaking it open took a good 15 minutes and the kids were so excited to gather the treats that fell to the ground. Around dusk we served dinner to the kids and while the parents ate their dinner the kids began the next game. By this time it was dark so I gave each child a flashlight (from the dollar store) and had them hunt for critters that we had scattered about the play area while they were eating. They were to rid the campsite of (plastic) frogs lizards bugs and snakes which they got to take home. The next activity was the campfire circle. I told a story that was more of a long joke and one of the older kids told a "scary" story that wasn't really scary. We sang a couple of songs before the kids couldn't sit still any longer and played follow the leader around the yard with their flashlights. (They loved having their own flashlights and luckily we had bought extras as some of them didn't make it through the night.)  I dressed as a camp counselor with khaki shorts a white polo shirt bandana around my neck and floppy hat. I rang a triangle that was very effective in getting the kids' attention before each activity. (A whistle would've worked well too.) The birthday boy wore khaki shorts hiking boots red t-shirt and had a cute flannel shirt to go over it.  For dinner we grilled hot dogs served baked beans applesauce chips and lemonade juice boxes. We also had trail mix sitting out on the table for snacking. For the birthday cake we had "dirt cake" with gummi worms tucked in. The kids had so much fun eating it especially the worms. At the end of the evening we brought out marshmallows and skewers for the guests to roast over the fire (with their parents' supervision). I think this was the kids' favorite part. We were careful to have supervision around the fire pit and grill and also had a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.  The goodie bags were made with brown paper sacks with each camper's name on the front and were tastefully decorated with animal foam stickers such as bears wolves squirrels and butterflies. Inside each camper got a sachet of hot cocoa a s'mores flavored granola bar a glow bracelet the goodies from the pinata the bugs etc. from the critter hunt and the flashlight. Everyone had a great time at the party and some of the parents said it was the best party they've been to this year! Best of all my son told me during the middle of it all "This is a really fun party Mommy!""