MVP Popcorn Balls

These snacks are great for any party but are perfect for sports themed parties.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 quarts popcorn
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup butter or margarine

Supplies:
waxed paper
food coloring (optional)
clear or colored cellophane
ribbon
paper
pen

Directions:
Pop 2 1/2 quarts of popcorn and set aside. Combine 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1/3 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a medium-boil stage.

Quickly whisk in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 cup butter or margarine. If desired, add food coloring. Pour mixture over popcorn and toss until well coated. Spread mixture on large baking sheets or pieces of waxed paper and let it cool slightly before forming it into balls. Lay popcorn balls on pieces of clear or colored cellophane. Gather excess at the top, and tie it with a ribbon. Add special MVP tags or draw lines on each to look like a basket ball. For fun, let your child autograph the outside of each ball just like a pro ball player.

This would even be great for kids to do as a craft.

Always Have Fun!
Rebecca Hurt
Sr. Party Leader
Noah's Ark Animal Workshop

Catch The Dinosaur's Tail!

Direct everyone to form a single-file line and hold onto the waist of the person in front of them. The first person in the line is the head of the dinosaur, and the last person is the tail. when the game begins, the head tries to catch the tail. If the head successfully catches the tail, he or she stays at the back of the line and becomes the new tail. The chase continues!

Always Have Fun,
Rebecca Hurt
Sr. Party Leader

Autograph Seekers (Activity)

This party activity is a fun icebreaker and a great way to capture memories of your "star-studded" birthday event.

Supplies:
- Newspaper
- Sheets of White Paper
- Cardboard (1 piece per guest)
- Pen
- White Plain T-Shirts (1 per guest)
- Permanent Fabric Markers

Directions:
Cover a table with newspaper and lay out T-shirts. Insert a piece of cardboard between the front and back of the shirt to prevent bleed-through. Cut star shapes out of paper (one per guest), and write a party guest's name on each; tape one next to each shirt (this is so everyone will be able to keep track of whose shirt they're signing). Have everyone draw a picture on the front of their own T-shirt. When each guest is done, ask them to flip the shirts over. Then, each guest should walk around the table autographing the back of the other guests shirts. Hang dry during remainder of the festivities.

Always Have Fun!
Rebecca Hurt
Sr. Party Leader
Noah's Ark Animal Workshop