CAMPFIRE

INGREDIENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL CAMPFIRE

A successful campfire is the result of good
planning and preparation. A good rule to follow
in planning the campfire program is to follow the
flames.

Start slow as the fire begins to glow and then as

the flame gently grows bigger and brighter, build
to a high point, to a lively and active presentation
and participation and as the fire slowly turns into
embers, slow down to quiet, patriotic, spiritual,
inspirational, meditational songs, poems and
message.
Depending on the skill of the Program Officer and
the response of the participants, a campfire will
vary between 60 to 90 minutes.

Another good rule to follow is to end the

campfire while every body is still clamoring for
more, at its height. Better to close the program
with everybody clamoring for more than let the
campfire go boring and die a natural death.
Vary the content of the campfire program. Make
it a mixture of songs, skits, stunts, tricks, poems,
spirituals, games, yells, and presentation of
awards and badges.

Avoid stereo type programs. Place a little of the

unexpected into it…small surprises that give the
campfire a little misery.
EVERY SUCCESSFUL CAMPFIRE
WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING
INGREDIENTS…
• Opening Ceremonials
– This should be simple, short, creative, and
colorful

• Songs and Cheers

– This should include folk songs, patriotic songs,
spiritual songs, round songs, mixed songs, and
action songs.
• Stories
– This includes mysteries, adventure,
biographies, folk tale, and legends.

• Games
– This should be based on inter-unit challenges
or individual test of skill.
• Dramatics
– This should feature native or modern dances,
comedy skits, skill application, folk traditions,
cultural, nationalistic, and spiritual values.

• Recognition and Awards

– This should include advancement and merit
badges, award ribbons and pennants, etc.
• Information and Announcement
– This should include future Scout activities and
projects to be participated by the Unit whether on
a National, Regional, Council, District, or
Institutional level.

• Inspirational Message
– Traditionally, this is given by the Unit Leader. He
may delegate this to a special guest of the unit.

• Closing Ceremonies
– This must be short simple and solemn.
TYPES OF CAMPFIRE
• Presentative
– These are the most common and makes use
of the Unit (Patrol, Crew etc.) presentation
in forms of skits, demonstrations, and
stunts.
• Fellowship or Social
– This has for its objective the building of
morale and the strengthening of
friendships and associations. This contains
mostly group songs, stunts, games, and
story telling.
• Inspirational or Spiritual
– This is designed to inculcate values. This
mostly contains inspirational and
meditational songs, skits, messages, and
ceremonials.
CAMPFIRES MAY FURTHER BE CLASSIFIED
ACCORDING TO THEMES, THUS:
• Ideals Campfire
– This focuses the activities on the Fundamental
Principles of Scouting and the Scout Method.
• Skills Campfire
– The focus of activity is on the demonstration of
Scout Skills or the Advancement requirement.
• Ceremonial Campfires
– These are Commitment and Installation
ceremonies done by the campfire.
PARTS OF THE CAMPFIRE
 Opening Ceremony
• Lightning of the fire
• Presentation of the Campfire Program to the
Campfire Chief
• Formal Declaration of the Campfire Opening
 Presentations
• Songs
• Yells
• Skits
• Stunts and Tricks
• Stories
• Games
• Icebreakers
 Moment of Recognition

 Announcements

 Yarn
• Given by the Campfire Chief

 Closing Ceremony
• Quieting Songs
• Scout Benediction
THE KAB SCOUT CAMPFIRE
It is always an enjoyable occasion when the
Kawan gets around a real campfire and open air
and sing their favorite songs, give yell or two, act
a short play; and when the embers start to fade,
listen to the Kawan Leader as he/she weaves a
thrilling yarn.

A few quiet prayers follow and then finally, going

to bed.
The whole campfire should be kept quite, short
30 to 45 minutes, and held not too frequently.
The artificial campfire is of course a good
substitute for a rainy evening.

To be truly successful, a campfire must be more

than just a program around leaping flames. It
must have purpose, direction, and definite plan
for what is to be accomplished.
 IMPORTANCE
• Campfires help with Kawan discipline.
• They encourage shy boys gain confidence by
joining in the stunts, games and songs.
• They add to the family spirit of the Kawan.
• The campfire can be the climax of the day,
sending the KAB Scouts off to their homes
happy and contented.
 FEATURES OF A KAB SCOUT
CAMPFIRE
1. Time – twilight/sunset
2. Duration – 30-45 minutes
3. Leadership – Adult Managed
4. Program
a. It could begin with some warm-up songs
b. KAB Scout Skit
c. KAB Scout Yell
d. More songs (action)
e. KAB Scout Skit/Stunt
f. More KAB Scout Yells
g. Mime Songs (action)
h. A Leader’s skit or stunt
i. As the fire began to die down, a quieter mood
should prevail. (a short yarn begins)
5. Firelay
• It should be laid to last only as long as required,
without adding more fuel.
• It should be lit before the participants have
assembled.
6. Opening
• The Kawan Leader normally opens the campfires,
but other Leaders may do so from time to time.
7. Closing
• Quiet song (to be hummed while closing prayer is
said)

A formal campfire is necessary during backyard

camping.