Moonbounces and Waterslides :)

A few weeks ago my friend Amanda asked me and a few of our other friends if we'd be interested in renting a waterslide with her before we all left for college again. Obviously the answer was "YES!!!" Here's how you can host your own waterslide extravaganza without breaking the bank:

What you'll need:
     - 10 or 20 friends that are willing to cough up some cash for the occasion
     - a rental waterslide (or moonbounce)
     - space for said rental
     - plenty of food and drinks

The first step is to research moonbounce/waterslide rental companies in your area and find rentals that you're interested in. If you're interested in a more expensive model then it may be a good idea to choose a less-expensive, back-up option as well (in case not enough people can come to make your first choice affordable).

Next, choose a date and invite all your friends. Show them a picture of the rental you're interested in and explain that if everyone contributes then you all can have one awesome afternoon. They'll probably want an estimate of how much each person will have to chip in. Unless you and your friends are rich, I would suggest a $30 maximum contribution by each person. Ask everyone to RSVP at least 15 days before the day of the rental so that you have enough time to collect money and reserve what you want.

If enough people are interested and you can raise the money then go ahead and reserve the rental. I would suggest collecting all (or at least part) of the money before you do this, as moonbounces and waterslides are somewhat expensive. You may want to make it clear to guests that you will not be giving out refunds if their plans change (unless you're a super nice person that isn't to stressed about money. Then feel free to give refunds if they can't make it).

As the date of your rental nears, buy some food and drinks for the party.

Finally (on the day of your extravaganza), ENJOY!

Here's a picture of the waterslide we rented a few weeks ago:

It was 60 feet long, 22 feet high, and excessively amazing.

More tips:
     - The more people you invite, the cheaper the moonbounce/waterslide will be. Most rentals, however, have a limit on the number of people that can use it at one time. If you invite A LOT of people then you may want to have other forms of entertainment as well (i.e. music for dancing, a home-made slip 'n' slide).
     - If you're a broke college student or just plain broke then feel free to add on a $5 food charge to the amount you're collecting from each person.
     - Waterslides WILL cause your yard to become semi-flooded and super-muddy. Don't rent one if your parents/landlord are OCD about the appearance of their yard.
     - For the above reason it's a good idea to make a walkway to the bathroom using old towels so that your house doesn't get mud all over it.