It's a Jungle Out There! Practice your Tarzan yell and make some fun memories with this party.


INVITATIONS
Jungle Jottings

Have a roaring good time at your slumber party! Start off with this loveable lion sleepover invitation.

Scissors
Ruler
Yellow Paper plate, one per guest
Bits of colored construction paper
4 Yellow or brown construction paper
Glue
Pencil
Black Marker

Cut strips of yellow and brown construction paper, three-quarter inch by three inches. Glue one end of each strip of paper around the outside of the plate trim. When the glue is dry, use a pencil to "curl" the lion's "mane" by rolling the unglued end of each strip of paper around a pencil and gently removing the pencil. Use the bits of colored construction paper to give the lion facial features. On the back of the lion, write, "Come to my slumber party for the adventure of a lifetime!"

DECORATIONS
Calling All Bird Watchers

Fascinate the feathered-friend lovers in the bunch with these fun decorations.

Scissors
Construction paper in a variety of colors
Pen or pencil
Brown and green bulletin board paper
Blue crepe paper
Wicker baskets
Brightly colored tablecloth
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
Decorator's spatula or paintbrush
Jelly beans
Bird-shaped templates (optional)
Fishing line
Tree-shaped templates (optional)
Tape
Plastic eggs
Stuffed or plastic bird toys
Small wooden birdhouse
Cupcake liners
Cupcake pan

Cut bird shapes from different colors of construction paper. Hang the birds from the ceiling using fishing line. Draw and cut large trees from the bulletin board paper, and tape them securely to the wall. Attach blue crepe paper to one side of the ceiling. Twist the paper loosely and stretch it across the other side of the ceiling, attaching the other end of the paper with tape. Make rows completely across the ceiling to resemble the sky. Put a few plastic eggs in each wicker basket, and place them in various locations of your home. Place a stuffed or plastic bird in the basket with the eggs.

Top the table with the tablecloth, and use the birdhouse for a centerpiece. To make an edible place marker, melt one-third cup of butterscotch chips and coat the bottom and sides of a cupcake liner. Use a decorator's spatula or small paintbrush to make a layer of melted butterscotch. Make one decorated cupcake line for each child and place each in a cupcake pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator until the melted chips have hardened. Once the butterscotch has completely hardened, carefully peel off the cupcake liner. Put four or five jellybeans "eggs" in the butterscotch "nest" and place one at each child's place.

Nature and specialty stores sell tapes and CD's with birdcalls and songs. If you desire, locate one to set a chirpy mood during a meal or early evening.

GAMES
Frogs in the Pond

Scissors
Blue Poster paper (one less sheet than number of players).

Before the sleepover cut the blue poster paper into large pond shapes. For the game, scatter the ponds on the ground. There should be one less pond than number of players. Choose one person to be the "bullfrog." The bullfrog squats like a frog in front of the ponds. The other children squat like frogs on the pond shapes, one "frog" per pond. The bullfrog announces, 'Leap, little frogs, leap!' Each frog on a pond has to leap to another pond; the bullfrog tries to get to a pond first. The "frog" that is left without a pond becomes the next bullfrog. Play continues until each player has had at least one turn as bullfrog.


ACTIVITIES
Critter Catcher

White sheet
Safety pins or rope for tying
Flashlights

In the early evening or nighttime, hang or drape a sheet from a tree or over a swing set. Shine flashlights on one side of the sheet and watch for insects that will be attracted to the light.


SNACKS
Funny Frogs and Swamp Water

Swamp Water
Yield: 10 - 12 servings

1 quart pineapple juice
1 quart orange juice
2 packages (14 ounces each) powdered lime-flavored drink mix
1 quart water
1-1/2 cups sugar

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Serve chilled.


Fruity Animals
Yield: 2 servings

1 grapefruit or orange
Cubes of melon, pineapple, grapes and strawberries

Cut grapefruit or orange in half and turn upside down on serving plate. Have guests put fruit cubes on toothpicks and push other end of toothpick into grapefruit or orange half to create hedgehogs, porcupines, birds, or other animals.


FAVORS
Rainy-Day Rainsticks

Save empty wrapping paper tubes to make these fun favors!

One empty wrapping paper tube per guest
Dried Beans, peas or rice
Colorful paints
Spoon
Masking tape
Paintbrush

Tape one end of the wrapping paper tube closed using the masking tape. Have each guest use a spoon to put about a cup of dried beans, peas, or rice into the tube. Seal the other end closed with masking tape. The use the paints and paint-brushes to decorate the rainstick.

Recommended Reading: Planning a sleepover can be fun from beginning to end with my book. I have included creative ideas for themes, invitations, decorations, games, activities, food and favors. My book suggests fun for boys and girls and helpful hints for parents or party-givers. I know you'll have as much fun using my book as my kids and I did putting it together!

About the Author:
© Prima Publishing. This excerpt from "Creative Sleepovers For Kids!" was used with permission from Prima Publishing.

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