Camp-Themed Kid's Party
Photography by Paige Budde
Recently, I had the opportunity to plan and design a Camp-themed kid’s party that was an absolute joy to set up. Inspired by classic camp style, I transformed the venue into a mini camp getaway, complete with camp gear, a camp-inspired chow hall, and outdoor activities. The goal was to capture the carefree fun of camping, kids could explore and make memories to last a lifetime! In this post, I’ll share how we brought the spirit of camping to life for a birthday party full of adventure and fun.
P.S. When you’re done here, be sure to check out my post about the camp-themed sleepover celebration we set up after this party!
Invitations
The first thing we did was create a custom invitation for the party. We had a personalized logo for the birthday boy, 11-year old Grey. We decided to call his camp “Camp G11” for Grey’s 11th birthday, and asked guests to meet us there! The logo was front and center on the invitation, surrounded by some painted forest trees. Underneath, there was the event details with a complementary plaid border at the bottom.
Camping Gear
We also created a bunch of fun personalized camping gear with the Gamp G11 logo on it. Shirts, water bottles, hats, backpacks and more! This custom merch was such a fun way to provide guests with practical party favors they could continue to use after the party.
Welcome to Camp
We held the party at an amazing resort tucked away on acres of nature, which was perfect for the camp theme. To greet guests as they arrived, we set up a Camp G11 Welcome sign near the parking area, along with a camping-themed photo backdrop and lots of camping props and decor.
To hold some of the props, I set up a canoe-inspired set of shelves.
We even personalized the black van that came to transport guests from the parking area to the celebration area at the resort, using a custom sign saying, “Get in bros, we’re going camping”!
Camp Registration
Before they climbed into the personalized van, however, we had a table set up with a “Camp Registration” sign where we got camp waivers signed, t-shirts and backpacks distributed, provided each guest with the camp rules.
Once the campers arrived at the “Camp”, a classic arrow sign pointed the way towards the available activities and food!
Chow Hall
Speaking of food, for lunch we set up what we called the “Chow Hall”. We served classic camp fare - hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, BBQ chips, french fries and mac ‘n’ cheese.
On either side of the buffet we set up vintage hutches to hold the plates and utensils. We decorated them with plants in tin cans and camp pennant flags.
Dining Hall Tables
Next, we set up outdoor rows of tables, camp cafeteria-style, but with a more elegant look.
We hung a “Happy Camper” canteen on each chair, and a “King of the Wild” flag on the guest of honor’s chair.
We decorated the tables with camp buttons and patches, plants with pennant flags, lanterns, and containers of archery arrows.
We kept the place settings simple, with bamboo plates layered onto hunter green cafeteria-style trays. Each setting also got a camping-themed cookie and a custom Camp G11 utensil holder.
We added an additional canoe-shelf with props to this area as well, for more of the camp-feel.
Drinks & Desserts
For drinks, we wanted to keep things rustic, so we set up galvanized metal bins full of ice and tucked a variety of kid-friendly drinks inside. Next to this, we set up a dessert stand with ice cream and cookies! We added painted canoe oars as a backdrop to the dessert stand.
We decorated the dessert stand with more pennant flags and custom signage, and added some mini trees to help it blend into the forest-feel.
The cookies were elevated on an overturned vintage tray and labeled, and we included a sign encouraging guests to “Eat Ice Cream and Camp on”.
There were even Camp G11 wooden dessert picks for the ice cream!
Camp Cake
For the birthday boy, we had a gorgeous custom camping-themed cake made. It featured mountain and forest scenery, a pennant flag-embellished camping tent, a campfire with the cutest tiny marshmallows on sticks, and a mini “Camp G11” sign.
Bringing the nostalgia and excitement of summer camp to life for this party was such a rewarding experience. The kids had a blast, and it truly felt like a fun-filled camp day!
Be sure to check out my post showcasing the Camp-Themed Slumber Party that Grey had with some of his friends that night!
I hope this inspires you to create your own outdoor adventure for your next celebration.
If you’re in the Austin area and want some help planning or styling a celebration, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
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Vendors
Event Planning and design: MINT Event Design
Venue: Hyatt Lost Pines
Photography: Paige Budde
Rentals: Goodie Rentals
Linens: Monarch Event Rentals
Props: Lester Builds
Hand painted signage: Two Punks Paper
Transportation: Central Texas Valet
Cookies: Westlake Bakes
Cake: Best Little Cake Shop
Custom paper goods: Colour Your Name
