The time for the camp fire has come. It is lighted prior to the gathering of the boys (unless a special fire lighting opening ceremony is scheduled), and as its flames start to leap up, the Patrols are called to council.

The camp fire is the heart beat of the camp. Here is expressed the spirit of the camp. It is to the memories of camp fire flames, songs and laughter, and silent gazing into dying embers that the boy will turn, time and time again, for many years to come.

It is important therefore, that each camp fire be an event.

Values Of The Camp Fire

The values of the camp fire to the boy are far reaching when wisely led and carefully planned.

It relaxes him after his strenuous day in camp. It inspires him by means of the fire itself, the surroundings, stories, songs. It provides wholesome entertainment. It teaches the boy to give vent to his urge of self-expression.

As the group sits around the fire, there grows a bond of fellowship known only to the real outdoors-man who has experienced it. This comradeship breaks down individual selfishness and boastfulness and tends to produce an understanding of the other fellow and his problems. To the leader it offers a splendid opportunity to become truly acquainted with his boys. It is here that the real man-to-man friendship, between leader and boy, can grow. It is often at the camp fire also that the leader discovers a marvelous wealth of talent and ability in a lad whom he previously considered a nonentity. Here also is the opportunity and occasion for a leader to drop a valuable thought or lesson.

The Senior Scouts perfect many projects at camp

The Senior Scouts perfect many projects at camp. Witness this camp fire ceremony. Note the handsome finely carved totem poles.

Many a boy has found at the camp fire growing within him a great love and respect for his leader and has made him his ideal. This idealism has grown and followed the Scout into manhood, influencing his actions, his thoughts, his whole future.

Camp Fire Leadership

What was said about the Troop Program in general holds especially true in regard to the camp fire pro" gram: Make it boy-planned and boy-executed. Obviously the adult leader will be able to put on a better program than an untrained boy leader. BUT THAT IS NOT THE POINT. The camp fire gives the Scoutmaster the means of guiding his boys to leadership.

It is for this reason that the use of the Program Patrol is advocated. This Patrol plans the program of the camp fire, getting the guidance and supervision from the Assistant Scoutmaster in charge of Activities, and the cooperation of the other Patrols.

Make the Program Patrol realize that the full responsibility for a successful program is placed upon their shoulders. That they are to expect no helping hand when the curtain has gone up—and you will see them rise to the occasion and deliver every time. But keep your standard high and let the Patrols aim for this standard always.

Camp Fire Suggestions

The main ingredients of the camp fire are the following:

Lighting the Fire—Make it a tradition always to light the camp fire with either fire-by-friction or flint-and-steel, whether this be done in advance or in connection with a special ceremony. This is one of the small touches that will make the Scouts realize the significance of this fire. It will also make them eager for their turn at lighting it.

Opening Ceremony—This may be an elaborate Indian style ceremony or a very simple opening said by the Scoutmaster:

"From the North, from the South, from the East, from the West, may good luck come to us always. I now declare the camp fire open." Or: *

* By F. G. Godfrey-Faussett.

National Jamboree Dan Beard

At the National Jamboree Dan Beard followed an established tradition by lighting the camp fire with primitive means.

"As the flames point upward so be our aim. As the red logs glow so be our sympathies. As the grey ash fades so be our errors. As the good fire warms the circle so may our ideal warm the world. I now declare the council open."

Songs—fit a mood or create a mood. See Chat 20.

Stunts and Dramatics—by Patrols or individuals. For suggestions, see Handbook for Patrol Leaders, the Service Library pamphlet entitled Camp Fire Helps and other publications of the Boy Scouts of America.

Reading—of the single copy of the camp's not very serious newspaper.

Games—suitable for the camp fire, such as Indian Hand Wrestling, Leg Wrestling, Dog Fight, and similax duel contests, with formal challenges: "I, Scout So-and-So challenge Scout This-and-That to Indian Hand Wrestling," and "I, Scout This-and-That accept the challenge," and with a champion of the evening finally anounced when the game has been played long enough or when one boy has stayed in three times in succession. For further ideas see Chat 31, "Games, Contests and Ceremonies," and books listed in the Games and Contest section of the Bibliography. Story Telling—see Chat 20.

Closing Ceremony—Singing of the Omaha Tribal Prayer, Scout's Vesper Song, or Taps, with arms lifted high and slowly lowered as the song progresses. Followed by the Scoutmaster's Benediction or traditional "Be Prepared!"—"We are Prepared!"

From the above suggestions camp fires may be developed to fit many occasions. Be sure that a balanced and varied mixture of these ingredients is used.

For numerous suggestions, see Service Library Pamphlet, Camp Fire Helps.