CAMPFIRE

CAMPFIRE

What is a Campfire?

            It is an atmosphere as much as an occasion. It is generally the last part of the day’s programme in a Camp. It is a special feature of Scouting/Guiding born with Scouting/Guiding. It is Campfire, not Camp on fire.

Importance of Campfire in Scout/Guide Training

• B.P. called the Chapters of “Scouting for boy/girl s as “Campfire Yarns. This shows that the philosophy and techniques of Scouting/Guiding can be taught in Campfires.
• A place of inspiration and understanding each other.
• A brotherhood/sisterhood circles that foster Troop/Company /Group spirit 3^rd point of Scout/Guide Law has its roots here.
• Patrol system works well and leadership qualities develop;
• Boys express themselves very freely in a Campfire and the Scout/Guide can see them in their true Colours.
• A taste for music and art and histrionic talents developed.
• Campfire lets off the steam of boy/girls and fills them with fun, laughter and enjoyment. 
• Best place for the moral and spiritual Part of Scout/Guide Training. 
• It is a ceremony and even Investiture of Patrol Leaders and Seconds and Presentation of other awards and badges can be done during the Campfire to better effects.

Physical Arrangements: -

• The Campfire place must be dry and free from mosquitoes and other insects.
• Notice the prevailing winds-let nobody “gulp” the smoke.
• Have a good supply of wood in the centre of the fire.
• Torch or Mashal is more effective to light fire than a match stick-clear the dry grass in the circle before lighting.
• Good seating arrangements to protect from the ground chill. Stones, not a bad idea-Let not Physical discomfort spoil the spirit of the show.

Design of the Campfire: - 

• Always a Circle – a symbol of oneness and brotherhood/sisterhood– Leaders and Guests will also be on the circumference of the circle. 
• Fire is at the centre. Extra firewood can be well kept around the fire to mark the fire zone. The participants do not enter this.

Laying the Fire: -

            Fires may be laid either on the ground or in a pit. Cone fire is preferred – Log Cabin fire and Pagoda fire can also be used. Star fire is also worth trying. This is prearrangement.

Lighting the Fire and Opening Ceremony: 

1. Appropriate to the occasion.
2. Backwoods methods like – Flint and steel or Bow and drill will be interesting.
3. In huge gatherings-fireballs, fire smokes, other crackers may add to the thrill.
4. After tthe fire is lit (as the ceremony demands) the SM/GC/Chief Guest ceremonially declares the Campfire open.

(a) Camp fire Dress: - 

Boys/Girls like it very much – adds to the fun and jollity-Protects from chill – Bed sheets, Dhuppata can be well improvised. Scouters/Guiders (and Commissioners) can also were the Campfire robes (campfire cape) – The badges they earned previously may also be stitched on the garb. This is a source of pride to the Scouter/Guider and inspiration to Scout/Guides.

(b) The Beginning Part of it: -

The Campfire leader of the Troop/Company will be in charge. He/She assembles the Troop/Company in campfire circle. Patrols take positions – Fire is lit – Troop/Company brought to attention and then S.M./G.C. is reported and requested to open the Campfire – No harm if at times he in turn requests the ASM/AGC to do it – This may add to the healthy spirit of the Troop/Company. Scouter/Guide captain need not run the campfire but he is responsible to control it.

(c) Learning the Campfires: - 

Patrol items always to be preferred. Normally 5 minutes maximum for an item. See that all members of the Patrol are involved. The first song has to make every one participating in both singing and good fellowship. Announce the next item and the item to follow. Encourage participants by cheering them with yells whenever an item is over. Look for originality. A yell of appreciation after every item is meaningless. Change the items to suit to the mood. If necessary be resourceful in creating the new items and keeping the Troop/Company in the mood. Begin with brief, popular items fairly boisterous. Towards the end, the items should be a simple and effective-right place for a short and interesting yarn by SM/GC. Campfire will be enjoyable only when proper order is maintained-on talking during the time of items.

(d) Closing the Campfire: -

Closing time can be little elastic but close it when all feel to go on. Announcements, if any, should be very brief and quick. Closing can also be made ceremonious – serene and serious atmosphere to be created-either Taps or silent prayer will be effective. The Patrol responsible for putting off the fire should be alerted after the dismissal of the Troop/Company.

What items can be presented at a Campfire 

Please remember that a Campfire item does not have to be funny always or to do with Singing only.

Some of the following can be tried: -

1.                  Stories (short but funny)

2.                  Quiet games or singing games.

3.                  Group Singing.

4.                  Group dances

5.                  Folk dances

6.                  Jungle/Tribal dances.

7.                  Devotional or Patriotic Songs.

8.                  Action Songs.

9.                  Bhajans

10.              Comics

11.              Small Playlets

12.              Dialogues

13.              Mimicries

14.              Physical displays

15.              Occasional Foreign Songs

16.              Puppetry.

17.              Classical music

18.              Dumb Shows

19.              Melodies

20.              Yells

21.              Mono actions

22.              Charades

23.              Rounds

24.              Shadow graphs

25.              Midget acts

26.              Scoutcraft skills

27.              Imitations

28.              Quiz.

29.              Book reading

30.              Surprise items.

31.              Instrumental music and so on.

What items to be avoided: -

1.                  Vulgar items

2.                  Religiously objectionable items

3.                  Fearful scenes – like Ghosts etc.

4.                  Mean things and destructive criticisms

5.                  Things like dead bodies and dreadful cries

6.                  Anything belittling any class or creed

7.                  Anything against the Government or law of the Country

8.                  Anything un-scouting and purposeless.

In Rallies and other Functions: -

These can partly be publicity-oriented. Any V.I.P. or Commissioner can be requested to open the Campfire. The opening ceremony should be thrilling – rehearsal essential. Involve audience also. Better to include items of good standard. Take extra care about uniform; cleanliness and orderliness.

Beware of overdoing in the Campfire:

There will always be over-enthusiastic boy/girls who may, at a time just by little act, spoil the sanctity of the campfire. Your individual efficiency will go a long way. When necessary don’t hesitate to use your whistle sharply but sparingly.

Improvisation in Campfires:  

In many of the items like play – acting, Dramatization, Fancy dress etc., improvisation or making up with readily available material in the surrounding may be essential. Here are a few suggestions for improvisation.

1.         Grey hair and moustache           Ashes, paste, paint, cotton, maize, hairs etc.

2.         Face powder                              Ashes

3.         Lipstick etc                               Red ink, flower juice

4.         Musical instruments                   Hand-sticks, plates, mugs tumblers, empty tins etc.

5.         Long teeth                                Pieces of cardboard and palm leaves.

6.         Garlands                                   Scout ropes, paper balls etc.

7.         Curtains etc.                             Duppatties and bed sheets

8.         Crown etc.                               Green leaves, flowers etc.

Strictly speaking, make-up like the professionals when acting on stages with cakes etc. is not required in campfire. boy/girl s should be inquisitive and imaginative.