Recipe for Boy Bash

Last night, we had a boy bash — an end-of-summer, back-to-school sorta celebration. It was a blast, and if you want to whip one up, we suggest this recipe (adapt as you wish):

• 1 backyard
• 1 basketball court
• bunches of basketballs
• 1 tree swing
• 1 pull-up bar
• 1 roaring fire
• 1 dad to supervise fire (and simultaneously referee basketball games)
• lots of roasting sticks (store-bought or plucked from the yard)
• 1 box graham crackers (pre-divided into manageable parts, if time permits)
• 2 packages 6-pack Hershey’s chocolate (pre-divided, if time permits)
• 1 package marshmallows
• 1 watermelon, cut into small triangle pieces
• 1 cooler, filled with drinks and ice (and quick access to a bathroom)
• 1 electronic device to play boy-chosen playlist
• a few headlamps and flashlights
• 1 container wet wipes
• 1 trash can
• 10 boys
• a few parents sprinkled here and there

Supply all ingredients and allow boys to mix as appropriate.

Let simmer for 2.5 hours, allow to get dark, and only interfere if comes to a boil.

Intended end result: high level of activity, loads of laughter, sweaty shirts and heads, and begging and pleading to the tune of, “But I don’t waaaaaant to go home!”