nothing like having paintballs flying overhead <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Poker run using GPS or compass.

Ted, you may have just hit it. I liked the idea of paintball. The prices were not too bad. I don't have a way to transport the kids that far. The quality of parenting has gone downhill. If the other parents have to work or drive more than 10 minutes, attendence drops dramatically. I am still amazed at the number of kids that get dumped off at the end of my driveway without introduction and unsure of the return ride home. If I have it at my house (about 10 minutes from town) attendence is good. if we try the lasertron or something in the larger town 30 minutes away, very few make the ride.

didn't they have an episode of this on Dick Van Dyke?!

Not sure. Just re-read my post. Sorry if it sounded like I was whining.

I would not call it whining just a sad realization of what a lot of modern parents are like. It seems like they are either the dump and run types or the way to overprotective ones who want veto power over all the activities and food.

If you are doing paintball your kid is going to be the most popular boy at school for a while. It is by far the coolest idea for a 13 year olds party ever.
Heck I am 33 and I would go.

not at all LH! I agree, parents should be parents and do parenting themselves and not pay for others to do it, your a good dad! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the ideas and support. I will try to post pics of the DFLE in use for the bonfire part of it, assuming the weather holds.

Just an update, the weather did not hold. It rained, a lot. We were indoors. Entertainment was provided via the game Rockband. I had 15 12-13 year old boys gathered around the TV for hours playing drums, guitar, and singing. All were completely behaved and engrossed. Vacuuming the chip crumbs was the worst damage. Highly recommended. I considered playing hookie from work today to continue my drum solo career. It is great fun when the weather is bad.

Sweet, Rock Band. Awesome looking game.

I've only got a Wii so I've never played it.

We have guitar hero for the wii. Rock band is not as challenging on the guitar ability for the expert levels compared to the guitar hero. For shear fun rock band blows guitar hero away. I hate video games. I am exhausted here at work today with sore forearms from drumming until 3:00 am.

Well graphics on the 360 and PS3 are also a whole hell of a lot better, too.

Rock Band seems more interesting than just playing a guitar and doing it DDR style (with the guitar, that is).

I've gotten out of video gaming. I'll probably play some CS:S one in a while but no more. I've gone out of the teen gaming club.

Which is a good thing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />