How to Run a Campfire



Planning the Program



·  Include the fire lighting as part of the program.

·  Build a mix of songs and skits, fast and slow, active and quiet.  Put on by the boys.

·  Run-ons keep the flow going (use as fillers when waiting for people to get organized)

·  A story, Scout Master's Minute, or ceremony should be the focus near the end.

·  Make it FUN!  Make it at the boy level.

·  Watch out for cheap shots, water skits, off-color jokes, ghost stories, hazing.

	These have no place in Scouting.

·  Plan for the flow of a campfire.  A good campfire follows the development of the fire.

  -  It starts small and quiet.			< start with introductions and start-up songs

  -  It grows bright and more active.		< active songs and fun skits

  -  It peaks and starts to decline.		< more songs and skits

  -  It slows down and gets quiet.		< patriotic or inspirational songs, stories,

						   ceremonies

·  Use an "emcee" if you want or need to cue people.  Some of the most fun campfires are when 
performers just come up when it is their turn.



Building a Campfire



·  Check for fire restrictions before you start.

·  Think fire safety.  Make a safe fire area.  Have sand, water, shovels, etc. on hand.

·  Plan on a fire burning for 1 to 1.5 hours.  Without tending.

·  Use dry wood, and keep dry under a tarp until needed.

·  Log Cabin or CrissCross fire lays work best.  TeePee fires are worst.  (They fall over.)

·  Put the smallest wood and kindling on the top.  The fire will burn down.

·  No "Scout Water"  (kerosine, gasoline, or any other flammable fuel)  This sets a bad example, 
is dangerous, is smoky, and isn't required if you build your fire correctly.



Presenting the Program



·  Keep the pace moving and follow the mood of the fire.

·  Encourage all presenters to be ready for their turn.  Use run-ons to fill "dead air".

·  Encourage all performers to speak up and slowly enough so people can hear.

·  Performers should stand with the fire at their side or in front of them so the audience can see 
them.  Most performers stand between the fire and the audience, and are just shadows.

·  Watch out for cheap shots, water skits, off-color jokes, ghost stories, hazing.  These have no 
place in Scouting.  Stop them immediately if the boys try to slip one through.

·  Lead the audience in participating when invited, and in applause for every performing group.  
Ham it up!

·  No-one is perfect, but we can all do our best.  Have fun and enjoy.