The following Programs would be great to use with large groups.

CAMPFIRE TRADITIONS (COCA-I 2009)

Campfire can be a showcase for the entire camp (not just for the guy playing “Kum Ba Yah” on his guitar).  It’s the perfect way to close the day as a group, share highlights of the day, and get everyone “on the same page” for tomorrow.  A good campfire is well-planned – even if most of the campers don’t know it – and follows a pace that helps transition the campers to bedtime.  And all it takes is a few key people, a simple outline, and a roaring fire!  (With a bucket of water close by…)  This is a very simple guide – for more detailed information and suggestions, contact Dave Smith at dsmith@specialove.org.

Structure

Campfires can be a “free for all” (which works for sing-a-longs and other group-oriented purposes, but may not provide enough structure for longer periods of time) or you may elect to use teams or tribes (or a similar system) to keep things organized.  In either case, it helps immensely to have someone in charge of the overall production.  Call them the “Big Chief” or whatever title you choose, but make sure they’re comfortable in the role.  Other key people include the “Fire Bringer” and the song leader(s).  (See “Key Roles” on the back.)  Use these people to fill in the spaces between team/tribal presentations.

Team/Tribal Meetings

If you have the flexibility in your schedule, team/tribal meetings are a great way to prepare for the evening campfire program.  They are normally held on any day that campfire is scheduled and let the campers learn songs, yells, skits and other tribal presentations, make new friends, prepare for afternoon/evening competitions and other activities, and develop tribe spirit.   (Helpful hints for team/tribal leaders during meetings are in the “Key Roles” section.)  It is often effective to have teams/tribes prepare a different type of presentation each night – e.g. yells (which are easier to come up with) on opening night, songs on the second night, skits on the third, challenges on the fourth, etc.  Some camps also choose to assign each team/tribe a different type of presentation each day so the campfire includes one song, one yell, one skit, one challenge, etc.

Campfire Components

Variety is the spice of the life and a good campfire can be as light-hearted or as serious as you want.  Often part of the program (usually the first half or so) is of a lighter vein, while the conclusion embodies the more serious – a good combination.  The climax comes with the closing – a good story or other inspirational number.  Here are some possible components:

• Requests for camper input (council laws, nature/weather reports, etc.)
• Tribal songs, yells, and other presentations
• Songs and stories (usually led by staff volunteers)
• Skits and stunts (including physical or mental challenges)
• Schedule review and other camp updates/news
• Claiming of honors (campers/staff recognize each other’s good deeds)
• Challenges from director to be good campers
• Closing song

Key Roles

The Big Chief (Campfire Leader) should plan campfire with team/tribal leaders, as well as with the Fire Keeper and Song Leader(s).  He/she should be comfortable leading the campfire but should share the spotlight and even redirect it as necessary to let as many campers/staff shine as possible.  The campfire leader should also:

• Make a list of things to do at campfire – songs, activities, etc. – plan ahead
• Set a schedule (even if it’s a simple “cheat sheet”) and keep the pace*

*Use songs and tribal presentations to pace the campfire from high to low

• Leader’s tone should be friendly and understanding, serious only when trying to make a serious point, such as at the conclusion of campfire
• Speak loudly and clearly but don’t try to shout down campers/staff
• Don’t be the whole show, be part of campfire but “one step removed”
• Establish quitting time and keep it in mind as the campfire progresses

The Fire Keeper is in charge of lighting the fire and keeping it at an optimum level for light (since the fire is usually the only source of light to see everyone else) and safety.  He/she should also:

• Check the wood supply well in advance and make sure it is dry
• Build a campfire that is safe and effective (do not add accelerants!)
• If using “magic” starting techniques (remote switch, etc.), be SAFE!
• Tend the fire so as not to disrupt the flow of campfire (be invisible)
• Have more wood than you think you’ll need!  (You can always save it.)

The Song Leader(s) help control the pace/tone of campfire and should use songs in a way that helps build momentum and then eases everyone down at the conclusion.  They should focus on songs that are easy to learn at the outset and let tribal leaders review more complicated songs during team/tribal meetings for use later in the week.  They should also:

• Know songs beforehand and teach them in manageable “bites”
• Keep a list of songs handy and know the favorites of group
• Be ready – anticipate what song you’ll lead next and be ready to do so
• Watch the mood of campfire – and the Big Chief!
• Song leaders don’t need to be talented – just enthusiastic!  For song lyrics and samples, go to http://www.specialove.org/Camp%20Songs.html or www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/camp-songs.html

Team/Tribal Leader(s) help run team/tribal meetings and should:

• Observe and know what is going on with teams/tribes all week
• Suggest ideas and compromise – let campers take the credit
• Help keep order during the meetings and at campfire
• Know the campfire environment (physical space, safety limitations)
• Use tact – be firm, fair and friendly.

Team/Tribal Captain/Chief (elected by tribe) is usually an older camper who:

• Helps keep order during meetings and at campfire
• Encourages team/tribal members to contribute talents, ideas, etc.
• Addresses the Big Chief/Leader on behalf of the team/tribe and asks permission to present songs, yells, etc.

CAMP FANTASTIC CAMPFIRE PROGRAM

TRIBE ORGANIZATION AND CUSTOMS

We use the tribe system in all Special Love events.  Tribal leaders will determine each tribe’s name during staff orientation.  The tribes colors are:

1. Green
2. Blue
3. Red
4. Orange
5. Purple (Big Feet)
   
   

Camp Language:  ‘How How’

We say ‘How How’ to show appreciation.

Tribe Officers:

Chief

Scribe

Song and cheer leader

Fire Keeper

Chiefs are selected prior to camp by the camp director.  Each tribe selects the other officers.

PLANNING THE PROGRAM

The Camp Fire is the showcase of Camp Fantastic.

The successful Camp Fantastic campfire is the well planned program.  It is the program which the campers themselves understand, plan for and carry out to their own enjoyment and satisfaction.

The type of program should be agreed upon at the meeting of the campfire committee.  This includes the Big Chief, the camp director, the asst. camp director, tribal chiefs and any other persons who are on the committee.  Following this the chiefs meet with their tribes to work out their portion of the campfire program.  Often much talent is hidden among their tribe members.  To ferret out this talent and to encourage its owner to use it at campfire is the responsibility of the tribal chiefs.  In the representation of each tribe there are boys and girls, who sing, play musical instruments, do challenges, tell stories, etc.  To build the tribes part of the program around these talents is a safe way to begin.

TRIBE MEETINGS

Held daily after lunch

They provide opportunity:

1. To learn tribe songs and yells
2. For members to become acquainted
3. To plan stunts and challenges for campfire, or to prepare part for other evening activity
4. To select teams for afternoon recreational events
5. To develop tribe spirit

How do you work with chiefs and scribes to get ready for campfire?

1. Observe and know what is going on all week.
2. Suggest and compromise
3. Ask for new ideas and suggestions
4. Know what you have to work with as far as physical atmosphere is concerned.
5. Use tact – be firm, fair and friendly.

CAMP FIRE PROGRAMS

Variety is the spice of the life of the Camp Fantastic Camp Fire program.

It may be one of the light-hearted fun, or it may be as serious as you may please.  Often a part of the program is of a lighter vein, while its completion embodies the more serious – a good combination.  The climax comes with the closing – a good story or other inspirational number.

What may be included in council circles?

1. Laws of the council
2. Scout reports
3. Tribal songs and yells
4. Stories (legend, tall tales)
5. Special songs
6. Pretty and funny stunts
7. Physical or mental challenges
8. Special reports
9. Camp Fantastic history
10. Claiming of honors
11. Challenges from director to be good campers
12. Closing song

PLAN

Plan with chiefs: plan more than you need, make sure you have a Fire Keeper.

CONDUCTING THE CAMP FIRE

• Plan with chiefs: plan more than you need, make sure you have a Fire Keeper.
  • Setting
  • Facilities
  • Safety
• Check council circle area personally
• Check wood supply
  • Type of wood
  • Dryness
• Make a list of things to be done in council circle
  • Activities
  • Things you want to get across
  • Songs
• Know how you are going to run through activities
  • Set quitting time:
  • Have time in mind
  • Quit when ebb is high.

 

CONDUCTING THE CAMP FIRE

The key to a good council circle is the Big Chief

Song leader, work very close with that person

Song leader is valuable

Know songs

List of songs – know and use favorites of group

Be ready – anticipate

Watch mood – study your Big Chief

Be alive on the council rock

Not too serious, except when trying to put across a point.  Be friendly and understanding

Keep things moving

Speak loud and clear enough for all to hear, but do not try to shout down campers

Make the best of situations.  Personal criticism of an individual can affect entire camp.

Give variety to campfire in the way you do things

Opening council circle:

Song – active to quiet – not too fast

Opening remarks before fire is lit

Some activities may be conducted before lighting the fire (it is usually dark when we start)

Make it an impressive ceremony

Closing council circle:

Close with a challenge to the campers or foot for thought, a bit of philosophy, poem, etc., makes a good closing

Climax the day

Prepare for bed

Quit on time and with interest high

FIRES

1. Make sure the wood is dry and fire keeper is prepared

2. Do not build fire too early in the afternoon, as it will draw dampness

3. Magic fires – use with care, avoid fire from heaven, Great Spirit lighting fire, etc.

 

SUGGESTIONS FOR BIG CHIEF

1. Do not try to be whole show

2. Plan well

3. Be alive, patient and understanding

4. Study other people, observe how they work and what things click

5. Be a part of the camp, but remain on a plane just above campers

6. Camp Fire is a show window of camp

7. Sense mood of camp – be alert for situations

8. Know your age group work accordingly

 

SINGING

 

 

 

LAWS OF THE COUNCIL CIRCLE

There are certain laws, or rules, which govern the conduct of those who sit in a Special Love Camp Fire. These are spoken of as "Laws of the Camp Fire." All campers should be familiar with and obedient to them. The most important laws are the following.

1 The Camp Fire Circle should remain unbroken (Campers sit with elbows touching. When doing so they make better medicine)

2, The word of honor is sacred

3. Silence is observed while another is speaking.

4. Only the Keeper of the Fire may cross the circle without first obtaining permission rom the Chief.

5. Lights other than the camp fire are forbidden except by permission of the Chief.

6. Wishing to speak, the camper rises, makes the Special Love sign and, says "O Chief", repeats his name, the name of his tribe, then waits for recognition before making his request.

7. In expressing approval, campers say "How-How"

8. Permission to leave the Camp Fire should be obtained from the Chief.  Likewise, If coming late to the campfire program, the camper should obtain the Chief’s permission before entering.

NOTE: Laws of the Camp Fire are given soon after the fire has been lit.

 

SONGS AND YELLS

Each tribe composes a song and yell for the evening campfire program.

CHALLENGES:

As a starter, there is much merit in challenges. They are rather easy to do, hence afford an opening for the timid and inexperi enced to get started. >From ten to fifteen minutes devoted to challenges will lend a fine atmos phere to the campfire program.

Challenges that call for physical prowess are usually the easiest ones to get new boys to participate. They like to show off their muscular skill and strength.

What makes a good challenge (what are the characteristics of a desirable challenge?)

1. Originality

2. Safe

3. Short

4. Wide participation

5. Demonstration

6. Nothing is impossible

7. Not a trick (depends on mood)

8. Entertaining

9. Clear explanation

10. Visual

11. Athletic type

12. Suited to age group

 

STUNTS, FUNNY OR SERIOUS

What makes a good stunt (what are the characteristics of a desirable stunt?)

1. Entertaining – primary purpose

2. As many participating as possible – not a mass thing

3. Originality – new ideas

4. Easily seen and heard

5. Preparation and props simple

6. Material on level of audience – all ages

COUNCIL FIRE STORIES

The Council Circle with its brightly burning fire, or with its dying embers, makes an, impressive setting for story telling.  And many, are the stories that are so told.

Insofar as the Special Love Camp Fire program is, concerned stories may make up an important part of it. Campers like to indulge in a short story telling contest. They are particularly fond of doing "tall" stories, stories of their adventures, and others.

Another use made of stories is at the conclusion of the campers' part of the Council Fire, program. A good story is a fitting climax--ah opportunity to add a wonderful bit of inspiration, or to present a challenge.

The Camp Fire story need not be elaborate or long. In fact, a simple, short story expertly done is often preferable. The good storyteller makes his story live in the imagination of his listeners.

In choosing a story to tell, the general theme of the evening program should be kept in mind. In addition, too, it is well to remember the needs of the campers themselves. .

Some of the good stories for Camp Fire use are stories of the outdoors. They may be stories of animals, of trees, of places, of people.  Many of the good stories of the world are legends, and beautifully suited for Council Fire use

THE FIRE

The fire is an important feature of a good Council Circle program—one of the "make or break" items. Good fire builders are scarce in any camp. The sole purpose of the fire is to provide LIGHT with a minimum of heat. Consequently, the wood used should be dry and of the light-providing type. When split into small pieces and fed frequently to the fire, best re sults are obtained.

A wise Chief will have the wood supply and preparations for the fire checked ahead of time. Such action pays big program dividends.

The Log Cabin council fire is one of the safest and best for the camper to use.

The fire should be so laid that starting is a simple and easy process. Dry material—fuzz-stick, shavings, etc. —should be placed in a convenient position to the lighter.

LIGHTING THE FIRE

When time for lighting the fire comes, the Chief may merely ask for silence while Fire Keeper does the lighting. Or, he may choose to make a few prelim inary remarks about the day's activi ties, the surroundings, etc., ahead of the lighting. This is a grand time to do a bit of ''stage-setting" for an im pressive beginning. Every chief should plan definitely, what he is to do at this time. It will be well invested.

 

 

 

We begin by wrapping the leather strips all the way around our hoop. We do not tie the leather wrapping down with the leather, instead we use the waxed thread (or substitute). We tie one knot on the first wrap, and another knot when we have completed the circle. We tie the end of the waxed thread (or substitute) around the hoop where we tied the last piece of leather wrapping.

We begin to spiral our thread around the hoop leaving about two inches of thread between each wrap. We should have approximately 13 peaks when we complete our first round.

Now going in the center of the first space which we left (on the thread), spiral again. We must make sure that we pull the thread taught each time.