Campire Activities

Joan Weller is head librarian at the West Branch of Ottawa Public
Library, and the children’s literature reviewer for the Ottawa
Citizen.

When children return from camp they are often filled with renewed
exuberance. They sing catchy songs, tell funny stories, retell ghost
stories, spin off jokes, and recite poems. One often wishes they would
retain this healthy, spontaneous attitude to the oral tradition captured
around campfires. That’s why Campfire Activities from the Girl Guides
of Canada is a welcome purchase, not just for Guides and their leaders
but for libraries, schools, and homes.

Designed for year-round use, the book is well organized and packed with
activities for small and large groups, indoors or outdoors, wherever
children meet looking for fun and action. Sections 1 and 2 deal with
planning a campfire circle, specifically with themes and leadership
involved in organizing and carrying out a successful campfire group.
Section 3 takes readers through a well-planned campfire, from opening
through closing ceremonies.

Following these instructive chapters are suggested “theme
readings,” such as “Nature and Environment,” “Friendship,”
“Talents,” and “Promises.” The oral tradition takes up most of
this last section, which is filled with pages of good stories.
Interactive stories, participation stories, legends, fables, dramas,
skits, and so forth are followed by suggested songs, games, applauses,
and cheers. The book concludes with a comprehensive bibliography and an
excellent index (title, subject, first-line access).

Libraries, classrooms, and homes should not be without this
action-packed book for children ages 5 to 12, whether Guides or not.
Highly recommended.