Campfires

Campfires are an essential part of camping.

As a Scout I hated campfires. Their sole purpose seemed to be to boost the ego of the staid campfire leader!

When I was forced into a corner and had to run a campfire for myself I was determined that the audience would enjoy it. After all, it was for the Scouts, not me!

Consequently I have built up a small repertoire of songs, chants, and yells which, if not already known, are very easily learned. One of the sure ways to kill a campfire is to attempt to teach youngsters a long, new song.

Teach the new ones around your own fire after the main event. "Green Grow The Rushes Oh" is an excellent round-the-fire song, but it kills a campfire for youngsters stone dead.

I am, by nature, a quiet, reserved person. But leading a campfire I couldn't care less how daft I look or behave.

That's another key to success, let your hair down!

Planning.

Good campfires don't just happen. They are planned.

Here are a few pointers to running a successful campfire:

1. Let the participants know when it is to be their turn:

   -give them a programme sheet;

   -give them the nod a couple of songs in advance.

2. Preview acts beforehand - to test for their suitablility (both content & length);

3. Have "no fail" songs up your sleeve in case another dies;

4. Keep a set of yells ready in case the participants are not ready;

5. Have a "Keeper Of The Flame", only he/she is allowed to put wood on the fire;

6. Stop poor taste stunts there and then;

7. Have "noise abaters" patrolling & watching for your signal (& only your signal) to have a quiet word with potentially unruly elements. Do not be afraid to send persistent offenders back to their campsite;

8. Be flexible - react to the mood of the group and change items if necessary i.e. use an action song;

9. Discipline is important for both the youngsters and the leaders, so everyone can enjoy themselves;

10. The fire should last between 45 and 60 minutes;

11. Close quickly if it gets out of hand.

Above all, be in control

I usually have 4 sections each with 3 songs/chants/shouts. Between each section are guests/volunteers/commandeers so that:

Within each section, the songs build up to a climax. Similarly the first 3 sections build up to a climax. The final section brings people back to a quieter mood in preparation for supper and then bed. (OK OK, I jest, I DO live in the real world!!)

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Last updated: February 06, 2004 .