· Set the mood
by leading a parade silently to the campfire circle.
· Avoid announcements
during the formal campfire program.
· If you’ve
asked others not to use flashlights, use yours
sparingly.
· If you have
a theme, use some introductory comments to relate
the song or reading to the theme.
· Choose songs
familiar to the group. Campfire is not the time to
be teaching new songs.
· Be flexible.
Have a couple of songs in reserve if program is
short or be willing to take a song or two out of
the program if
it is too long.
· Accepts request
only during an informal sing-a-long, but not
during a formal campfire.
· When introducing
a series of skits, save time by announcing the current group
and having the next group ready on deck.
· If possible,
screen skits. If need be, shut down a skit if it is not
appropriate. After campfire, speak to those involved
and let
them know why it was not appropriate.
· There should
be a keeper of the flame; have water bucket on
hand.
· There should
be as little stoking of the fire as possible; build
your fire so it will last the length of your campfire
program. The
keeper of the flame should stay behind after everyone
has left
to thoroughly extinguish the fire. Don’t put
the fire out when the
group are still present, but rather let them leave
with the
memory of the glowing embers and the glow of friendship.
· Common courtesy
suggests that you should give your total
attention to the Campfire Leader. Pockets of conversation
spoil
the mood.
· There should
be no flashlights. Lights flashing across the
campfire become distracting and destroy the mood.
Let the
campfire light the way.
· There should be no clapping or booing. Use cheers
to give
recognition for those who have performed during the campfire
program.
· Show respect to those leading a song or performing
a skit by
paying
attention and participating.
· No cooking during the campfire program.
· PARTICIPATE,
HAVE FUN in FRIENDSHIP.
· Share the leadership, but designate one person to be in charge.
· Designate who will lead each item and write that person’s name
on the
program beside the item. Each person leading should be
completely
familiar with the item(s) and when it comes in the
program.
· Make sure each leader has a copy of the Campfire Program.
· Have the leaders dotted around the circle rather than sitting
together
in a group.
· Allow flashlights for Campfire Leaders only.
· Introduce each item enthusiastically and relate it to the theme.
Do not
ask the group if they would like to sing a certain song,
tell them
what song the will be singing next.
· Give a strong starting note, so that everyone can begin
together.
It is also helpful to give the beat or tempo of the song
with a
hand beat throughout.
· Give clear instructions as to division for rounds or part singing,
how a
round will be ended, number of verses and how to play
games.
In leading a round, it is helpful for the leader to put
themself
in the last group.
· Avoid the use of song sheets, interruptions, announcements,
eating,
requests, flashlights and other things that may distract
from the
mood you are trying to create.
· Remain seated, except for action songs, games, skits or yells.
· Musical instruments such as a guitar, ukulele or recorder add
variety.
Make sure the song is suitable and that the musician
has already
been asked to play and has practiced.
· Keep the pace brisk – if a song is dragging, either speed it up
or end
it.
· Skits: Keep skits to 3 minutes or less. You may need to cut
them off
if they go longer or are in poor taste. Try to preview
skits
before placing them on the campfire plan if possible. Allow
time for
groups to prepare – let them know one or two items
ahead.
Applaud in the form of a cheer rather than clapping.
· In some cases you may have to stop an item if:
o
It is inappropriate or
in poor taste.
o
The pitch of the song is
poor. Correct and start over.
o
The group is not together.
Draw attention and start over.
o
Different versions are
being sung. Clarify and then start over.
