• All together doing the same thing—services, game time, campfire, orientation and possibly meal times; campfire is the best time to form community, share life, and laugh together.
• Socially vs. physically interactive—structured time of fellowship perfectly situated at the end of the day.
• Casually led—platform works to get audience involved and even leading; transitions, songs, darkness, and outdoors all contribute to an event that feels more improv than planned.
• Well-planned flexibility—fun stories, life stories, songs, stunts, testimonies, snacks, and God’s creation are all major components of a campfire. Know your plan before you begin.
• Start small then add some more—whichever component you are doing, ease the audience into the participation; if you plan to be goofy, start with a small goofy thing then build into more.

Opening Question

1. Is campfire optional? What is its value?
2. One of the most critical parts of your week of camp; unique things happen only at camp at campfire.

Closing Thoughts

• Traditions are great—every camp should have some, but don’t over-use them.
• Ignore the non participators.
• Tell good stories—fun, serious, 2-part, life lessons, fiction, one time.
• Make it a team effort—alert others of ways they can be a part.
• It’s outdoors—be messy and loud.
• It’s fun to have a flashlight—integrate ways to use them in your campfire program.