who doesn't love camp?

When we were tasked to plan Caleb's bar mitzvah, we suggested a few creative ideas, but the one Caleb loved was 'summer camp'. His parents were amazing and just let us run with it. We established a budget + presented some really fun and festive ideas for our clients to review, select and approve. Then they gave us the freedom to work our magic.

It was a picturesque day starting at temple in San Francisco followed by a bus trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to Camp Caleb - where guests had a blast. 

Our clients had secured McNear's Beach in San Rafael about a week before reaching out to us and said "we've booked a space, now what?" Not to worry - this I where we shine!

We began the process by designing a custom logo for Camp Caleb which we then used on the digital invitation, details + RSVP website - and then signage and fun stuff on the day of the event. We think a custom logo always gets the party started and sets the tone for fun to come.

Because we have been planning events for over 19 years we have the partnerships with the most amazing vendors and we knew exactly who to bring on board to make the big day perfect! Celebrations of Marin provided event rentals including wooden standing cocktail tables, chairs + tables for those guests who would not feel comfy sitting at a picnic table and of course the lawn games - Giant Jenga and Connect 4. We customized our client's Corn Hole set with a CAMP CALEB vinyl logo. 

The by-reservation group picnic area and adjacent lawn (which comes with a BBQ and volleyball net) were transformed into camp-themed fun.

American Grilled Cheese Kitchen served up made to order grilled cheese and hamburgers. There was a snack bar with some healthy options and a candy buffet for guests to enjoy too! The guest of honor was heard saying "I always wanted a candy bar at my bar mitzvah!" A ringing endorsement!

We brought in 'cabin leaders' from Andrew's Camp to help keep the young guests entertained with activities and action packed games, plus remote control dune buggy beach races. We rounded out the fun with a bracelet making station, a scavenger hunt, and a s'mores station for marshmallow roasting of course.

All of the "way-finding" signage was designed 38north Design Co. and printed by our partners at Dynamite Digital. The signs were fun and festive creating the perfect camp atmosphere, however they were also helpful for the guests to find the party on a busy holiday weekend at McNear's Beach! 

A highlight of the party was the custom camp mugs that were given to each guest. Camp mugs are a sustainable, waste-free option as well as a fun and practical way for guests to remember the celebration - as a take home favor.