My son turned 12 this summer and when we were in the planning stages of his birthday party, he mentioned he wanted 6 of his buddies to spend the night. Immediately I imagined 7 tween boys running loose in my house and started to shutter. But then the idea hit me – a tent!

I suggested that they make the theme of the party a camp out and we get a tent, cook smores by the camp fire and make it an outdoor party. My son thought that was a great idea. We live on 4 acres in a quiet neighborhood …read more