Wilderness Explorer Themed Birthday Bash

We all know that a Wilderness Explorer is a friend to all!  And this birthday girl is one adventurous and seriously adorable kiddo!  When her mother began to plan her 3^rd birthday celebration under the hot Arizona summer sun, she knew just the place where the Wilderness Explorers, inspired by Disney’s Pixar move UP, could run wild and maybe even find the Snipe!  Thus, a Wilderness Explorer Themed Birthday Bath was formed!

The birthday girl is such a fun-loving little person who talks a mile a minute and totally reminded everyone of a little version of UP’s Russell – always ready to help and share in any type of adventure!  The party was held at Makutu’s Island, an epic (and air-conditioned!) mega play center, which is jungle themed.  It proved to be the perfect place to set up camp!  Mom ordered 12 Wilderness Explorers to Camp for an afternoon of climbing trees, swinging, and exploring the great “indoors.” After all, adventure is anywhere you make it!

All explorers were greeted with enthusiasm and issued their uniform, consisting of a yellow shirt and hat, an orange bandana, and authentic Wilderness Explorer badges from Etsy- loveunstoppable!  Fun!  They were dressed for a big adventure, similar to the birthday girl’s favorite Wilderness Explorer in Tribe 54, Sweat Lodge 12 … RUSSELL! 

They set up camp in one of the party rooms, which was created with a woodsy and adorable rustic theme for all!  A little burlap here … a wood stump there … backpacks and canteens everywhere!  The Wilderness Explorers met at the center table (around the campfire) to join in all of the camp fun!  And what else would be appropriate to serve for the Explorers???  PIZZA!

The dessert table was definitely something to write home about!  Perfectly coordinated camp activities enticed the Wilderness Explorers to earn badges by eating treats!  By selecting a beautifully decorated flower cupcake, a camper would earn their Wildflower Knowledge Badge!  Observing a tiny blue bird cake pop deemed them worthy of their Bird Calling Badge! 

Guests also “navigated” fondant compasses on top French macarons into their tummies and tiny bug-shaped sugar cookies “flew” off the table.  Laurie from SweetArt Cake Studio created all of these wonderful treats, along with the deliciously decorated and detailed badge cookies. 

In addition to making Wilderness Explorer badges and writing about epic adventures in their Wilderness Explorer books, the kids had unlimited play in the wilderness of Makutu’s Island! The campers proudly placed all of their badges on their Wilderness Explorer sashes and devoured the finest in camp cuisine!

But a camp just isn’t a camp without good ‘ole fashioned S’mores!  Grandma lit a little fire, roasted the marshmallows, and created the cutest S’mores on a stick for all of the Explorers.  Lucky ducks!

A backpack loaded with camping gear and necessities were sent home to busy hands and imaginations long after the little campers were gone!  Most importantly, a Wilderness Explorer is always a friend to those needing assistance. For that reason, the birthday girl asked all her friends to bring a donation to Charley’s Bear Hug Program at Barrow Cleft & Craniofacial Center!  The kids marched out wearing their official camp-issued uniform, waving their Wilderness Explorer flags high, and singing Happy Birthday!  What a perfect party!

Credits & Resources

Styling: Million Dollar $mile Celebrations // Camp Counselors: Scott and Tonia Tinker // Desserts:  SweetArt Cake Studio  //  Badges: Etsy- loveunstoppable  // Camp Gear: Amazon, Ebay, Oriental Trading, BirthdayExpress  //  Venue: Makutu’s Island

Looking to plan your own sweet Wilderness Explorer Birthday Celebration?! Check out these fun products:

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• Pine Cone Set
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