Isabel and friends could kumbaya around the campfire and still be close to a real bathroom - perfect! Cindy shares: Isabel wanted to go camping for her 8th birthday, so we hosted a dozen pint-sized campers in our back yard.

The party coincided with the National Wildlife Federation's "Great American Backyard Campout", so Isabel asked for donations to the NWF in lieu of presents.

We borrowed a giant tent that fit all 12 girls and took up most of the yard. Homemade PVC camp chairs personalized with the campers' initials were set around the fire pit. We roasted hot dogs on sticks over the fire in the evening, and cinnamon rolls in the morning. The girls took a hike to a local park and raced to complete a nature-themed scavenger hunt.

We had a fun evening, with a camping-themed cake, S'Mores, and songs around the campfire. We lost only 2 campers to the comfort of their own beds over night, and everyone got some shut-eye until 5:30am, when Isabel discovered a cricket in the bathroom and let out a bloodcurdling scream. The "scary" bug made our campground experience complete! The campers left with S'Mores on a stick and a bag full of make-your-own trail mix. It was a great event and a good little fundraiser for the National Wildlife Federation!

Thanks Cindy!