Summer is our favorite time of year and it’s all about making memories with our kids, our family, and our friends. We grill each and every weekend. After a recent cook-out, a large crowd (family, friends, other campers) gathered around to enjoy the HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE. Memories were created, s’mores were devoured as quickly as they were assembled, and a fantastic time was had by all.
So what exactly is this CAMP BONDFIRE? You can find out more at HERSHEY’S Facebook page, but it’s all about making s’mores and memories around the fire, all summer long. You can join in on the fun, become a camper, get tips, and enter win an outdoor fire pit on the HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE app on Facebook. Psst- you’ll also see a familiar face over there this week!
When my husband bent down and got on my 3 year old son’s level to teach him how to roast his marshmallow, I saw Bryson’s face light up as he realized he was doing it just like Dad! Our 1 year old daughter, Bella, wasn’t so sure about it and I captured her curious look in a shot that will last forever. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many friends and family as we made those memories. The kids and adults proclaimed them “the best s’mores ever!” and I would have to agree!
S’more Fun Facts:
- “S’more” originated from the combination of the words “Some More” as people could not get enough of the classic combination of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, crisp graham crackers and gooey marshmallows.
- The first printed record of the S’mores recipe appeared in a Girl Scout handbook 85 years ago in 1927.
- The Hershey Company makes more than 500 million Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars a year. That’s enough Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars to make more than one billion S’mores!
We had such a large crowd that making s’mores one by one just wasn’t cutting it. The guys improvised and used the grate from a grill to make lots of s’mores all at once. I thought it was genius!
As with most things in life, I find that keeping gatherings simple is key. I didn’t pull this off myself. In fact, I did NONE of the cooking because I have the best friends and family that are always eager to pitch in and help. I put together a Pinterest board dedicated to s’mores and a few tips for you to throw your own party.
5 tips for your CAMP BONDFIRE:
- Pick a theme. For our “FIRE IT UP DAD!” CAMP BONDFIRE, I chose to go with a patriotic red, white, and blue theme. Those colors scream “SUMMER!” to me so we can reuse the supplies and decor all summer long.
- Keep it simple. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on fancy food and decor. Time spent together is what is most important. An inexpensive paper table runner, some pom-poms hanging over the table, themed cutlery and tableware bring a party to life for very little money and next to no effort required.
- Dessert, dessert, dessert. There is no better way to end a yummy meal than with a delicious dessert. Turn a bonfire into a “BOND”fire by creating delicious s’mores and memories that will last a lifetime with the classic HERSHEY’S bar, graham crackers, and marshmallows.
- Entertain the kids. You’ll be amazed at how long a bottle of bubbles, some glow sticks, balloons, and/ or beaded necklaces will occupy the little ones. I found temporary tattoos to match our theme and they were a hit for the kids and the kids at heart!
- Relax and enjoy. Delegate tasks and let others help. Be sure to snap plenty of pictures, but hand the camera over and jump in the shot too! And do not, under any circumstance, let all of the s’mores be devoured before you get your hands on one. (Guilty as charged.)
I think the photos tell the story of our party better than I ever could. Being surrounded by our family and friends is more special and meaningful than ever since losing Kolby. We now have a void in our family, one that can never be filled, but when we are all together, I can feel his presence and I know that he’s there, enjoying the s’mores and the memories right along side us. I know that he delights in seeing our family all together and it helps our hearts to be together making new memories and living our lives to the fullest. Because that is what he would want.
Did you know that August 10th is National S’mores Day?
August 10th is also Kolby’s birthday. He would have been 17.
You can bet I’ll be eating a s’more or two just for him.
This post is part of my participation in the HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE campaign. All opinions expressed are mine.
Whit i had a great time with all of you. watching the kiddos enjoying the smores and all the decorations was exciting for me. Their little faces full of laughter and like us big kids couldnt seem to get enough of those gooey chocolate and marshmallows right dab in the middle of those graham crackers. you put it together so well as you always do. The Patiotic play tattoos were a big hit for all ages. Had fun supporting our troops in such a fun way that the younger ones could relate to. Thank you for the great memories the pictures and all the laughs shared among family and friends. Love you bunches girl!
We had a wonderful time. These were the best S’MORES I have ever eaten. I love all the time we get to spend together as a family. We had a great turnout. I hope that we can do this again before long. The tattoos were a great idea. We all had one on our foot. Mine actually stayed for a few days. The decorations were perfect for the occasion. Taylor Clay was very impressed I am sure. I am just thankful for all my family and friends. I am glad that we can get together and make memories together. I know Bryson was overwhelmed with all the chocolate since I ( his Nana) has been buying him HERSHEY candy bars since he was about 1yr old. Thanks again. Can’t wait to do it all over again.
We have s’mores in the microwave on our summer bucket list. It looks like you had some fun, which I know you really needed right now. I am glad everyone had a great time and the family picture with Bella staring really is priceless. Very festive and makes me want to get in gear for my 4th of July bash!
The kids are absolutely adorable! So stinking cute. Looks like a fabulous time! We are huge fans of S’mores. Or rather the kids are fans of making them and then telling me to eat them while they snarf down all the chocolate.
This brings back memories of my childhood years in Alabama ! Our summer days were filled with picking berries in the woods, a jump in the creek to get rid of the “red bugs”, then home so Mother could make us a berry cobbler. We were really living it up when we went with Daddy off the Mountain to Collinsville to get a block of ice, and then home – to make “homemade ice cream” in the “crank freezer”. “Summer Time and the Livin’ is Easy……….”
Whit, I too have to say that these were the best S’mores I have ever eaten. The marshmallows were perfect size to fit the graham crackers, and I am a Hershey’s Chocolate fan, whether eaten alone or simply syrup mixed with milk. Thank you for hosting such a festive event for all of the family and our friends to enjoy. I too must agree that the decorations you chose were very festive. The memories made will last a lifetime, and it is so good to smile every now and again. I did not know that National S’mores Day was on Kolby’s birthday, Thank you for sharing that information with me. I know that he was with us, helping with the fire and smiling as we made memories. Thank you for taking part in the HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE campaign. Unwrapping Smiles is what family and friends are all about. Thank you Hershey’s for this opportunity, and hopefully it won’t be long till we can do this again.
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