Sing-A-Long or Campfire?

A Sing-A-Long (Informal) or a Campfire (Formal)?

Sing-A-Long (Informal Campfire)	Formal Campfire
Theme not required.	Has a theme.
No structure or shape.	Has structure and shape.
Purpose: Fun and friendship.	Purpose: To create a reflective mood of inspiration and unity.
Generally spontaneous.	Planning is required.
Requests welcomed and encouraged.	Songs specifically chosen for contribution to theme and mood, requests discouraged.
Held anytime.	Usually held at close of the day or event.
Held wherever you happen to be.	Usually held in a specified place.
Focal point unnecessary.	Focal point highly recommended.

Why We Have Campfires?

1. To inspire participants by creating a mood and / or

atmosphere.

2. To create feelings of unity and sisterhood / brotherhood.

3. For fun and sharing.

4. To foster the spirit of Guiding / Scouting / Togetherness /

Friendship.

5. To help develop leadership and organizational skills and

self-confidence.

When and Where to Hold Campfire

At the end of every “regular” meeting a Campfire can be held, however it may be brief. In a camp setting, a Campfire can be longer and more relaxed, providing a better opportunity to create and develop a mood or atmosphere.

When Campfire is held at the close of day at camp, it can also be a meaningful final event at a training, workshop or conference.

A Campfire can be held anywhere the participants can sit together comfortably. A circle formation is ideal, as everyone is then visible to everyone else, but in large gatherings, participants may sit facing the campfire leader(s).