Ok teens - I'm a fifty something mom with a 16yr. Old son who is just beginning to date. A group of 4 to 6 couples are going to Homecoming and related activities together but since they don't all know each other real well (and this is our son's first year at this school), my husband & I are hosting a bonfire/hot dog roast at our place for all of them a few days before Homecoming. I'd like to have an activity or game prepared to help them get to know each other a little more, but I don't want to be dorky.

Any suggestions? Remember, a fair portion of the evening will be dark, except for the bonfire light.

Thanks so much for your help!

Do you need to organise a game?

I would enjoy the food, party and company of these people, enjoy being the host, and theni if it comes to it, decide on a game all together.

Well... being 16 they may not want to "play a game" but what I would suggest is that everyone sits around the fire and say a little bit about themselves. For example... where they grew up... their parents names... what their parents do for a living... if they have siblings... what their favorite class is at school... what their hobbies are... where they have been on vacation... etc, etc. You get the picture!

Just an idea!

I agree Single4.
Its definitley a great idea to get to know each other first.

Its been 11 years for me, so I know how hard it is too SINGLE4 :)

Thanks Krs and Single4,
I just wanted something that would help them get to know each other a little better before they all go out together for Homecoming. And your idea of having them go around the circle and say something about themselves sounds good.

And I know I probably don't NEED an organized game but I just thought it might be a good idea to have one "in my hip pocket," just in case.

One I was thinking of... I have a huge container of regular chocolate hershey kisses, unwrapped, but mixed in that are a dozen almond hershey kisses (which look exactly the same). You pour the kisses into a huge pile on the table and the contest is to see who bites into an almond first. I thought of the teams being girls vs. guys, and the losing team has to roast the marshmallows for the winning team.

Like I said, I wouldn't use it unless it seemed right or necessary. And... by the time they're ready for marshmallows and s'mores, they would have become acqainted already, hopefully.

TWISTER!

Marshmallows and s'mores? Umm we are talking 16 not 6. The only type of kisses they will be interested in are not foil wrapped.

I'm wondering have you discussed this at all with your son??

I agree with Scott.

Have you discussed this with your son?

Is he okay with this?

Because if he isn't, then don't do it!

A good icebreaker, provided it's still light enough when they first arrive, is to tape the name of a famous person that they would know to each of their backs. Then they have to guess who they "are" by asking each other only "yes-no" type questions. Use well-know athletes, actors/actresses, musicians, etc.