Elements of a Campfire Program
A campfire program is a gathering of Scouts, troop leaders, and family members for fun and fellowship. Despite its name, it doesn’t have to take place at night, nor does it have to include an actual fire.
Benefits
There are numerous benefits to holding a campfire program. It gives every Scout the opportunity to participate in a group activity and potentially discovers a new interest or talent. Even if they don’t want to perform, they can be given a behind-the-scenes role, such as managing the props or holding the microphone for the Scouts with speaking parts.
Showmanship: Great opening and closing ceremonies add some flair to your event and can include a creative way to light the campfire (if you’re using one). Songs: Sing all kinds of songs, from silly Scouting songs to the National Anthem. Stories: Whether they’re funny or scary, stories are a vital part of campfires. Stunts: Both pre-planned and improvised skits work great as stunts; invite some audience participation to make things really interesting.
Campfire programs give Scouts a forum to practice their public speaking skills. Whether they are memorizing lines or ad-libbing, they will be learning how to speak in front of a group, which is a skill that will serve them well in adulthood. Scouts also have the chance to tap into their creativity as they plan their contribution to the campfire program. Some may want to strictly follow a pre-existing script for a skit or read a favorite story, but others will want to add their own personal touches in creating original writings and/or performing something they make up themselves.
“Follow the Flames”
A good campfire program lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. This is long enough to keep everyone’s attention, but not so long that the Scouts become restless. Though a fire isn’t necessary, having one is helpful as “following the flames” can help you pace things. When the campfire flame is high, there should be lots of energy in your campfire; this is the best time for your audience participation songs and skits. As the fire burns down, the mood should come down, too. Slower songs, calmer stories, and a short inspirational leader “minute” talk will wind down the campfire and naturally bring the event to a close.
Planning
To have a memorable and enjoyable campfire program, it is imperative that you plan it in advance. Prior planning will help ensure that your program runs smoothly and that everyone can be ready for their turn on the campfire stage. There is no list of approved or prohibited skits for either the Boy or Girl Scouts. Instead, the Boy Scouts of America’s website says, “Be sure that every feature of this campfire program upholds Scouting’s highest traditions.” There are some skit topics that fall into a “gray area” where leaders should use their judgment about the appropriateness of the skit, like avoiding “potty humor” that many young children are fond of. Scout leaders should think about whether the skit will uphold the Boy Scouts of America’s Scout Oath and Law or the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Two great resources to help you plan a memorable campfire program are the BSA’s Campfire Program Planner and the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland Council’s Campfire Resource Book. They both provide a form to use while planning your event and offer ideas that either Boy or Girl Scout troops would enjoy.
A Word From Verywell
An important bonding experience that no Scout will soon forget, campfire programs are a longstanding tradition that can be customized to suit the needs and talents of your individual Scouts and troop.
