Having lived in Connecticut 15 years just minutes from several excellent skating ponds, skating parties were frequent planned for my sons and their friends. Fortunately, one doesn't need to have access to a private ice-covered pond - most towns and cities in snow areas have municipal areas for ice skating, or you can move the party indoors to either a ice skating rink, or a roller skating rink. The point is to have fun with activities for all levels of skating proficiency.
While some skaters may be practicing tight figure eight's, other may be more in the mood for a game of ice hockey. Of utmost importance is to have a responsible, and knowledgeable, adult check the ice the day before and again on the day of the party. Better to have an off-ice snowball fight with refreshments than a skating party, which ends up with a mishap on shallow ice. You need at least a week of below freezing days and nights to insure that the ice is thick enough for skating.
Make sure there are some portable wooden (picnic-style) benches so the skaters have a place to sit down to change from snow boots to ice skates. Our favorite skating pond had a firepit designed for the roaring bonfire that's needed to warm fingers and finish cooking the meal. Be careful when starting an open fire -- even snow-covered trees and brush can catch fire. Best to bring along a portable charcoal grill (kettle-style) in which to build your fire than to start a fire on the open ground without a proper fire ring.
Plan the party for the afternoon, bringing along tiki-style torches to light the area as dusk approaches. Invitations can be made by phone, with a follow-up call the day before the party so you have a final head count. For eight to twelve skaters, we suggest that you have another couple of adults along to help keep order, one of which knows first-aid. Be sure to pack a first-aid kit with your supply of extra mittens, gloves, wool scarves, ski caps, and warm blankets. Also bring along a couple of heavy-duty trash bags so that you leave the area free of any trash. Have glucose tablets and high-carbo snacks handy if any youngster develops low blood sugars.
After an hour or two of skating the youngsters will be ready to eat. We suggest you keep the menu simple and kid tested such as a bowl of Taco Flavored Popcorn for pre-meal snacking. For the meal, we suggest cups of hot tomato soup (made from a can with skim milk and brought to the party in thermos jugs); low-fat hot dogs-the ones made with turkey are great. Everyone roasts their own hot dog to pile into buns with mustard and catsup. Also serve cups of sugar-free hot chocolate (made from a purchased mix and also brought to the party in thermos jugs). Have plenty of drinking water (a plastic bottle of spring water per person with their name written on the label with a marking pen). No eating utensils are needed at this party .just plenty of large paper napkins. An old wagon can tote everything to the party site, or you can pack the back of a truck or 4-wheel-drive sports vehicle with the party foods and serve from there. Discuss the menu with your diabetic child before the party so he/she is clear on just how much to eat. Pack their pre-filled insulin syringe or medications as well as glucose tablets should they become hypoglycemic with all of the good exercise, fresh air and fun.
Taco Popcorn:
Allow 1 quart of air-popped corn per person. While the popped corn is still hot, lightly spray with butter-flavored cooking spray and place in a large paper bag. Add seasonings, using 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for each quart of popped corn. Close the bag and shake thoroughly. Pour the Taco Popcorn into large plastic bags to transport to the party. At the site, serve out the popcorn into a large serving bowl, replenishing as needed.
Diabetic exchanges (1 quart): 1 1/2 carbohydrate (bread/starch)
FTG
