I have a large group of boys heading to my house for my son's birthday party. Any thoughts on how to keep them occupied with wilderness or survival skills and still seem PC to some of the sheep like parents? Target shooting is out. I am thinking traps and deadfalls while fun are probably not appropriate either. They are beyond the age of just roasting marshmallows for fun. It is muddy, rainy, about 40 degrees with still some spots of snow on the ground. Last year we played football in the mud. My wife forbid it this year unless she can hose them off before they come inside to eat. I can't leave them alone and I would like to share something useful, but I am at a loss. Any ideas?

I'd say an outdoor treasure hunt (like a video game only real) with maps and clues and simple prizes to find.

During which they could be learning valuable outdoors things, things you think are important.

Sounds like the weather may not be good for an obstacle course. Last time I had an group that age and size I set up an obstacle course. I ran the course first. You can offer a prize for the best time. I offered a prize to anyone who could beat my time. Had two beat it.

Most boys that age like paint ball.

Our local game warden has a pretty good class he'll come and do.

Have you ever played the military version of simon says? Tell the boys you are going to play simon say - they will moan and groan and say they have out grown it....not this version. It plays with a very very fast tempo. There is no way I can explain it here. PM me your phone number if you want to know more and I'll call you and expalin it. Better yet, see if the commander of the local guard unit is available to come conduct it.

can't go wrong with paintballing!
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I'd say check out some local fields and prices.
not really wilderness survival skills though.
as far as that goes... idk, I've never been camping ever!!!
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Paintball, best sport ever!
If you were in my area I would bring my team out and instruct the group but to bad you not.
You might want to join the spec-ops brigade and see if there are teams or games in your area or start a game and invite people to come.
http://www.specialopspaintball.com/index.asp?

dude, I suck at paintballing.
like everyone on my team is always like... just shut up!
and I always shoot too close to my team members, so they pretty much hate me.
I've gotten like 3 people out in my whole life.
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still I love it.

EMF, study some squad size military tactics. You will be amazed how much it will help your game. Remember it is a lot harder to hit a moving target. If you are under fire...shoot.....move.....shoot....move. Move in different directions....that way they can't lead you. If someone has you in their sights....duck...that takes you out of their sights....then MOVE. It confuses people to have you in their sights one second and gone the next.

I have looked at alot of stuff, but what I need is someone to teach me while playing.
(most people are too annoyed by me to teach me though)
anyways, sorry for hijacking lighthiker.
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Paintballing is great, however, just have to worry 'bout kids cryin' when the first one hits him right in the chest.

I did for my 14th birthday. It was really fun. Rented out the whole place and bought several cases of paint.

I gave up on paintball and airsofting, though. Just wasn't real enough for me. So I swapped to trap making, shelter making, hiking, and killing things with my FBM. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Sorry 'bout that, anyways, it's true, At around 13-15, maybe beyond, most boys really like paintball. It's definitely fun.

Honestly, if they haven't gone paintballing, at least take them once. Find a nice paintball center, rent it out for the day, buy a few cases of paint, play a bunch of games: Capture the flag, terminator, bunkers, etc., etc. They'll have a blast.

I don't like airsomft at all.
it's like trying to simmulate ocmbat... idk, it seems kind of mall ninja to me, where paintballing is like it's own game.

kids do sometimes get hurt when they first get hit, and you also have twisted ankles and whatnot.
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maybe bushcraft WOULD be more fun.
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Bushcraft = FBM destroying as much wood and vegetation as possible. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />