Re: camp fires

Campfires are ace. The points to watch, in my experience are

Points to Watch



· Do plan it - it doesn't happen by itself

· There are many versions of each song - the 'correct' version is
the one on the night. Don't sing other versions

· Know a song or don't do it

· Practice the songs until you know them off by heart

· Don't worry if you're a bad singer, everyone else is as well!

· Don't ask the audience if they know a song - get on with it!

· Don't assume everyone knows each song. Easy ones can be picked up
but more complicated ones need everyone to be told the words, tune and
actions. Sing it through with the actions once so the audience knows how it
goes

· Plan around an easy start, then action songs, louder and longer
songs in the middle, quietening songs towards the end, a quiet song such as
"Kumbaya" and perhaps a prayer at the end

· Add sketches / skits in the middle

· Have a list with the running order and who is singing which song.
Make it visible to the singers

· It's handy to say that after the next song, "A" is going to sing
"x" number of songs so that everyone knows

· Political correctness may be needed, particularly if parents or
strangers are present. Otherwise you can get away with "I don't want to fly
over Germany" , "S-P-L-A-T", "A Wimpy" and "Charlie had a pigeon" etc

· If singing rounds with more than 2 leaders, keep the main singer
free to manage the other leaders who are in charge of a section of the
audience. Tap each on the shoulder as a reminder when they are starting the
final verse.A crib sheet is only any good if you can read it easily. In the
dark, rain or with small text, forget it - it will slow you up

· Keep the momentum going

· Spell out the required behaviour expected at the start of the
campfire

· Don't leave gaps between songs - these give the audience time to
start talking and misbehaving - I always say "Don't let the buggers settle"

· Seat leaders in amongst the young people to manage their behaviour

· If anyone misbehaves, particularly with the singing, throw them
out

· If you're indoors and haven't got an indoor campfire, make one

· Duration for Beavers about 20-30 minutes, Cubs 30-45 minutes,
Scouts 40+ minutes

· Leave the audience wanting more

· Enjoy it - if you don't, nor will they



A songbook with actions, plus instructions on how to build a simple indoor
campfire are on our website at



http://www.secondkirkham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/resources.html



Go on a Campfire Leaders' Course - I did 2 at Linnet Clough. I went knowing
about 10 songs, left remembering another 20 from Cubs and Scouts a hundred
years ago, plus 120 new ones.



BEWARE !

Campfires are infectious - more and more leaders are getting the buzz after
running a successful one. Once you get that, you just want to do another one
!



Kevin

ABSL - 2nd Kirkham (St. Michael's)

DBSL - Fylde, West Lancashire


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: camp fires
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    (uk.rec.scouting)
  • Re: Campfire songs (was British Activities)
    ... some trepidation that I went along to a campfire run by the Avon ... We sang daft songs, we sang traditional ... I find campfire singing a real Scouting tradition and one we can be ... They've all gone to be Cub Scouts, see them learn and grow, see them ...
    (uk.rec.scouting)
  • Re: camp fires
    ... things in the fire. ... Vary the volume between songs and even in songs. ... the kids don't appreciate them - though oddly adults do! ... find a campfire circle and let it be new to them when they get there. ...
    (uk.rec.scouting)
  • Re: Campfire songs (was British Activities)
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    (uk.rec.scouting)
  • Re: FOX Fall 2011 schedule
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