It only took Samantha Chase two
swings before the colorful contents of the dinosaur piñata exploded onto a
nearby wall. A frenzied spree to collect candy and prizes ensued below a
dangling curtain of crepe paper streamers. And with warm hearts, every single
person in the room was wished a happy birthday for the fourth or fifth time.
Now in its third year,
Bentonville’s annual Birthday Club is an exciting diverge from usual club
nights as a means to specifically celebrate the life of each individual. The themed night graces both Primetime and
Summit groups with its presence each year, with the goal of every student
feeling celebrated simply for being alive.
The evening takes the shape of
a child’s silly birthday party. Decorations are bright and bountiful, with the
responsibility of making the club venue look “completely awesome” given to the
students upon arrival. Without hesitation, streamers fly and balloons inflate.
Within minutes, a simple room becomes fantastic. Party games are played and a
raffle is held to decide the 8 students who will, blindfolded, decimate an
oversized, overstuffed piñata. Cheers
break out as a whistle is blown and “BIRTHDAY!” is yelled, a Camp War Eagle
tradition observed almost daily in the summer to commemorate camper birthdays,
followed by clapping and a birthday wish.
In Summit, high school students
were challenged with throwing each other 5 minutes birthday parties. Girls in
one room, guys in the other, the two groups had a bag of supplies and a few minutes
to work together and plan a meaningful experience for the other group. Guys
were treated to a “Mission Impossible” themed birthday, complete with obstacle
course and glow sticks. The guys
returned the favor with a birthday gift performance for the girls, a
choreographed dance to “One Thing” by One Direction.
The goal of Birthday Club is
always reached in a fun and memorable way. Kids are reminded of the
appreciation and thankfulness staff has for each of them, as individuals,
simply because they were born. And all of that comes with a cupcake on top.
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