Sometimes a party is not a party, it’s a competition. Today’s event is dedicated to Charles Darwin, natural selection, and survival of the fittest. We won’t get into too much of the scientific stuff, instead, it’s all about who can be the best specimen of a human being. Bundle up, if you can’t handle being in less clothing, because you’ll be spending a bit of time outdoors in the harsh winter.
INVITATION TYPE
- On-line – an on-line invitation is essential as you will provide your guests with links to sign up for competitions.
DECORATIONS
Your decorating budget should focus more on equipment for the day’s events. A simple, large portrait of Charles Darwin should suffice for indicating where the event is being held.
- #2 pencils and scratch paper.
- Athletic equipment including cones and stop watches.
- Swiss Army knives, spears, and fishing line.
- Plenty of outdoor space including access to a body of water such as a brook or pond, and access to a forest.
FOOD AND DRINK MENU
Survival of the fittest cannot be emphasized enough. This is why food for this event will be hunted and gathered from nature by the competitors. In order to come out as the winner, the competitor should be able to provide a complete meal. Be sure to check if your community allows hunting and foraging and be sure to complete all the proper forms. Unless, of course, not getting caught by the authorities is another aspect of survival.
- Appetizer: Nuts or vegetables.
- Entrée: Fresh caught fish or freshly killed game.
- Dessert: Berries or tree fruit. An extra prize should be given to anyone who manages to milk a goat or cow for cream to go with the fruit.
- Cocktail: Clean water or freshly squeezed juices.
ENTERTAINMENT
There is no time for entertainment! OK, if you decide to observe the events of the day, and not participate, that will be your entertainment. For authenticity, we suggest you hire the follow people:
- Proctors for academic exams.
- Referees for athletic competitions.
- Rangers, scientists, and other professionals who can identify if the food that was gathered and hunted is safe for consumption.
GAMES
Competitive games, it’s all about survival of the fittest! Rather than award the winners, award the losers with swag from The Darwin Awards.
- Fear Factor – reenact competitions from the popular NBC series.
- Brain Teasers/Riddles – check out Braingle for ideas.
- Spelling Bee – use the study zone from the official Scripps Spelling Bee to come up with a word list.
- President’s Challenge Fitness Test
- Mensa Practice Exam – make sure you have a proctor. As implied above, you may need to solicit the strictest teacher from your local high school.
ATTIRE
- Fitness gear for the athletic games.
- Sweater vests and khakis for the academic competitions.
- Create team uniforms for both types of activities, whether it’s matching color shirts, or printed sweatshirts a la Mean Girls’ Mathletes.
LAST MINUTE TIPS
You may want to send out SAT prep materials and the latest version of the Presidential Fitness Test to your friends so they may train for the party. Or, in true survivor style, save these materials for your personal use. After, all, it’s not your fault they didn’t think of it themselves!
And as always, remember to bring your camera!
