The Great American Backyard Campout is this Weekend!

I just found out that the National Wildlife Federation has their annual event, The Great American Campout this Saturday, June 26th so get out the tent, grab your guitar, load up on marshmallows and you'll be ready to have some big fun in the backyard!

Here's a link to the NWF's Great American Campout site where you can register, get ghost stories and other tips and plan your fun.... and for the how-to on backyard camping basics, read our article or watch my video "Host a Backyard Camping Party"on MyRecipes.com!

• WATCH MARTIE'S BACKYARD CAMPING VIDEO

• VIEW THE HOW-TO SLIDESHOW!

And check out my iMix available on iTunes for great sing-along songs for your backyard campout!

Last Fling Summer Parties: Throw an Ice Cream Social

It's no secret that ice cream is one of my favorite splurges---  and an ice cream party or social is an old school idea that never goes out of style. It's super easy and always sure to please every guest on the list.

Start with big containers of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Find a way to keep it frozen. I use a cheap metal pail from the hardware store (you can use it for bobbing for apples or to wash the dog after the party) and fill it with ice. Add rock salt to keep it really cold. Dry ice can be dangerous. If you use it, make sure you have it away from the party area.  

You'll need tons of toppings and mix-ins. Set up a buffet. Start with bowls and a variety of cones. Next, comes the ice cream station. It's a good idea to have an adult scooping for the kids. Reserve a large area of the buffet for the toppings and mix-ins. If it is a kids' party, I always make a table just for them--- covered with butcher paper or a water-resistant cloth. You can find great vinyl fabric with a cotton backing at most fabric stores that are cute and cheap. The one for this party was about $5.   

Have some backyard games or contests with prizes for the winners. We made a fun beanbag toss game from an old piece of plywood. Kept the kids (and adults) entertained for hours!

So, how are you spending these last days of summer? Share your pictures and party ideas with us!