pack 657 campfire planning guide

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Cub Pack 657 O’Fallon, MO

CAMPFIRE PLANNING GUIDE

VERSION 1.0

Published/Last Modified By

Doug Less

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Contents

Campfire Planning Guide ...................................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1

The Planning Process ........................................................................................................................................................ 2

The Campfire Program Planner Worksheet ............................................................................................................ 2

The Campfire Program Planner ......................................................................................................................................... 3

General Campfire Guidelines ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Campfire Etiquette ............................................................................................................................................................. 4

After the Main Event .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

“Magic” Campfire Starts ........................................................................................................................................................ 6

Fire Lay Construction ........................................................................................................................................................ 6

Mechanical Fire Starts ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

Electrical Fire Starts .......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Chemical Fire Starts ........................................................................................................................................................... 9

“Magic” Campfire Start Stories .................................................................................................................................... 11

Campfire Opening Ideas ...................................................................................................................................................... 13

Campfire Skit Ideas ............................................................................................................................................................... 18

Campfire Song Ideas ............................................................................................................................................................. 28

Campfire Story Ideas ............................................................................................................................................................ 38

Campfire Closing Ideas ........................................................................................................................................................ 48

Example Campfire Program – Family Campout October 12, 2013 ................................................................... 54

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Campfire Planning Guide

Introduction

The Cub Pack 657 Campfire Planning Guide is a tool for planning a successful campfire program at

Family Camps, Summer Camps, and more. It provides ideas for campfire openings, skits, riddles,

songs, stories, and closings that can be used in planning. In addition, a complete example plan has

been included that was actually used to conduct a successful campfire at the Fall 2013 Family Camp.

A successful campfire program should have a definite, planned structure. It should happen similarly

to how a fire burns - starting small, building to a bright excitement, and then tapering off to glowing

embers. The best campfires are well planned, yet look spontaneous.

There are typically three parts to a typical campfire. They are:

Part 1: Opening - The opening includes forming the audience for viewing, important

introductions, the fire lighting, and a short, upbeat opening act that sets the mood and

guidelines for the fire and welcomes people to the magic of the experience

Part 2: Campfire Program -The Campfire Program is the main portion containing skits songs,

stories, stunts, games, run-ons, etc.

Part 3: Closing - The closing of the camp fire is even more important than the opening. A

solemn, quiet, impressive closing is an excellent preparation for a quiet, orderly end of the

program.

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The Planning Process

Ideally, the Den and Adult Leader(s) responsible for an upcoming Campfire Program are assigned

(or volunteer) at the monthly Pack Committee Meeting preceding the event date of the campout.

The Committee helps brainstorm ideas in alignment with any themes that may be being explored at

the upcoming campout. A Master of Ceremonies is appointed/volunteers and all Adult Leaders that

will be in attendance agree to help in ensuring a successful campfire.

1. The Campfire Program Planner responsible for a specific campfire fills out the Campfire

Program Planner worksheet.

2. In collaboration with the Adult Leaders and assigned Den Leaders, the Planning Worksheet

is reviewed (in advance) so that all are aware what skit, song, riddle, or act each

Den/Rank/Family will perform. Adult Leaders are responsible for practicing their act prior

to the actual campfire program.

3. It is important to get collective approval of all acts prior to the campout. Any Leader has the

right to edit or veto acts, within reason of course. No inappropriate language, ethnic or

vulgar humor, bullying or hazing, or anything that would constitute exploitation of a scout.

The Campfire Program Planner Worksheet

How to use the campfire program planner sheet on the next page: Be sure that every feature of this

campfire program upholds Cub Scouting's highest traditions.

1. At a Cub Scout Committee meeting (or separate campfire planning meeting), fill in the top of

the "Campfire Program Planner" sheet.

2. On the "Campfire Program Planner" list all Dens and individuals who will participate in the

program.

3. From each Leader get and write down the name, description, and type of song, skit or story

they have planned.

4. The designated Campfire Planner (leader) organizes songs, stunts, and stories in a good

sequence, considering timing, variety, smoothness, and showmanship.

5. The Campfire Planner (Leader) makes out the campfire program sheet.

6. Copies of the program are given to all participants, especially the Master of Ceremonies.

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The Campfire Program Planner

Place ___________________________ Leaders notified ________________ Fire to be built by ________________

Date/Time _______________________ Master of Ceremonies___________ Fire to be put out by _____________

Cub Pack Committee approval: Y/N ______________________________ Cleanup by _____________________

Area to be set up by ____________ _______________________________

Spot Title of Skit, Song, or Story By _____________________ Time

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General Campfire Guidelines

The Master of Ceremonies should follow several common-sense rules:

Ensure they have a completed version of the Campfire Program Planner worksheet.

Preview new or unfamiliar skits

Be respectful and affirming of everyone.

Remind participants to bring whatever props they need.

Remind everyone to speak loudly, so all can hear.

Some general guidelines for planning the campfire program are:

Keep the program short 45 minutes being about right for Cub Scouts

Skits are never longer than 3 minutes and are ideally somewhere around 90 seconds.

Get skits in place quickly; otherwise all the momentum gained in the evening is disrupted.

Avoid ad-hoc or unplanned skits because they usually aren't funny, are too long, don't make

any sense, not to mention the Cub Scouts often forget what they're supposed to say and do.

Rehearse the skit beforehand. It will increase the Cub Scouts confidence and can help to

avoid whispering, fumbling, amnesia, and all sorts of problems.

Campfire Program Material must pass Appropriateness Test

o Consistent with the Scout Law being friendly, courteous, and kind.

o Songs, Stunts, and Skits should not embarrass or demean any person or group.

o Gray areas to stay away from:

Underwear

Inside jokes

Cross-gender impersonation

Suggestions of alcohol, tobacco, drugs

Water or anything that would get the audience wet or messy

Watch out for using or modifying skits that touch on sensitive topics

Skits that are based on ethnic or handicapped targets are not acceptable

Campfire Etiquette

The Campfire Master of Ceremonies makes sure Cub Scouts, siblings, and family members in

attendance follow proper campfire etiquette including the following:

Crowd control is easier if you insist on silence as the group enters the campfire ring.

Make sure there is sufficient light so they can find their seats.

Prohibit use of flashlights during the campfire.

No Booing.

No Talking - unless you're involved in an activity, talking spoils the mood and detracts from

whatever is going on.

The campfire ring is sacred and always quiet before and after the fire.

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If wood needs to be added to the fire during the campfire, only the Keeper of the Flame may

do it.

Discipline is important.

o Squelch any horseplay immediately.

o Encourage enthusiasm, but maintain control.

o Get everyone involved in songs or stunts.

Recognition should be a part of every Cub Scout campfire program. Let the audience

clap/cheer each group of performers.

Quiet as the embers die. Ask everyone to leave the campfire ring quietly.

The Master of Ceremonies is the leader of the campfire program and needs to maintain control.

Below are some guidelines:

Be tough but tactful when someone may be interrupting the campfire.

Address problems immediately – Cub Scouts can get out of hand easily & quickly.

When friendly requests fail:

o Ask the Adults/Parents for assistance, if that fails

o Ask Adult Leaders for assistance, if that fails

o Ask the Cub Master for assistance

After the Main Event

Cleaning up a campfire's debris so that the area may retain a natural appearance requires just as

much effort as building a fire.

Make sure the fire is "out cold" before disposing of it.

o A good test is if the coals feel cool when you place your hand on them.

Scatter the cold ashes, replace the soil, and return the site to its natural condition.

You may bury the coals from your fire, sometimes it is easier to remove them from the area.

The coals may be placed in a natural depression in the ground, and covered with dirt, or

they may be spread where no one will see them.

Finally, remember to replace the soil over the original campfire site.

If there is an opportunity get the leaders together immediately after and perform a

reflection on what went well during the event.

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“Magic” Campfire Starts A Word of Caution – Unless you are very comfortable with the ideas presented here, the results

may not always conform to your expectations – remember Murphy’s Law! However, with a little

forethought, care, and caution you can maximize the opportunity for success and minimize the

chance for failure.

Don’t interpret the following as rules, they are merely clarifying the common sense approach that

most of us would use around fire and Cub Scouts anyways…

1. These “magic” fire lighting ideas are not games and should not be approached as if they are.

2. I know this is contradictory, but only people in full control of their mental faculties should

try these. The contradiction being that you have to be slightly off balance to be an Adult

Scouter anyways

3. Exercise extreme caution when dealing with inflammatory material. Do not experiment. No

open flames. Avoid large quantities – MORE is NOT better!

4. Practice the “magic” fire start several times before you actually use it in front of an audience.

And make sure to have the materials to conduct several practice runs.

5. Check reaction times between activation and ignition as this will help you plan the story

that you will use in conjunction with the “magic” fire start. Become familiar with the actions

and noises that typically accompany each type of fire start.

6. Always have a “Plan B” ready if “Plan A” fails – and it will sooner or later.

Fire Lay Construction

There are a number of different ways to build your fire in preparation for the “magic” fire start.

Where pre-positioning of the fire-start mechanism is involved, a Pyramid fire lay

is the preferred style. By building the various layers with dry kindling between

the wood pieces, you can easily conceal your fire start material. The natural

structure of this style of fire also leaves a “chamber” in the center that is just what

you need to place your fire start mechanism in, so that any material that has to be

added to cause ignition can drop on to the mechanism.

Should your fire start involve material being flown in (such as for the 'Flaming

Arrow' fire) - then the Tepee style fire lay might be the choice. Where the 'arrow'

enters the fire lay, an opening can be left in the fire material which can be well

packed with dry kindling and other quick combustibles.

If your personal favorite is the Log Cabin style, this can also be used quite nicely

with some of these magic fire start ideas. This particular style is well suited to

electrical based fire starts where the ignition mechanism can be placed in the

middle of the fire lay and yet still be hidden by kindling.

One item that is strongly discourage from being included in any fire lay - regardless of the weather

conditions - is liquid fuel (white gas; naphtha; charcoal starter fuel, etc.) as the results can be

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somewhat unpredictable if used with some of the ideas presented here. Any scouter who needs this

to get a fire going is probably not suited to trying Magic Fire Start Ideas (see the Word of Caution

items above).

Mechanical Fire Starts

These magic campfire starts may help you add that touch of mystique to a potentially memorable

occasion.

1. Take a 2 x 4 piece of wood, about 3 - 4 inches long. In the middle of this drill one 3/8" hole

all the way through. This should be large enough to put a large nail or spike through and

secure the wood to the ground. Still with this same piece of wood, drill as many 1/8"

diameter holes in it that you can, but not all the way through the wood. A drill guide will

help you to get all these holes the same depth. The depth will be determined by the length of

the blue tip wood matches that you should then place in these holes, leaving only the match

heads slightly above the wood surface.

a. Take a second piece of 2 x 4 wood and glue some sandpaper to one side. Also secure

a small "eye" screw to one end. Hold the two blocks of wood together with rubber

bands (after staking the first piece of wood in the middle of your fire lay), and

surround with plenty of dry kindling.

b. Attach a wire to the "eye" screw and, at the appropriate moment, pull. The friction of

the sandpaper against the match heads will cause them to ignite, thereby setting the

kindling on fire.

2. The "Flaming Arrow" is a traditional favorite. Drive a stake a little beyond the heart of the

fire lay, as it is being laid. From this stake run a length of nylon fishing line up to a nearby

high point and tie securely so that the line is very taut. The angle should be sufficient to

ensure a smooth and fairly rapid decent of the 'arrow' otherwise you run the risk of the

flame burning through the fishing line before the arrow reaches the fire.

a. The arrow is attached to the line through two spools (so make sure you thread the

spools onto the line before you tie it off!)

b. To the head of the arrow secure a bundle of dry flammable material.

c. At the appropriate time during the introductory story, an assistant lights the arrow

and releases it to slide down to set the fire alight.

d. One of the benefits of using fishing line for the line to the fire, is that once the fire is

alight the fishing line will burn through and the assistant can then retrieve the line

without those attending the campfire being aware of it. If you find that the fishing

line does not work for you, use wire instead, but tie the wire to fishing line where it

passes through the fire lay. This piece will burn away when he fire is lit, allowing

you to retrieve the length of wire.

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3. Variations on the above method include tying the flammable material directly around a

weighted spool and sending that down the line to create a 'fire-ball' effect. Firework

sparklers being attached to the arrow can also give quite a spectacular impression.

4. One idea included in several scouter resource books is to have a candle pre-lit in the fire lay,

but covered by a #10 Can. The candle is secured to a wooden base with a line attached to it.

At the appropriate moment, pull the candle out from the can and the kindling will catch fire.

Electrical Fire Starts

When setting up electrical fire starts, the weight of the wire used to generate heat will depend on

the size of the battery you intend to use and the distance between the battery and the ignition

device. Practice beforehand will enable you to properly rig your fire start, but, as a guide, use fine

wire for a 6 or 9 volt battery source. If your power source is a 12 volt car battery a heavier wire will

be required.

1. Steel Wool and "D" cell batteries are frequently used in survival techniques as an emergency

method of starting a fire. Based on this principal, one camp fire start idea is to use steel wool

in the fire lay (surrounded by small dry kindling) remotely attached to a car battery. The

battery could be disguised by hiding in a box that would double as a seat for the Master of

Ceremonies, with a switch on the side of the box to complete the electrical circuit and start

off your fire.

2. A variation on the above involves a little more creativity with the electrical connections.

From the disguised car battery/campfire seat, you'll need 3 electrical circuits and switches.

Switch #1 connects to a yellow taillight secured in the fire and hidden under kindling.

Switch #2 is hooked up to a two more light bulbs. Switch #3 hooks up to steel wool, as

detailed in the previous method.

a. As part of your campfire opening, get everyone to assist by blowing towards the fire.

As they do so, throw switch #1 and everyone should see a yellow glow coming

through the fire. Turn off the switch after a second or two.

b. “Obviously not everyone was helping or blowing hard enough”, so get them to blow

again. Throw switch #2 and a stronger light will be seen in the fire. Turn the switch

off after maybe five seconds.

c. One last time! Obviously the Cub Scouts aren’t trying hard enough. As everyone

blows hard for the last time, trigger the third switch to set the fire alight.

d. Remember to pull the lights attached to Switches #1 & #2 out of the fire lay before

you set the fire going, unless you want to compete with exploding light bulbs!

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3. Take a block of scrap 2" x 4" with a saw cut through the center line. Two nails are driven in

at either end of the block on opposite sides of the saw cut. These nails will provide

'terminals' to hook up to the power source. Insert an uncovered paper match book into the

saw cut, and thread a very fine piece of wire through the match heads, connect the wire to

the 'terminals'. Attach the wires from your power source also to the 'terminals' after

connecting them through some switching mechanism. When a current is passed through the

wire, heat will be generated which will ignite the matches and then set off your campfire

kindling.

4. Take a bunch of friction type matches and secure with a rubber band. The bigger the bunch,

the more spectacular will be the fire start. Then take a metal spring from a spring-loaded

pen and stretch this spring to be slightly larger than the diameter of your bundle of matches.

Lay the spring through the matches, so that it is touching the match heads. Place this bundle

on kindling in your fire lay.

a. Remotely attach a battery to the ends of the spring wire, through a switching

mechanism. At the correct time, throw the switch and the spring will generate

electrical heat which will ignite the matches.

5. This next idea builds on the previous one, but requires a little more creative electrical and

carpentry skills. Once you've set it up, however, it could be either your primary fire start

method or a back-up method if "Plan A" fails.

a. Take a piece of deadwood about 5-6 feet in length and at least 1 1/2 inches in

diameter at the base. Carefully drill a hole vertically into the base, of a sufficient

depth/breadth to hold your battery power source.

b. Run wires (covered where exposure is not necessary) from the battery up the

outside of the staff, with one of the wires going through a simple switch set at about

the 4 foot mark. The ends of the wires should be stripped and terminate about 8-10

inches below the top end of the staff.

c. Wrap several layers of dry flammable material around the first 8-10 inches from the

top of the staff, secure with wire.

d. Just below the flammable material, tape an open book of matches and run a fine

wire, from the wires attached to the battery/switch, through the match heads.

e. Hold the staff away from your body - yeah, really this is a good idea! - And trigger

the switch to light the match heads which will then catch the flammable material.

Your flaming torch can then light the campfire.

f. Since you always keep a bucket of water near your fire, extinguish the torch after

use and it'll be able to be used again.

Chemical Fire Starts

Chemical fire starts are particularly clever, however they require a great deal of practice!

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1. In the fire lay, place a pre-prepared piece of 2 x 4 wood, with four 6 inch nails driven

partially into it. Between the nails, on the wood, place a small aluminum tart cup with at

least two tablespoons of Potassium Permanganate (available from most pharmacies) in it.

a. Supported on the heads of the 4 nails place a second aluminum cup that has had

three or four small holes punched in the base. Tilt this cup to one side by placing a

twig across two of the nails and then balance the cup so it is supported. In this cup

place a quantity of Glycerin (also available from Pharmacies) - but not enough so

that it trickles through the holes.

b. The twig should have a length of fishing line tied to it, with the line stretching away

from the fire lay.

c. By pulling on the fishing line and removing the supporting twig, the cup containing

Glycerin will drop to rest horizontally and the glycerin will spread out over the cup's

base. A couple of drops will then fall through the pre-punched holes and onto the

Potassium Permanganate.

d. After a short pause the glycerin will react with the Potassium Permanganate and

create a flame which will need to catch your kindling thereby setting the fire lay

ablaze.

2. Take a model rocket igniter (available at most hobby shops) and pass the igniter through

the inside of a paper baggy leaving two little wires sticking out. Then carefully remove the

contents of a "Colored Flower Bloom" or "Giant Fountain" firework (use only one) and place

into the paper baggy.

a. Attach the clips from a model rocket firing device to the two wires coming out of the

baggy.

b. Prepare the mechanism by pulling the safety pin. Then, when you're ready, press the

firing button and POOF!, another magic fire start.

3. Crush 1 teaspoon of iodine crystals to a very fine powder, then mix with 2 teaspoons of

powdered aluminum. IT IS CRITICAL THAT THIS MIXTURE REMAINS ABSOLUTELY DRY.

a. Place this mixture in the fire lay on a piece of plywood, forming a volcano shaped

mound. When the participants are gathered around the campfire, ask if anyone has a

canteen of water in case the fire gets 'out of hand' (you may want to set this up

beforehand).

b. Pat your pockets as if looking for a match, but finding none, ask to borrow some

water. Sprinkle it on the fire lay (ensure a few drops hit the iodine/aluminum

mixture) and you will be greeted by billowing purple smoke, followed by deep red

flames.

c. Someone is bound to ask, "OK. So how do you put it out?" Simply tell them you'll

throw matches on it!

d. Note: The powdered iodine "evaporates" very quickly. As a result this mixture must

be used within about 10 minutes of preparation.

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4. A teaspoon of Pine Sol or Pine Oil is placed in a shallow container within the fire lay. There

is a story that goes along with this magic fire start based on the ashes from a previous

campfire.

a. The "Ashes" are a half a cup of HTH Granulated chlorine. When the Pine solvent and

chlorine are combined, they produce a large quantity of white smoke, followed by

flames. This is a relatively slow reaction, so open the campfire with the following

story:

i. "As we gather here tonight, for our formal campfire, I think back to the

closing campfire from last year. It was such a great fire, and the feelings of

love and friendship so strong.”

ii. “In order to try and rekindle those feeling for our fire tonight, I would like to

add some of the ashes from last year’s fire.”

iii. “Now, before I light the fire tonight, I would like you all to look at this pile of

wood, and think about your own feelings about last year's fire, and what

made it special for you."

“Magic” Campfire Start Stories

Imagine the scene at your next campfire. Everyone has walked into the campfire ring, your opening

is inspirational but everyone is wondering why the fire isn't lit yet. You then lead off with a short

story to fit the circumstances and then ask for everyone's help in calling on the appropriate spirits

to light the ceremonial fire. A short pause, then.....FLASH!.....the campfire is roaring away and yet no-

one was anywhere near the fire to light it!

In any event, magic fire starts deserve to be supported with a story. In determining the story to use

remember that it should in some way 'explain' the magic involved; it could get participants active in

the fire start itself; and it will enable you to set up particular timing prompts if the fire start needs

assistance from others.

These ideas should give you a bit of a start in developing your own story's, and don't be afraid to

tailor the fire start to the camp theme. The theme could be hiking, family circus, UFO's; whatever. A

little creativity will enable you to come up with a really great story to introduce the fire.

Peter the Elf

"While getting the wood ready for the fore tonight, I came across a small wood- elf trapped in the

underbrush. Since a Cub Scout is always kind, considerate and helpful, I helped free him. In return

he promised to help me if I ever needed it. All I have to do is call."

"Since this is the first time I've ever met a wood-elf, I've no idea if he will keep his promise to me.

Maybe we should see if he will help us to light this fire?"

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Shout out - "Peter the Elf, will you light this fire for me?" - No response. Call a second time, still

nothing happens.

"Maybe he can't hear my voice. Let's all shout - Peter the Elf, will you light this fire for me?”

Time the fire start so that the fire lay ignites after the last shout.

The Indian Pow-Wow

"Some of you may know that, not very far from here is land considered sacred by the Indians who

used to live in this area. No one can remember what this land was used for, but the scholars think it

was where the tribe used to get together for special councils and pow-wows. It's funny, but there's

no historical evidence to support this and it’s all based on local legend."

"Some of you may have noticed the old farm near the camp site entrance. Old Charlie lives there and

he's become quite an authority on local Indian legends."

"One of the story's he tells is of how the Indians used to signal that there was a pow-wow about to

start. Once all the council members were around the fire ring, they would signal that they were all

present by stamping their feet on the ground. Like this...."

Get everyone to join in.

"At that signal the Council Chief would send a fire arrow into the air to signal the start of the pow-

wow."

This is where the Flaming Arrow fire start would come into play.

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Campfire Opening Ideas The following section contains some possible Campfire Openings that can be used in the program.

Brother Scouts

Brother Scouts, in the light of the campfire,

Let us come together with thankful hearts;

And let our ideals be ever before us like a blazing torch

Lighting a warm and steady path,

The light not dimming

And the peace not slackening.

The campfire is open.

The Wilderness is Home

The fire is lit, come lift your voice;

Let song and skit fill the hours;

The fire is lit, so let's rejoice,

Our hearts are full, the night is ours.

Cold nights weighs down the forest bough,

Strange shapes go flitting through the gloom;

But see... a spark, a flame and now

The Wilderness is home.

Peace be to all

Behold the fire my fellow scouts,

May its flames purify your hearts,

Let no unfriendly thoughts be harbored,

Let no harsh words be spoken

Keep the spirit of the campfire in your hearts forever,

Peace be to all.

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North, South, East, and West

Logs burn, flames rise,

Hearts glow, troubles die,

Each for all and all for each,

Happiness within our reach,

Joined together by the good,

Of world-wide Scouting brotherhood.

Flames leaping - fire bright,

We are all brothers here tonight.

Scent of smoke in the evening,

Smell of rain in the night,

The trees, the grass, the flowers,

The campfires are our delight.

Brother Scouts, the campfire is open.

From the North,

From the South,

From the East,

From the West,

May good Scouting come to you always.

Come, come, light up the fire

The fire is lit, come lift your voice;

Let song and skit beguile the hours;

The fire is lit, so let's rejoice,

Our hearts are full, the night is ours.

Come, come, light up the fire,

Come, come, join in the ring,

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Here find dreams to inspire,

Stories to tell, songs to sing.

May the smoke of this fire carry your thoughts towards heaven,

And make your hearts strong for Scouting.

Smoke

As our campfire smoke curls upward,

May all that is evil go along with it,

And may some kind evening breeze blow it away,

Never to be seen again,

And may peace be in our hearts.

As our campfire grows and grows,

Let the smoke from its flames rise to

Carry our troubles and bad thoughts away,

Never to be seen again.

Thank you Great Spirit in heaven,

For this fire and the friendship we will share tonight.

Stronger

Behold the campfire, my young Tigers, Bears, Wolves, and Webelos,

May its flames clean our hearts.

Let no unfriendly thoughts remain,

Let no hurting words be spoken.

Keep the spirit of this campfire in your heart,

For, together, its flame makes us stronger.

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So Be

As the flames point upwards

So be our aims

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 ideas warm the world

A Little Bit

A little bit of kindness to each other now and then

A little bit of blindness to the faults of other men

A little bit of happiness - A lively Wolf Cub's smile

And then as on through life we go - We'll find it's all worth while

The Beauty of Fire

CUB #1: The early caveman used fire to protect himself from wild beasts and to warm his body.

CUB #2: In ancient times the Phoenicians used fire on mountaintops of high pillars as beacons for

their ships.

CUB #3: The American Indian used fire to hollow out logs for boats to, fire pottery, and for

ceremonial purposes.

CUB #4: The pioneer used fire to forge rims for his wheels and bolts to build wagons. The silhouette

of the village smithy against his fire was a common sight in early America.

CUB #5: The cowboy in the Old West sat around the campfire with a pot of coffee and beans. Their

entertainment was the singing of ballads of the trail accompanied by guitars and harmonicas.

CUB #6: Fire today makes the wheels of industry turn. In essence, fire is putting men on the moon.

Master of Ceremonies: Fire is the universal symbol of Scout camping. The fellowship around the

campfire is one of the most lasting memories in the life of the Scout. In just a few months some of

you Cubs will become Boy Scouts. If every Scout group in the world had a campfire tonight like this

one, the glow would light the world with a new hope for mankind.

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Cub Scout Campfire

Master of Ceremonies: Welcome to the Cub Scout campfire. Akela is among us. Let us draw from

this campfire with all its vibrancy and warmth, the secrets of Cub Scouting and the spirit of

brotherhood.

CUB 1: In its light we see new chances to be helpful and to do our best.

CUB 2: From its warmth we strengthen the bonds of fellowship and learn how to get along with

others.

CUB 3: From the stones that ring the fire and keep its power in check, we learn how we can curb our

tempers and become good citizens.

CUB 4: From the smoke that rises out of the fire, we learn to lift our eyes upward and worship God.

CUB 5: The spark that started this fire reminds us that little Good Turns can lead to greater deeds.

CUB 6: Just as the fire needs wood to burn bright, so do we need the care and love of our parents to

burn brightly.

CUB 7: In it leaping flames, we see the fun of Cub Scouting and the job of life.

Campfire Lighting with the Cub Scout Spirit

Enter the Cubmaster with lit candle or torch. The audience is gathered around unlit campfire.

WEBELOS: Who are you?

CUBMASTER: I am the Spirit of Scouting.

WEBELOS: Why do you come?

CUBMASTER: To give light to those who need it.

WEBELOS: Will you give light to us?

CUBMASTER: If you are prepared to serve God and Country, to help people, to live by the Cub Scout

Promise and the Law of the Pack.

WEBELOS: We will do our best!

CUBMASTER: Then take your light from my light. (Cub kneels and lights fire.)

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Campfire Skit Ideas The following section contains some possible Campfire Skits that can be used in the program.

These are all appropriate and fairly easy for Cub Scouts to learn quickly.

Fortune Teller

Setup: A small tent is set up, with an old lady sitting in front of it. This can be a Cub Scout wrapped

up in a blanket, who speaks with an old lady's voice.

Master of Ceremonies: Introduces Fortune Teller as a very accurate teller of fortunes who can

predict a person's future by touching anything belonging to the person.

Master of Ceremonies: Calls up a series of Cub Scouts

Master of Ceremonies: Asks the first Scout what he has brought for the Fortune Teller?

Cub Scout 1: Scout produces a pencil.

Master of Ceremonies: Hands the pencil to the Fortune Teller and asks her to tell the future of the

owner.

Fortune Teller: Waves her hands and mumbles some words and then predicts that the owner will

become a writer.

The scene is repeated.

Cub Scout 2: A Scout produces a comb from his pocket.

Fortune Teller: Predicts that he will become a hairdresser.

Cub Scout 3: A third Scout has a dollar.

Fortune Teller: predicts that he will become a successful banker.

Master of Ceremonies: [A Scapegoat is summoned from the audience.] The Master of Ceremonies

asks what he has to show the Fortune Teller.

No matter what the Scapegoat suggests, the Master of Ceremonies says it is not good enough.

Either it has been done before, or it is too easy, or "That's no fun!", or any other reason.

Master of Ceremonies: Finally, suggest that the Scapegoat try his shoe, and makes him take it off.

The shoe is handed to the Fortune Teller

Fortune Teller: Repeats her mumbo jumbo. Announces, "You will take a long walk in the woods!"

[She throws the shoe far into the woods.]

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The Four Seasons

Setup: The Master of Ceremonies narrates, everyone else is volunteers.

Master of Ceremonies: "I need eleven volunteers for this skit."

Master of Ceremonies: "This skit is called the Four Seasons. You three are trees. You three are

leaves in trees, get up in the trees. You're poison ivy, cling to the roots of one of the trees.

Master of Ceremonies: Pick a scapegoat (An Adult Leader is best). Tell the scapegoat that “You're

tree's blood, you run through the trees” and make the scapegoat run around the trees

Master of Ceremonies: You two are birds, flit from tree to tree and sing. And you're the babbling

brook. You have to babble." "Babble babble babble babble ..."

Master of Ceremonies: "In the spring, the leaves come out on the trees. The birds flit from tree to

tree."

Master of Ceremonies: "In the summer, the leaves open up and the sun shines down on the forest.

The birds form flocks"

Master of Ceremonies: "In the fall, the leaves drop from the trees. The birds fly away south."

Master of Ceremonies: "In the winter, the brook freezes and stops babbling.

Master of Ceremonies: All seems still in the forest.

Master of Ceremonies: But beneath it all there is still life. Look! The sap is still running!"

The Highest Tree Climber in the World

Setup: A Cub Scout designated as the “Tree climber” is hidden in the woods and is able to ruffle a

bush or tree.

Master of Ceremonies: “You know, they say there's this really good tree climber trying out for the

Olympics. I wonder if he's practicing around here.”

Master of Ceremonies: Call out and see! “Hey! Tree Climber! Are you around here?”

Climber: Yep!

Master of Ceremonies: You practicing?

Climber: Yep!

Master of Ceremonies: How high are you?

Climber: Oh, not high. About 100 feet.

Master of Ceremonies: Wow! Can you go higher?

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Climber: Yep! (Ruffles tree.) Now I'm at about 200 feet.

Master of Ceremonies: Fantastic! Can you go higher?


Master of Ceremonies: Neato! Can you go higher?


Master of Ceremonies: Great! Can you go higher?


Master of Ceremonies: Gee! I'm amazed!

Cub Scout (from audience): Excuse me, Sir, but I have a book here that says that the highest tree in

the world is only 360 feet high!

Climber: Ahhhhhh!!!!!! (Thump!)

The Short Runway

Setup: Number of Participants: 2 (If more are desired, they can be passengers, with suitable sound

effects and actions.)

Props: Seating for pilot and co-pilot, and for passengers if required. A compass.

Master of Ceremonies: This scene is on board a very low budget airline.

Pilot: Well, are we anywhere near the airport, co-pilot?

Co-Pilot: (peering out the window) I don't know... I see lights over there to the left. That's likely it.

Bring 'er around and have a look.

Pilot: (lurching plane hard to the left) Boy, I can't tell. I wish the company would buy us some

instruments.

Co-Pilot: (pulling compass from pocket) Oh, I've got my trusty compass and the sun went down

about 20 minutes ago, so we've got to be on course. (Excited) Look, see that spot down there, that

must be it.

Pilot: Okay, here we go. Give me 20 degrees flaps, I'm going in. (Puts plane into a nose dive, sound

effects.)

Pilot: This is going to be tough. Give me more flaps, cut back the engines. (Louder) More flaps, less

throttle!

Co-Pilot: (Appropriate actions and sounds, acting panicky.)

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Pilot: QUICK, cut the engines, give me brakes. MORE BRAKES!

Both: (Sighs of relief) We’re down, we made it!

Pilot: Boy that was a short runway!

Co-Pilot: (Looking right, then left) Yep, and wide too!

Emergency Broadcast

Setup: 3 scouts and 1 Master of Ceremonies. Have three scouts standing in a side-by-side line.

Master of Ceremonies in front.

Master of Ceremonies: We interrupt this campfire for an emergency broadcast!

Scouts: Beep (keep going beep for a minute)

Master of Ceremonies: Now, that was JUST a test, had this been a real emergency you would have

heard:

Scouts: (Screaming wildly, pile on each other, arms and legs flailing, or running in circles)

Campfire Time Telling

Setup: About 4-8 Cub Scouts circle around the campfire. 1 Cub Scout hides offstage.

Master of Ceremonies: "The ancient Indians will now demonstrate how they tell time.

Indian Dancers: The Indians dance around the fire loudly. After a while they stop and pretend to

listen for a sound. They dance around the fire again and listen for a sound

Offstage Scout: Shut-up, it's 2:30 in the morning!

Pass the Pepper

Setup: Four to five Cub Scouts squatting in a line.

Cub Scout on far Right: Cub Scout on far right says to Cub Scout on his left, “Pass the pepper.”

Cub Scouts go down the line and end Cub Scout passes black pepper down.

Cub Scout on far Right: Cub Scout on right says, “Not the black pepper, I want the pepper.”

Again this goes down the line and the end Cub Scout passes the Cayenne pepper.

Cub Scout on Right: The Cub Scout on the right says, “Not the Cayenne pepper, I said I want the

pepper. “

This can go on using different types of peppers until the Cub Scout on the left end says, "WHAT

KIND OF PEPPER DOES HE WANT"

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This goes down the line

Cub Scout on Right: "THE TOILET PAPER"

The Blanket Tossing Team

Setup: This takes about six Cub Scouts, who form a circle around an invisible blanket, with a small

invisible guy (Bruce) who sits in the middle of the invisible blanket and gets tossed.

Master of Ceremonies: "We're an Olympic blanket tossing team, and Bruce in the middle here is our

star blanket bouncer. We'll toss Bruce a bit just to warm up. One, two, three! One, two, three! One,

two, three!"

On three each time, the team lets the pretend blanket go slack, then pull it taught. They watch the

invisible Bruce go up in the air, then come down, and the gently catch him again in the blanket.

Each time they toss him higher. The team has to be in sync, and they have to watch about the same

spot -- the easiest way to do this is to have everyone just imitate the leader, who is the speaker.

Master of Ceremonies: "OK, we're all limbered up now?"

Blank Toss Team: The team murmurs in agreement. "Then let's toss Bruce a bit higher. One, two,

three!"

Bruce comes up, and the team adjusts their position a bit to catch him as he comes down.

Blank Toss Team: "One, two, three!" This wait about ten seconds, and move quite a bit to get under

him.

Move this way and that before finally catching him.

Blank Toss Team: "One, two, three!" twenty seconds this time, almost lose track of him, and adjust

the position here, there, and here again.

Master of Ceremonies: "What? What's that you say, Bruce?" pause "Audience, you are in luck! Bruce

wants to go for the world record blanket toss! Ready team?

Blank Toss Team: One! Two! Thu-reee!!!" A mighty toss! The team shifts positions, like trying to

catch a high fly ball.

Master of Ceremonies: "There he goes! He's past the trees! He's really up there!" pause, looking

hard into the sky "Do you see him? I've lost him.

Master of Ceremonies: Where'd he go?" another pause

Blank Toss Team: "Oh well." The team leaves the stage, and the program continues.

After another skit and song, and preferably in the middle of some sort of act…

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Master of Ceremonies: "Bruce! Quick team!" The blanket tossing team runs back on stage, positions

themselves this way and that, and catches Bruce.

Master of Ceremonies: "Let's have a big hand for Bruce! Yay!!!"

Sixty Second Skit

Setup: Two Cub Scouts with foam swords mock fighting. Each Cub Scout enters from either side of

the campfire circle. They begin a series of carefully choreographed movements with the foam

swords (striking each other's swords, poking at each other, etc.) all in slow motion.

Cub Scouts: each one counts "1-2-3-4-5...” etc., taking turns, until they reach 60. When they reach 60,

they both stop face the audience and announce:

Cub Scouts: "We have just wasted one minute of your time"

Energy Saver

Setup: Six Cub Scouts and one Adult den leader conducting a Den Meeting. Den meeting place,

decorated as desired. Den leader sits at a table. As skit opens, all Cub Scouts arrive together and sit

down.

Den Leader: Today, let's take turns and tell how we can help to conserve energy in our homes.

Cub Scout 1: I know a good way. My mom doesn't use her clothes dryer as much as she used to. She

uses a new solar energy device called a clothesline and hangs her laundry outside to dry in the

sunshine.

Cub Scout 2: My dad said that if we filled a plastic bottle with water and put it in the tank in the

bathroom, it would cut down on the amount of water used for flushing.

Cub Scout 3: Did you know that if you take showers you use a lot less water than if you take baths?

Mom even uses a timer, and we have learned to take 3-minute showers at our house.

Cub Scout 6: (Starts to slowly fall asleep.)

Cub Scout 4: We keep the drapes closed on summer days and keep them open for light and warmth

in the winter.

Cub Scout 5: we keep the damper in our fireplace closed whenever we aren't using it. If it's left open

in the winter, the warm air in the house escapes up the chimney and that's a waste.

Scout 6: (Is now completely asleep)

Den Leader: Johnny, do you have anything to add about saving energy? (She turns to see that he is

fast asleep.) I guess Johnny is the best energy saver of us all.

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Secret to Ice Fishing

Setup: Two Cub Scouts ice fishing. Need candy gummy worm(s) as prop.

Cub Scout 1: Enters and pretends to ice fishing.

Cub Scout 2: Enters and greets Scout 1, commenting on the cold weather.

Cub Scout 1: Mumbles a greeting (mouth full) and then Scout 1 catches a fish, then another, then

another.

Cub Scout 2: Watches amazed and asked "What's your secret?"

Cub Scout 1: Answers with a mumble. This can be drawn out with hilarious results. Finally the 1st

scout slowly pulls a gummy (candy) worm from his mouth and exclaims proudly "You gotta keep

the worms warm!"

Run On: Squirrels

Setup: 2 Cub Scouts

Cub Scout 1: Just standing there

Cub Scout 2: Runs On Yelling franticly they are after me they are after me

Cub Scout 1: "what’s wrong?"

Cub Scout 2: "They are after me!"

Cub Scout 1: "Who’s after you?"

Cub Scout 2: "The squirrels are after me they think I’m nuts"

Cub Scout 2 runs off

Repeat as run on…

Cub Scout 1: Just standing there

Cub Scout 2: Runs On Yelling franticly they are after me they are after me

Cub Scout 1: "what’s wrong?"

Cub Scout 2: "They are all over me, they are all over me!”

Cub Scout 1: "What’s all over you?"

Cub Scout 2: "My Clothes"

Cub Scout 2 runs off

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Climb That

Setup: Two Cub Scouts meet, and the first Cub Scout begins to brag he can climb anything.

Cub Scout 1: "Can you climb that tree?"

Cub Scout 2: "Sure I've done it lots of times."

Cub Scout 1: "Can you climb the steep hill over there?"

Cub Scout 2: "No sweat, no problem for me."

Cub Scout 1: "How about the Empire State Building?"

Cub Scout 2: "Done it, did it."

Cub Scout 1: "How about Mount Everest?"

Cub Scout 2: "Boy that was I cold day, I've done that too. I told you I am the world's greatest

climber, I can climb anything!"

Cub Scout 1: "I'll bet you ten bucks I can show you something that you can't climb."

Cub Scout 2: "You’re on!"

Cub Scout 1: pulls out a flashlight and shine the beam up into the sky “all right climb that!"

Cub Scout 2: "Are you crazy? No Way!"

Cub Scout 1: "I knew you would back out, now pay up!"

Cub Scout 2: "I won't pay because it’s not fair. I know you, I'd start climbing and I'd get half way

and you'd turn the flashlight off!"

Bear Chase

Setup: Two Cub Scouts wearing boots, one pair of tennis shoes, and a campfire. The two Cub Scouts

are sitting around the camp fire.

Cub Scout 1: Turns quickly as if he heard something, then bends over to put on his tennis shoes.

Cub Scout 2: What are you doing?

Cub Scout 1: I am putting on my tennis shoes.

Cub Scout 2: I can see that, why are you putting on your tennis shoes?

Cub Scout 1: There’s a bear coming into camp.

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Cub Scout 2: How will tennis shoes help, you can't outrun a bear!

Cub Scout 1: I know I can't outrun the bear, I just have to outrun you!

Why Are You Late?

Setup: The cast is a Boss and 4 Workers. The skit takes place in an office.

Boss: (to worker #1) Why are you late?

Worker #1: (Rushing into work, breathless.) Sorry I'm late, Boss. My car broke down, so I took the

bus. But the driver hit a tree, so I had to take a cab. And it broke down, too. Fortunately, I was near a

farm so I borrowed the horse. But it ran so fast that it had a heart attack and collapsed. I had to jog

the rest of the way!

Worker #2 & 3: come in late with exactly the same excuse. The boss becomes a little bit more

exasperated each time, until #4 finally comes in, late of course.

Boss: Why are you late? No, wait. Let me guess. Your car broke down, so you took the bus. But the

bus driver hit a tree, so you took a cab. And it broke down too. Fortunately, you were near a farm

and so you borrowed the horse. But it ran so fast that it had a heart attack and collapsed, so you had

to jog the rest of the way, right?

Worker #4: No boss, you got it all wrong! The streets were so crowded with broken down cars,

buses and cabs, trees, dead horses, and worst of all some crazy joggers that I couldn't get through!

A Series of Run Ins…

Cub Scout One: "Excuse me, but is that the sun or the moon?"

Cub Scout Two: "I don't know. I'm new to these parts too."

Cub Scout One: "I heard you had an accident on your hike today."

Cub Scout Two: "No but I did get bitten by a rattlesnake."

Cub Scout One: "You don't call that an accident?"

Cub Scout Two: "Heck no, he did that on purpose."

Cub Scout 1: I went fishing last week.

Cub Scout 2: What did you catch?

Cub Scout 3: Three bass and one smelt.

Cub Scout 4: It did? Which one?

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The Announcement

Cast: Master of Ceremonies and a volunteer in the audience.

Master of Ceremonies: And now it's time to make a spot announcement. (Dog barks from the

audience.) Thank you Spot.

Going to Court

This one is a run on that has been around for years and will be for years more. One of the nice things

about this one is that you can use as little as two appearances or if necessary, and you can expand

upon it to other situations involving the case and court wordplay.

Cast: Master of Ceremonies, Litigant, briefcase

Each time the litigant comes in, the Master of Ceremonies is about to announce or close a skit.

Master of Ceremonies: Hello? I’m trying to introduce the next act? What are you doing here?

Litigant: (coming in with briefcase) Uh, excuse me, I'm taking my (lift up briefcase) case to court.

Next appearance, the litigant is crawling on the ground with a flashlight, without the briefcase:

Master of Ceremonies: Oh, it's you again. What are you doing down on the ground?

Litigant: I lost my case!

Next appearance, the litigant is up on a chair, a tall tree stump, in a tree, whatever, carrying his

briefcase. He makes noise to get attention, and the Master of Ceremonies shines a light on him.

Master of Ceremonies: What are you doing now?

Litigator: I'm taking my case to a higher court!

Last appearance is a little dangerous. Be careful to have plenty of open space where people won't get

hurt, and that the Master of Ceremonies is ready for this.

Suddenly the briefcase is flying through the air and lands near the Master of Ceremonies.

Master of Ceremonies: (Surprised and Flustered) What's this all about?

Litigator: My case got thrown out!

Other appearances: Litigant is opening and closing the case – “It’s an open and shut case”; Litigant

puts the case on a pillow – “I rest my case”; Litigant holding the case upside down – “My case got

overturned”

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Campfire Song Ideas The following section contains some possible Campfire Songs that can be used in the program.

There are many different song types that make ideal campfire songs:

Action Songs Traditional Songs Scouting Songs Cam Specific Songs Patriotic Songs National Anthem Inspirational Songs Reverent Songs Rounds Silly Songs Theme Songs Repeat After Me Songs

Boom Chicka Boom

I said a Boom Chicka Boom


I said a Boom Chicka Rocka Chicka Rocka Chicka Boom

Uh huh

Oh yeah

One more time ______ style.

Janitor Style:

I said a Broom Sweep-a Broom


I said a Broom Sweep-a Mop-a Sweep-a Mop-a Sweep-a Broom

Baseball Style:

I said a boom chicka boom

I said a boom chicka boom

I said a boom chicka rocka hit that baseball to the moon.

Barn-yard Style:

I said a moo chicka moo


I said a moo chicka watch your step, don't track it in the room.

Race Car Style:

I said a vroom shifta vroom

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I said a vroom shifta grind-a shifta grind-a shifta vroom

Parent Style:

I said a boom GO TO YOUR ROOM


I said a boom GO TO YOUR ROOM and don't come out 'til next June.

Taco Bell Style:

I said a bean chicka bean

I said a bean chicka bean

I said a bean and cheese burrito and a nacho supreme.

McDonalds Style:

I said a Big Mac and Fries


I said a Big Mac and Fries and don’t forget to Super-Size.

Surfer Style:

I said a dude chicka dude

I said a dude chicka dude

I said a dude chicka wipe out chicka WHOA chicka dude

Cellphone Style:

I said a call me on my cell

I said a call me on my cell

I said a call me, text me, call me, text me, call me on my cell

Star Wars Style:

I said a zoom chicka zoom

I said a zoom chicka zoom

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I said a Luke I am your father Join the Dark Side chicka zoom.

Cub Scout Spirit

I've got that Cub Scout Spirit,

Up in my head, Up in my head, Up in my head,

I've got that Cub Scout Spirit, Up in my head,

Up in my head, to stay.


Deep in my heart, Deep in my heart, Deep in my heart,

I've got that Cub Scout Spirit, Deep in my heart,

Deep in my heart, to stay.


Down in my feet, Down in my feet, Down in my feet,

I've got that Cub Scout Spirit, Down in my feet,

Down in my feet to stay.


All over me, all over me, All over me,

I've got that Cub Scout Spirit, All over me,

All over me, to stay.


Up in my head, Deep in my heart,

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Down in my feet,


All over me, All over me, to stay.

The Other Day (I Met a Bear)

The other Day (echo) I met a bear (echo)

A great big bear (echo), a way out there (echo)

(All sing end line) The other day I saw a bear, a great big bear a way out there.

(Continue in the same manner)

He looked at me, I Iooked at him, he sized up me, I sized up him...(All sing end line)

He said to me, why don’t you run? I see you ain’t got any gun...(All sing end line)

And so I ran, away from there, but right behind me was that bear... (All sing end line)

In front of me, there was a tree, a great bit tree, oh Glory be... (All sing end line)

The nearest branch, was 10 feet up, I’d have to jump and trust my luck... (All sing end line)

And so I jumped, into the air, But I missed that branch, a way up there... (All sing end line)

But don’t you fret, and don’t you frown, because I caught that branch on the way back down... (All

sing end line)

This is the end, there ain‟t no more, unless I meet that bear once more... (All sing end line)

Phineas & Ferb Theme Song

There's 104 days of summer vacation, and school comes along just to end it

So the annual problem for our generation is finding a good way to spend it

Like maybe...

Building a rocket, Or fighting a mummy, Or climbing up the Eiffel Tower

Discovering something that doesn't exist (Hey!)

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Or giving a monkey a shower

Surfing tidal waves, Creating nanobots, Or locating Frankenstein's brain

(It's over here!)

Finding a dodo bird, Painting a continent, Or driving your sister insane

(Phineas!)

As you can see There's a whole lot of stuff to do Before school starts this fall

(Come on Perry)

So stick with us 'cause Phineas and Ferb Are gonna do it all

So stick with us 'cause Phineas and Ferb are Gonna do it all!

(Mom! Phineas and Ferb are making a title sequence! )

Bug Juice

Tune: On Top of Old Smoky

At camp with the Cub Scouts, they gave us a drink

We thought it was Kool-Aid because it was pink

But the thing that they gave us would gross out a moose

For that great tasting pink drink was really bug juice

It looked fresh and fruity like tasty Kool-Aid

But the bugs that were in it were murdered with Raid

We drank it by gallons, we drank it in tons

But then the next morning, we all had the runs

So if you drink bug juice and a fly drives you mad

He’s just getting even, because you swallowed his dad

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Alice the Camel

Alice the camel has 3 humps, Alice the camel has 3 humps,

Alice the camel has 3 humps, so go Alice go

Alice the camel has 2 humps…(continue same pattern until you reach “no humps”)

Alice the camel has no humps, Alice the camel has no humps

Alice the camel has no humps, because Alice is a horse

Bazooka Bubblegum Song

My momma gave me a penny

She told me to buy a henny

But I didn’t buy no henny

(Chorus)

Instead, I bought bubblegum.

Bazooka-zooka bubblegum


My momma gave me a nickel

She told me to buy a pickle

But I didn’t buy no pickle

(Chorus)

My momma gave me a dime

She told me to buy a lime

But I didn’t buy no lime

(Chorus)

My momma gave me a quarter

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She told me to buy some water

But I didn’t buy no water

(Chorus)

My momma gave me a dollar

She told me to buy a collar

But I didn’t buy no collar

(Chorus)

My momma gave me a five

She told me to stay alive

But I didn’t stay alive

Instead, I choked on bubblegum.



Hi, my name is Joe

(Chorus)

Hi, my name is Joe and I work at the button factory.

I have a wife, a dog and a family.

One day my boss, He said "Joe."

I said, "What?"

"Are you busy?"

I said, "No."

"Can you press this button with your RIGHT hand?"

(Start pointing with your RIGHT finger/hand with optional noises)

(Chorus) "Can you press this button with your LEFT hand?"

35

(Chorus) "Can you press this button with your RIGHT leg?"

(Chorus) "Can you press this button with your LEFT leg?"

(Continue as long as the audience can take it, using Head, Shoulder, Knee, Elbow, and Tongue ...

Ending: (Chorus) One day my boss, he said "Joe, are you busy?" I said "YES!!!"

Goin’ on a Lion Hunt

A repeat after me and do as I do song

I’m goin’ on a lion hunt (march in place)

But I’m not afraid.

Got me shotgun (pretend to hold a rifle)

Lookin’ for a lion (make gestures looking around)

But I don’t see no lion (hold hands up and shake head)

Come to a river

Swim the river (make swimming gestures)








Come to a tree

Climb the tree (make gestures climbing up and down)





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Come to a swamp

Through the swamp (make gestures walking on tippy toes)








Come to a cave

Through the cave (crouch down and walk in place)


There’s the lion! (point into the group)

Aim that shotgun! (pretend to aim a rifle)

Fire that shotgun! (pretend to fire a rifle)

BOOM!!!!!!

I missed him, I missed him!!

Back through the cave (crouch down and walk in place)

Back through the swamp (make gestures walking on tippy toes)

Back down the tree (make gestures climbing up and down)

Back through the river (make swimming gestures)



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And ya wanna know why?

‘Cause we’ve been a-lying the whole time!!

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Peanut, Peanut Butter (and Jelly)


First you take the peanuts And you smash ‘em, You smash ‘em

First you take the peanuts And you smash ‘em, You smash ‘em

For your Peanut, Peanut Butter (and Jelly)


Then you take the grapes And you squash ‘em, You squash ‘em

Then you take the grapes And you squash ‘em, You squash ‘em



Then you take the bread And you spread it, You spread it

Then you take the bread And you spread it, You spread it



Then you take your sandwich And you bite it, You bite it

Then you take your sandwich And you bite it, You bite it

(sing like your mouth is full)

Um um, um um um um (um um)

Um um, um um um um (um um)

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Campfire Story Ideas The following section contains some possible Campfire Stories that can be used in the program.

These are particularly helpful during the later portions of the program to begin the process of

closing the campfire in a solemn and peaceful mood.

When to Tell Stories?

Never repeat a story

Never simply read a story – the reader should engage in ‘presenting’ the story

Wait for the campfire to be nearing embers or has faded

Insist on complete silence

Never tell them "it's just a story"

If they ask if it's true, try lines like "What do you think?"

A story is a great way to end a campfire before sending the Cub Scouts to bed

Winter Cub Story

Years ago, right here at this camp, a Cub pack, much like ours came out for the weekend. As with

most every pack, there's always one Cub, who's much better than everyone else in his camping

skills. This Pack had an exceptional Cub, who everyone looked up to, to help them out if they were

having any problems. This Cub could walk farther than anyone else, catch bigger fish, make a better

snow-fort to sleep in, start a fire with one match every time, could snowshoe faster than the leaders,

and many more skills. Everyone would ask him for help, because he was so good. The leaders

relayed on him to help teach all the Cub skills, and he did it with a smile on his face. Everyone liked

him because he was so friendly.

Saturday night, he and a few of his friends decided to sleep outside in a snow fort. The Cub helped

everyone to get settled, before turning in himself. The Camp Chief came out to check on them

periodically, so no one would get cold. In the middle of the night, the Cub was awoken by the call to

nature. He woke up a couple of his buddies to go with him, as he knew that no one should go

anywhere without a buddy. His friends told him that since he was the best Cub in the pack, and

knew so much, that there was no chance for something to go wrong. You all know, that flattery is

great for one's ego, and this Cub was no different. He got dressed and ventured outside to one of the

biffies, to complete his task.

After he had done, he got dressed again, and started back to his snow fort. But when he opened the

door to the bathroom, he saw that a storm had moved in. He started to return to his fort, but the

tracks he had left had been blown over by the storm. He tried to find his way back, but the wind was

driving the snow in his eyes and he couldn't see anything. He walked as fast as he could to where he

thought the fort was, but he couldn't find it. He walked, and stumbled in the storm for what seemed

a long time, when he realized he was in trouble. He remembered the first rule when lost in the

winter: stop and build a fire. He found a spot to dig out a cave in a snow bank, and crawled in. He

had an emergency kit with him, and quickly had a fire going.

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The next morning, everyone awoke to find a clean, crisp layer of white snow had covered the camp.

It didn't take long for the Cub's friends to realized that he was missing, and they ran to tell the rest

of the camp. Everyone got dressed in their warmest clothes and quickly started a search party. They

scoured the entire camp for hours, but couldn't find the Lost Cub. For the rest of the day, everyone

searched for him. They called the police to help, but still couldn't find him. For days, search parties

combed the area looking for the Cub, but he was never found.

It was a sad year for that Cub Pack. They had lost a great friend. In the spring, they gathered again at

the camp to search for the Cub's remains. Again, everyone searched everywhere, but couldn't find

him.

I often walk through these woods at night, and often think about the Lost Cub. It's been said that if

you are walking alone through these woods at night, you may feel a cold draft shiver down your

back. It maybe the Lost Cub reminding you to get a BUDDY!

The KOOLAMUNGA Test

Long ago, somewhere in Africa, a little place called Koolamunga had a Scout troop but no Cub Pack.

When the missionary, John Cristy, sent out word that he was going to start a pack, all the boys who

were too young to be Scouts rushed over to join.

John looked out at rows and rows of faces - black, white, brown, yellow, and some so dirty you

couldn't tell. It was impossible to start a pack with 40 or 50 Cubs! "You can't be a Cub until you are

eight," he said, "so would everybody younger please go home."

Nobody left. The six and seven-year-olds stood as tall as they could and tried to look tough. John

realized he would have to sort them out some other way. So he told them the Cub Law. And then he

said, "Next week, we will have an obstacle race. You can all come, but I shall start the pack with the

12 boys who do their best to keep the Law during the race."

A big crowd gathered on race day. The Scouts came along to help John pick his 12 Cubs. John

designed an obstacle course so tough that it automatically eliminated the boys who were too young.

The others had to run half a kilometer downhill to the river through prickles and a mangrove

swamp with knee-deep mud. Then they had to swim across the river. On the other side, they had to

climb a steep bank, go along the top, cross over the river again by a fallen tree bridge, and finally

climb 300 m up the hill to the finish.

"This is not a race," John told them. "It's a test to see who can really do his best to keep the Cub

Law." And he was already sorting them out. Some jabbered away and didn't listen to the rules. One

put his foot over the starting line. "Ready, steady, GO!" John shouted, and off they went.

Very soon, some of them were yelling and swearing at the prickles. In the swamp, some gave up,

pretending they were hurt. One boy thought he would be clever and sneak along the bank instead of

swimming across the river.

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A small boy caught his foot in a floating branch and thought it was a crocodile. John didn't blame

him for yelling, but noticed a red-headed boy swim back to pull the branch free. Then he saw a

white hand shoot out and duck a black head. That settled the white boy's chances, but the black face

came up smiling and the boy swam on without complaint. On the tree bridge, there was a good deal

of bumping, some by mistake and some by mistake-on- purpose.

Only 20 boys finished the race, and the first 12 home were sure they would be chosen. But the

Scouts put aside those who had cheated or taken short cuts, those who had pretended to be hurt,

and those who had sworn or lost their temper.

John chose only boys who had done their best to keep the Cub Law. There were 11 of them. For the

12th, he chose a boy named Peter who was watching but hadn't taken part in the race. John knew

his mother was ill. She'd asked Peter to look after the younger children to make sure they didn't fall

into the river, and he did it without a grumble.

And who do you think he asked to be his sixers? He chose the red-haired boy who had turned back

to help with the crocodile that wasn't a crocodile, and the black boy who came up smiling after

being ducked.

And that's how the 1st Koolamunga Pack began. If you'd been there, would you have been one of

the 12 chosen?

If Only…

Won Lee was a stone cutter who lived in ancient China. He cut large stones and he cut small stones.

He made them into ornaments for gardens. Some he cut to build houses. He was proud of his work,

but sometimes he would think, "If only I had more money" or "If only I had less work."

One day, Won Lee was walking home from work. The sun was very hot and he was tired, so he sat

down at the side of the road. He felt the heat of the sun and thought, "It's the sun that gives us the

daylight, the warmth to grow our crops. Surely the sun must be the most powerful of all things."

Won Lee said quietly to himself, "God, if only I could be the sun. I would love to feel what it is like to

be the most powerful, the greatest of all things."

God answered Won Lee. "You may become the sun." He said. And Won Lee became the sun. He felt

wonderful; so strong and powerful. He shone down on the world far below.

After a few days, a puffy white cloud appeared in the sky. It drifted about and, when it came near

Won Lee, it blotted out his rays and cast a shadow on the world. Won Lee was sad. Surely this cloud

was more powerful than he? "If only I were the cloud. That would make me the greatest of all

things," he said.

God heard, and again He answered: "Won Lee, you may become the cloud." So Won Lee floated

about the sky feeling very grand.

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One day, Won Lee saw a great black cloud coming his way. Soon it surrounded him, and he saw the

black cloud dripping droplets of water. The drops fell on the earth and made a mighty river.

Won Lee thought that this black cloud must be very powerful to swallow up a cloud and turn itself

into a river, so he said, "If only I were the river. How mighty I would be. Then I would be truly

happy."

Again God heard and answered: "Okay. You may be the river."

So Won Lee flowed along, feeling the mighty rush of water. Then he came to a bend in the river.

There was a great boulder jutting out into the river. The great boulder held the river, swirling it

back on itself.

Won Lee thought, "The rock! The rock! At last I have found the mightiest of all things. If this rock

can hold back the raging river, then it is the greatest. If only I were this great big rock, I would be

happy."

So God made Won Lee into the boulder and he stood there, holding back the water and feeling very

great and happy. Then, one day, along came a man who cut a large piece off the boulder. Won Lee

was sad. No longer was he the greatest if this man could come along and cut him up.

"If only I could be the man who cut up the stone, I would surely be the greatest," Won Lee thought.

And God said to Won Lee: "But you are the Stone Cutter!"

Webelos Legend

Hear now the Webelos legend; The tale of the Webelos tribe; The tale of Akela its Chieftain.

'Hoo', called the owl in the darkness and Mowglie, the Indian boy Lay in his tipi and listened to the

rustle of trees in the night.

'Boom' went the deep muffled beat of the great ceremonial drum; the braves of the tribe were

convening, He wished he could answer that call.

Quick, like the flight of an arrow; quiet, in the hush of the night; before a great fire ring they

gathered Awaiting Akela their Chief.

Here in the great council ring fire On top of the cliff there they met. Here often they come for

decisions Here, too, the Great Spirit they sought.

Here they sought help from the Spirit On hunt or on warpath; in peace. Here they met their Chief

Akela; Awaited his final decrees.

Now with the 'boom' of the big drum All was quiet, the night was quiet still. The great ceremonial

fire, when lighted, illuminated the hill

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The tom-toms began, set the rhythm, Akela stepped into the Ring. First low and slow, then ... like

thunder... The beat as he danced near the fire.

Dancing with grace, full of gesture, In costume he told of his life. He told of the strength of his father,

The powerful 'Arrow of Light'

'Kind Eyes' his mother, taught those things that only a mother can know. He once save her life with

his arrow; His father helped fashion his bow.

The tom-toms beat on and his dance Told of trips to the forest, where wolf Taught him the ways of

the wild life of the ground, of the tracks, ways to food.

Through dancing and gesture he told how he next faced the Bear and learned The meaning of

Courage; and then He became a young Scout on the trail.

Akela, the Wise, closed his dance. By sign and by gesture he told How the Tribe can be strong only

when The boys of the Tribe are quite strong.

He said this, 'The future is hidden But if we are strong and are brave, If we can teach our boys to be

square, Our tribe will continue to be strong.'

“Let us name our tribe for the Bobcat, The Wolf and the Bear and the Scout, The Webelos Tribe we'll

be called and The strongest of all we will be."

Akela thus ended his dance The beat of the tom-tom was stilled. In silence the warriors stood, Then

gave the great guttural "HOW"!

The fire burned low, all was still. No sound broke the hush on the hill, Save the crackle of embers

and all The mysterious half- noises of night.

The braves raised their right hand toward heaven. "Living Circle" was formed with their left. The

Webelos pledge was then given; "To live and help live' was their pledge.

This, then, is the Webelos legend. This, then, is the reason they're strong. They honor the pledge

which they make; "To live and help live" is their goal.

Akela’s Test

Baloo: Akela had to pass a test to prove himself worthy of becoming chief. All the braves were given

four arrows. These were special arrows, once they had been used they would shatter. They could

only eat food they had caught themselves. The brave who stayed out the longest would become

chief.

Akela: I walked far from camp and stopped at the side of a clearing. I waited all night for a deer to

come by. I took careful aim and shot. It provided me with food for many days. Its hide provided me

with clothing.

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Baloo: This showed that Akela had learned the basic skills he needed. It also showed the virtue of

patience. The rank of Bobcat indicates the Cub Scout has learned the basic skills. Will _____ come up

and join us by the campfire. Your parents will join you later. ____ has earned his (their) Bobcat

badge(s).

Akela: I walked along the trail near the stream. There, I came upon a friend laying in the trail. He

had used up all his arrows and was starving. I saw a squirrel in a nearby tree. I wanted to save my

arrows for bigger game, but my friend was starving. So, I shot the squirrel for my friend.

Baloo: This showed Akela had learned the value of friendship and that he was unselfish. The Wolf

badge indicates the Cub Scout has learned new things has he travels the trail of Scouting. Will _____

come up and join us by the campfire. ____ has earned his (their) Wolf badge(s).

Akela: As I followed the trail by the stream, I came face to face with a huge bear. It growled and

started running toward me. I strung my bow, took careful aim and when he was near I shot and

killed him. He provided me with food for many more days. His heavy coat provided me with shelter

from the cold nights.

Baloo: This showed Akela is brave. This is also why honor the Cubs at the next level of

accomplishment with the Bear badge. Will _____ come up and join us by the campfire. ____ has earned

his (their) Bear badge(s).

Akela: The meet from the bear lasted for many days, but soon I had to continue on to search of more

food. I came upon a wolf that had just killed a dear. The wolf saw me and ran off. I was hungry, but I

had promised to only eat food I had killed, so I continued on.

Baloo: This showed Akela's honesty. To earn the Webelos badge, the Cub Scout must learn the Boy

Scout law which includes honesty. Will _____ come up and join us by the campfire. ____ has earned his

(their) Webelos badge(s).

Akela: I was many days from our camp. I needed food to give me the strength to make it back to

camp. So, I tracked the wolf I had seen before. I took my last arrow, took careful aim and missed. I

was scared because I had no food or arrows. As I started back to camp, I prayed to the Great Spirit.

Suddenly, I saw the arrow; it was still whole. I followed the wolf's trail again. I took aim and shot

him. I now had enough food to return home

Baloo: Akela learned that sometimes you have to ask for help. Our Cub Scouts sometimes need help

also. Their parents provide that help. So, will the parents please come up and stand behind their

sons.

The Dark Sucker Theory

This has also been performed as a hilarious skit by an energetic leader dressed as a Mad Scientist!

For years, it has been believed that electric bulbs emit light, but recent information has proven

otherwise. Electric bulbs don't emit light; they suck dark. Thus, we call these bulbs Dark-Suckers.

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The Dark-Sucker Theory and the existence of dark-suckers prove that dark has mass and is heavier

than light.

First, the basis of the Dark-Sucker Theory is that electric bulbs suck dark. For example, take the

Dark-Sucker in the room you are in. There is much less dark right next to it than there is elsewhere.

The larger the Dark-Sucker, the greater its capacity to suck dark. Dark-Suckers in the parking lot

have a much greater capacity to suck dark than the ones in this room.

As it is with all things, Dark-Suckers don't last forever. Once they are full of dark, they can no longer

suck. This is proven by the dark spot on a full Dark-Sucker.

A candle is a primitive Dark-Sucker. A new candle has a white wick. You can see that after the first

use, the wick turns black, representing all the dark that has been sucked into it. If you put a pencil

next to the wick of an operating candle, it will turn black. This is because it got in the way of the

dark flowing into the candle. One of the disadvantages of these primitive Dark-Suckers is their

limited range.

There are also portable Dark-Suckers. In these, the bulbs can't handle all the dark by themselves

and must be aided by a Dark Storage Unit. When the Dark Storage Unit is full, it must be either

emptied or replaced before the portable Dark-Sucker can operate again.

Dark has mass. When dark goes into a Dark-Sucker, friction from the mass generates heat. Thus, it

is not wise to touch an operating Dark-Sucker. Candles present a special problem as the mass must

travel into a solid wick instead of through clear glass. This generates a great amount of heat and

therefore it's not wise to touch an operating candle-type Dark-Sucker.

Also, dark is heavier than light. If you were to swim just below the surface of the lake, you would

see a lot of light. If you were to slowly swim deeper and deeper, you would notice it getting darker

and darker. When you get really deep, you would be in total darkness. This is because the heavier

dark sinks to the bottom of the lake and the lighter light floats at the top. This is why it is called light.

Finally, we must prove that dark is faster than light. If you were to stand in a lit room in front of a

closed, dark closet, and slowly opened the closet door, you would see the light slowly enter the

closet. But since dark is so fast, you would not be able to see the dark leave the closet.

Next time you see what is called an electric bulb, remember that it is really a Dark-Sucker.

One Day at a Time

A friend of mine was walking down a deserted Mexican beach at sunset. As he walked along, he

began to see another man in the distance. As he grew nearer, he noticed that the local native kept

leaning down, picking something up and throwing it out into the water. Time and again he kept

hurling things out into the ocean.

As our friend approached even closer, he noticed that the man was picking up starfish that had been

washed up on the beach and, one at a time, he was throwing them back into the water.

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My friend was puzzled. He approached the man and said, "Good evening, friend. I was wondering

what you are doing."

"I'm throwing these starfish back into the ocean. You see, it's low tide right now and all of these

starfish have been washed up onto the shore. If I don't throw them back into the sea, they'll die up

here from lack of oxygen."

"I understand," my friend replied, "but there must be thousands of starfish on this beach. You can't

possibly get to all of them before the tide changes. There are simply too many. And don't you realize

this is probably happening on hundreds of beaches all up and down this coast. Can't you see that

you can't possibly make a difference?"

The local native smiled, bent down and picked up yet another starfish, and as he threw it back into

the sea, he replied, "Made a difference to that one!"

Similarly, there are hundreds of thousands (millions) of boys around the world who can benefit

from the Scouting experience. We can't reach them all, but even within our own groups we see our

task overwhelming, not making any difference. However, to that one boy in your den or pack who

looked to you as a role model, a friend, an inspiration (even if he never told you) you've made a

difference!

You Do Make A Difference -- in making our world a better place to be....One Boy at a Time!

Job at the Zoo

In high school, I needed money. I was able to drive, had a girlfriend, and like to go out with my

friends. My folks didn't have much money and I needed to pay my own way. I had already done jobs

working at restaurants and grocery stores and wanted to try something more interesting. While

searching around, I stopped at the zoo.

As it turned out, the zoo director liked my style and said he had an interesting job that he felt I could

handle. We walked through the back alleys and tunnels of the zoo that most people never see until

we got to the gorilla cage. But, it was empty.

The director told me that their gorilla named Kong had caught a bug and was in quarantine for the

next week. Kong was getting old and they were even now shopping around for a replacement since

Kong just sits on a tree branch holding onto a rope all day. When the crowds started arriving on the

weekend, they'd be disappointed to have no gorilla since everyone enjoys the gorilla exhibit, even a

boring old gorilla.

The director said he had a gorilla suit I could wear if I would be interested in sitting on the branch

for 4 hours at a time so the people would at least have something to look at. It sounded good to me,

not the usual high school job, so I told him I would.

The next day I went to the zoo, put on the gorilla suit and climbed into the cage. I sat on the branch

holding the rope and soon there was a crowd of children pressing their faces to the bars. It didn't

take long for me to start getting bored, so I would scratch my armpits, thump my chest, and twirl

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the rope. About an hour passed and I began to really get into this gorilla stuff. I would grab the rope

and swing across the cage. The kids thought it was great so I started swinging higher and higher.

In the next cage there was a lion and he was becoming irritated by my antics and began to pace his

cage and roar. I kept swinging and started to swing to the lion's side of the cage and would use my

feet to push off of his bars. I could really swing out far and he roared even louder. It was actually

pretty fun and the kids were really enjoying the show.

All of a sudden I missed the bars, flew through, and dropped right into the lion's cage! I landed on

my back and was stunned but immediately got up and ran to the front of the cage to the crowd,

screaming "Help me, help me, I'm not who you think I am!"

Just as I yelled, the lion jumped on my back and knocked me to the ground. His head was at my neck

and I was sure I'd never make it to graduation. Then he whispered in my ear, "Shut up stupid, or

you'll get us both fired".

The Trip to the Moon

Take a seated position in front of the audience so they can all see you.

Would you like to go on a trip to the moon? O.K., let's go. Watch me and do all the things I do and

repeat after me all the things I say. Here we go!

We're going on a moon trip. We're ready for the count down.

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1- Blast off! (Make a blasting sound as you thrust arms swiftly toward the sky.)

We're coming to the Milky Way--What a pretty display. We can't go around it. We can't go under it.

We can't go over it. I guess we'll have to slide down it. (Put feet out in front of you and hold both

sides of chair as if sliding down slide while saying whee-eee)

We're coming to a shooting star--A great big star. We can't go around it. We can't go under it. We

can't go over it. I guess we'll have to ride it. (Hold hands as if holding coil of rope and then throw

out as if to lasso a point of the star and pull back hard while saying Zoom-omm-ommt)

We're coming to a meteorite - A great big meteorite. We can't go around it. We can't go under it. We

can't go over it! I guess we'll have to dodge it. Ready here goes! (Dodge from side to side while

saying Whew-w-w while wiping sweat from brow,)

We're coming to the moon - What a lonely place. We can't go around it. We can't go under it. We

can't go over it! I guess we'll have to land on it. (Jerk back in seat as if jolted on landing. Holding

hands over eyes.) It sure is dark out there. (Reach out in front of you as if grasping doorknob and

ever so slowly push open rocket ship door.) (Just as arm is extended full length as if door is all the

way open a loud voice coming from someplace close by says BOO!) Let's get out of here! (Quickly

pull arm back as if shutting door.)

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(At this point retrace all the motions hurriedly, Blast-off, dodging meteorite, riding shooting star,

sliding down Milky Way-Hold arms over head in front of you simulating a parachute, then looking

down at floor say loudly SPLASH! Motion opening space ship door, motion swimming to shore.) I

beat you home and now you've been on a trip to the moon.

Family Day in the Woods

Divide the audience into 6 groups. Each group says the indicated words whenever they hear "their"

word in the story.

SPARROW: Chirp, chirp

CUB SCOUT: Boys are boys

SNAKE: S-s-s-s-s-s-s-s

RABBIT: Hoppity, hoppity

SQUIRREL: Chatter, chatter

TREE: Leafy, leafy

A flock of SPARROWS swooped into the woods and settled on the branch of a TREE. Their chirping

quickly caught the attention of the animals of the forest, and they gathered around to hear the news.

"Hurry up," said the RABBIT, his ears wriggling with impatience. The SQUIRREL leaned in to listen,

and the SNAKE pretended she didn't care.

"It's terrible news!" said Kristy SPARROW. "That pack of CUB SCOUTS is coming to spend the day

again. “OH, no!" a terrible sigh came from all the TREE. "Last time we lost branches and twigs. Kites

and Frisbees tangled our leaves and limbs and Daniel TREE almost caught fire." Jerry RABBIT's ears

had positively frozen in place when he hear the words, CUB SCOUT. Jimmy SQUIRREL almost fell off

the branch he was sitting on, and Beverly SNAKE forgot that she was pretending not to hear. "CUB

SCOUTS," she hissed.

"Why do they have to come here? Last time, I barely escaped with my life." "They are coming

tomorrow," chirped the SPARROWS. "Tomorrow," sputtered Jimmy SQUIRREL. "I've got to gather

acorns before they come and crush them all." Jerry RABBIT hopped off muttering about how he

could reinforce his home. Beverly SNAKE just lay there trying to think of hiding places. The next day

dawned clear and pretty, and the CUB SCOUTS, their parents and their leaders arrived. They spend

the day playing tames, climbing the trees and searching for animals and their tracks. At the end of

the day, they went home a little disappointed because they had not seen a single animal.

That evening, the SPARROWS returned to see how the day had gone. "It was very boring to sit in my

hole all day," said Jerry RABBIT. Jimmy SQUIRREL said that he had spied on the CUB SCOUT all day.

"They were different from last year," said the TREES. ‘We did get a few bruises from the climbing,

but they were pretty careful this time." Beverly SNAKE agreed. "Maybe someone taught them the

Outdoor Code!"

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Campfire Closing Ideas The following section contains some campfire closings that can be used in the program.

As darkness creeps into our circle of light

As darkness creeps into our circle of light,

Embers that glow and sigh

Draw our friendship circle closer,

Whisper memories that will not die;

God's magic danced in our fire's flames,

And fills the gathering night

With mystery and a wondrous peace.

That bids safe sleep 'til morning's light.

The stars shining over us,

Their light shines before us,

Oh God of Nature,

Grant to us a perfect peace

We've shared a friendship fine and deep,

And now this circle leaves to sleep.

Wood and Water, Wind and Tree

Wood and water, wind and tree,

Wisdom, strength and courtesy,

Scouting favor go with thee.

Sparkling Thoughts

After the closing, (You need enough sugar cubes to give everyone at the fire one)

Ask the group to gather around the dying embers. Pass out the sugar cubes and quietly ask people

to take one and hold onto it. When everyone is ready, together toss the sugar on the fire. You can

compare the flashing sparks and quick flames to happy thoughts or simply enjoy these happy

thoughts in silence.

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We part as brothers

When through the woods and forest glades I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,

When I look from lofty mountain grandeur,

And hear the brook and hear the gentle breeze,

Then sings my soul, my savior God to Thee,

How great thou art, how great Thou art.

Where little furred and feathered folk,

In leafy coverts hide,

And where the campfires dusky smoke,

Blends with the eventide,

I want to breathe that smoke once more,

And live by nature's signs,

And mountain torrents muffled roar,

The silence of the pines.

Whatever you are, be noble.

Whatever you do, do well.

Whenever you speak, speak kindly,

Spread happiness wherever you dwell.

There is a destiny that makes us all brothers

None goes his way alone.

What we put into the lives of others,

Comes back into our own.

We came as strangers,

We became friends,

We part as brothers.

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Wisdom, strength and courtesy

Wood and water, wind and tree,

Wisdom, strength and courtesy,

Favor go with thee.

I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see,

I sought my God, but God eluded me,

I sought my brother -- and found all three.

Deep Peace

Deep peace of the running stream to you,

Deep peace of the flowing air to you,

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,

Deep peace of the shining stars to you,

Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.

Did you ever watch the campfire, when the wood has fallen low?

And the ashes start to whiten round the embers crimson glow,

Tell me, were you ever nearer to the land of hearts desire,

Than when you sat there thinking with your face towards the fire.

Grow ever stronger

And so, before we close our eyes in sleep,

Let us pledge each other that we'll keep

Scouting friendships, strong and deep,

Till we meet again.

Wood smoke at eventide soothes the soul,

And makes an easy ladder for a prayer.

May the smoke of this fire

Carry your thoughts heavenward,

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And make your hearts strong for good Scouting.

Day is dying in the west,

Heaven is touching earth with rest;

Wait and worship while the night

Sets her evening lamps alight,

To do our best each day

Is our aim in every way;

Be with us god, through the night;

That tomorrow we might

Perform our duties, learn and play,

Grow ever stronger, the Scouting way.

The embers

The embers of our campfire

Are now slowly dying,

The birds and wood folk have gone to their rest.

The stars shining over us,

Their light shines before us;

Oh God of nature,

Grant to us a perfect peace.

Let's remember the food we've shared,

The games we've played, the songs we've sung;

Let's remember all of these things.

Let's remember the skit's we've played,

The hikes we've hiked, the problems we've shared;

Let's remember all of these things.

I now declare this council fire closed,

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Its memories stored forever in our hearts and minds.

The last day

Comes the last day of many days,

The last campfire of all too few,

Last but not lost.

In years ahead,

These times our memories shall renew.

Each campfire lights anew,

A flame of friendship true,

The joy we've had in knowing you,

Will last the whole year through.

Now as we close our last campfire,

Let's pause for a moment and praise

The Almighty God who saw fit to inspire

Our founder, who gave us these days.

May the Lord grant us his blessing,

And fill our hearts with the spirit

Of truth and peace, now and forever more.

Mosquito

Try this at a closing campfire. Each of the eight speakers holds up a large card showing his or her

letter. You can spell out just about any word that has meaning to the people at your campfire.

M is for the memories we share tonight-the memories of camp.

O is for the opportunities we have to grow together, to learn new skills, and to share fellowship

around this campfire tonight.

S is for the super things we have done here and the super people we have met and made our friends.

Q is for the quiet times we experience together times to reflect and give thanks.

U is for the ultimate peacefulness of the outdoors.

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I is for the inspiration we receive from nature and from our friends.

T is for the terrific leaders who have been with us at camp.

O is for "Off to bed we go!"

Put them all together, and what do you have?

MOSQUITO!

Spirit from the North

Our Spirit from the North

And our Spirit from the South have left;

Those from the East and the West have also withdrawn;

Now let us slumber quietly until the dawn.

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Example Campfire Program – Family Campout October 12, 2013 Place: Washington State Park Leaders notified Yes, @ Committee Fire to be built by Doug Less

Date/Time: Sat, Oct. 12, 2013 8:00pm Master of Ceremonies___________ Fire to be put out by Craig Alexander

Cub Pack Committee approval: Y/N Doug Less Cleanup by Webelos & Leaders

Area to be set up by Doug Less Notes: Approx. 30 – 45 minute show

Spot Title of Skit, Song, or Story By _____________________ Time

1 Opening & Fire-lighting: Peter the Elf Master of Ceremonies 2:00

2 Intro - Ashes Craig Alexander 2:00

3 Skit – The Four Seasons Master of Ceremonies + 11 Volunteers

2:00

4 Song – The Button Factory Webelos 1:30

5 Run-In – A Hot Meal (1) Bears :30

6 Skit – Climb That Wolves 1:00

7 Song – The Bear Song Webelos 1:30

8 Skit – Why are you late? Wolves 1:30


10 Skit – Pass the Pepper Tigers 1:30

11 Song – Boom Chicka Boom Webelos 2:00


13 Skit – Blanket Toss Team (Intro) Webelos 2:00

14 Song – Bazooka Bubblegum Webelos 1:30

15 Skit – Campfire Time Tigers 1:00

16 Run-In – A Hot Meal (Final) Bears :30

17 Story – The Winter Cub Story Eric Milner 3:00

18 Skit – Blanket Toss Team (Final) Webelos :30

19 Story – The Koolamunga Test Master of Ceremonies 3:00

20 Closing – MOSQUITO 2 of each rank 1:30

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Peter the Elf

While getting the wood ready for the fire tonight, I came across a small wood-elf trapped in the

underbrush. Since a Scout is always kind, considerate, and helpful, I helped free him. He said his

name was “Peter” and in return for my kindness, he promised to help me if I ever needed it. All I

have to do is call him…

Since this is the first time I’ve ever met a wood-elf, I have no idea if he will keep his promise to me.

Maybe we should see if he will help us to light this fire?

<Shout out> “Peter the Elf, will you light this fire for me?” <Wait for response….none>

<Shout out again> “Peter the Elf, will you light this fire for me?” <Wait for response….none>

Maybe he can’t hear my voice. Let’s all shout out together – “Peter the Elf, will you please light this

fire?”

Peter the Elf, will you please light this fire?

<Time the fire so that it starts after everyone shouts.>

Ashes

Legend has it that Baden-Powell would always take a small amount of ashes from a ceremonial

campfire and then spread these ashes into the next campfire. The main purpose of these ashes is to

share with you the memories of past campfires and to bring to all scouts and scouters the

international aspect of the world brotherhood of scouting.

The ashes I spread into this campfire carry memories of past campfires dating back to Brown Sea

Island in July of 1907, the first Boy Scout camp. They have been carried around the world to almost

400 scouting campfires in many countries where scouting fellowship has been shared.

I will now charge these ashes to this Campfire.

Lord Baden-Powell said:

"We carry our friendships with us in these ashes from other campfires with comrades in other

lands. May the joining of the past fires with the leaping flames of this campfire, symbolize once

more the unbroken chain that binds scouts and scouters of all nations together. With greetings from

our brothers and sisters around the world, I add these ashes and the fellowship therein, to our

campfire."

The Four Seasons

Setup: The narrator narrates, everyone else is volunteers.

Narrator: "I need eleven volunteers for this skit, it’s called Four Seasons!”

• You three are trees.

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• You three are leaves in trees, get up in the trees.

• You're poison ivy, cling to the roots of one of the trees.

Narrator: Pick a scapegoat. Tell the scapegoat:

• “You're tree's blood, you run through the trees” (make the scapegoat run around the trees)

Narrator:

• You two are birds, flit from tree to tree and sing.

• And you're the babbling brook. You have to babble." "Babble babble babble babble ..."

Narrator:

• In the spring, the leaves come out on the trees.

• The birds fly from tree to tree.

• In the summer, the leaves open up and the sun shines down on the forest.

• In the fall, the leaves drop from the trees. <Have the leaves leave>

• The birds fly away south. <Have the birds leave>

• In the winter, the brook freezes and stops babbling. <Stop Babbling>

• At last all seems still in the forest.

• But beneath it all there is still life. Look! The sap is still running!

The Button Factory

Hey! My name is Joe

And I work in a button factory

I have a wife, three kids, and a family.

One day my boss came up to me.

He said "Joe, are you busy?" I said, “No"

He said "Push this button with your right hand" [make pushing motion with right hand.]

Hey! My name is Joe


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He said to "push this button with your left hand [make pushing motion with right and left hands]

Hey! My name is Joe





He said to "push this button with your right foot [make pushing motion with right and left hands

and right foot]

Hey! My name is Joe





He said to "push this button with your tongue [push with right and left hands, right foot, and

tongue]

[With tongue out] Hey! My name is Joe




He said "Joe, are you busy?"

I said, “YES!

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Run-In: A Hot Meal (1)

Setup: 3 Lost Campers in the woods.

Scout 1: Wow, I think we are lost and boy am I hungry! We haven't eaten in days!

Scout 2: Me too.

Scout 3: And I would just love a hot meal.

Scout 1: (Looking to ground) Wow! A rabbit! Get it! [Scout 1 and Scout 2 jump it and catch it; they

start to eat it.]

Scout 2 (to Scout 3): “Would you like some?”

Scout 3: No thanks, I'm waiting for a hot meal.

Scout 1: Suit yourself.

Climb That

Setup: Two Scouts meet, and the one scout begins to brag he can climb anything.

Scout 1: "Can you climb that tree?"

Scout 2: "Sure I've done it lots of times."

Scout 1: "Can you climb the steep hill over there?"

Scout 2: "No sweat, no problem for me."

Scout 1: "How about the Empire State Building?"

Scout 2: "Done it, did it."

Scout 1: "How about Mount Everest?"

Scout 2: "Boy that was I cold day, I've done that too. I told you I am the world's greatest climber, I

can climb anything!"

Scout 1: "I'll bet you a buck I can show you something that you can't climb."

Scout 2: "You’re on!"

Scout 1: (pulls out a flashlight and shines it into the sky) "all right climb that!"

Scout 2: "Are you crazy? No Way!"

Scout 1: "I knew you would back out, now pay up!"

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Scout 2: "I won't pay because it’s not fair. I know you, I'd start climbing and I'd get half way and

you'd turn the flashlight off!"

The Bear Song – (repeat after me song, one line then all four)

The other day

I met a bear

Out in the woods

Away out there

He looked at me

I looked at him

He sized up me

I sized up him

He said to me

Why don’t you run

I see you ain’t

Got any gun

And so I ran

Away from there

But right behind

Me came that bear

Up ahead of me

I saw a tree

A great big tree

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Oh glory be!

The lowest branch

Was 10 feet up

I’d have to jump

And trust my luck

And so I jumped

Into the air

But I missed that branch

Away up there

Now don’t you fret

And don’t you frown

Cause I caught that branch

On the way back down

That’s all there is

There ain’t no more

Unless I meet

That bear once more

Why are you late?

Setup: The cast is a Boss and 4 Workers. The skit takes place in an office.

Boss: (to worker #1) Why are you late?

Worker #1: (Rushing into work, breathless.) Sorry I'm late, Boss. My car broke down, so I took the

bus. But the driver hit a tree, so I had to take a cab. And it broke down, too. Fortunately, I was near a

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farm so I borrowed the horse. But it ran so fast that it had a heart attack and collapsed. I had to jog

the rest of the way!

Worker #2 & 3: come in late with exactly the same excuse. The boss becomes a little bit more

exasperated each time, until #4 finally comes in, late of course.

Boss: Why are you late? No, wait. Let me guess. Your car broke down, so you took the bus. But the

bus driver hit a tree, so you took a cab. And it broke down too. Fortunately, you were near a farm

and so you borrowed the horse. But it ran so fast that it had a heart attack and collapsed, so you had

to jog the rest of the way, right?

Worker #4: No boss, you got it all wrong! The streets were so crowded with broken down cars,

buses and cabs, trees, dead horses, and worst of all some crazy joggers that I couldn't get through!


Setup: Same 3 Lost Campers in the woods.

Scout 1: We are still lost, and I’m still hungry.

Scout 2: Me too. Hey! A squirrel! Get it! [Scout 1 and Scout 2 get it and start tearing it apart and eat

it.]

Scout 1 (Asks Scout 3): “Would you like some?”


Pass the Pepper

Setup: Five scouts squatting in a line.

Scout on Right: Scout on right says to scout on his left, please pass the pepper.

Scouts go down the line asking and end scout passes black pepper down.

Scout on Right: Not the black pepper, I want the pepper.

Again this goes down the line and the end scout passes the Cayenne pepper.

Scout on Right: Not the Cayenne pepper, I said I want the pepper.

This can go on using different types of peppers (Banana, Dr.)

Scout on the end finally says: "WHAT KIND OF PEPPER DOES HE WANT"

This goes down the line Scout on Right.

Scout on the right says: "THE TOILET PAPER"

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Boom Chicka Boom



I said a Boom Chicka Rocka Chicka Rocka Chicka Boom

Uh huh

Oh yeah

One more time JANITOR style.



I said a Broom Sweep-a Mop-a Sweep-a Mop-a Sweep-a Broom

One more time BARN-YARD style.



I said a moo chicka watch your step, don't track it in the room.

One more time McDonalds style.



I said a Big Mac and Fries and don’t forget to Super-Size.

One more time RACE CAR style.



I said a vroom shifta grind-a shifta grind-a shifta vroom

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One more time PARENT style.



I said a boom GO TO YOUR ROOM and don't come out 'til next June



Scout 1: Wow, we are still lost and I’m still hungry.

Scout 2: Look! A moose! Be very quiet and get it. [Scout 1 and Scout 2 jump it and kill it; they start

eating it]

Scout 1 (Ask Scout 3): Look, there's plenty here, want any?


Scout 2: Are you sure? You haven't eaten anything for even longer than us two.


Skit – Blanket Toss Team (Intro)

Setup: This takes about six Scouts, who form a circle around an invisible blanket, with a small

invisible guy (Bruce) who sits in the middle of the invisible blanket and gets tossed.

Narrator: "We're an Olympic blanket tossing team, and Bruce in the middle here is our star blanket

bouncer. We'll toss Bruce a bit just to warm up. One, two, three! One, two, three! One, two, three!"

(On three each time, the team lets the pretend blanket go slack, then pull it taught. They watch the

invisible Bruce go up in the air, then come down, and the gently catch him again in the blanket. Each

time they toss him higher.)

Narrator: "OK, we're all limbered up now?" (The team murmurs in agreement) "Then let's toss

Bruce a bit higher. One, two, three!"

Narrator: Again, higher "One, two, three!" (This time wait about ten seconds, and move quite a bit to

get under him. Move this way and that before finally catching him.)

Narrator: "What? What's that you say, Bruce?" pause "Audience, you are in luck! Bruce wants to go

for the world record blanket toss! Ready team? One! Two! Thu-reee!!!" "There he goes! He's past the

trees! He's really up there!" pause, looking hard into the sky "Do you see him? I've lost him. Where'd

he go?" (another pause) "Oh well." The team leaves the stage, and the program continues.

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Bazooka Bubblegum

My momma

She gave me a dollar

She told me to buy a collar

But I didn’t buy no collar

Instead I bought some bubblegum

BAZOOKA, ZOOKA bubblegum


My momma

She gave me a quarter

She told me to tip the porter

But I didn’t tip no porter




My momma

She gave me a dime

She told me to buy a lime

But I didn’t buy no lime




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My momma

She gave me a nickel

She told me to buy a pickle

But I didn’t buy no pickle




My momma

She gave me a penny

She told me to buy some bubblegum

But I didn’t buy no bubblegum

Because I’m sick of bubblegum



Campfire Time

Setup: About 4-8 scouts circle around the campfire. 1 scout hides offstage.

Narrator: "The ancient Indians will now demonstrate how they tell time.

Indian Dancers: The Indians dance around the fire loudly. After a while they stop and pretend to

listen for a sound.

Indian Dancers: They dance around the fire again loudly, stop and listen for a sound.

Offstage Scout: Be Quiet, its 2:30 in the morning!

Run-In: A Hot Meal (Final)


Scout 1: Boy, I'm stuffed.

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Scout 2: Me too. But I think I'm getting sick. (Throws up.)

Scout 1: I'm sick, too. (Throws up.)

Scout 3: Wow! Finally a hot meal!

Story – The Winter Cub Story

Years ago, right here at this camp, a Cub pack, much like ours came out for the weekend. As with

most every pack, there's always one Cub, who's much better than everyone else in his camping

skills. This Pack had an exceptional Cub, who everyone looked up to, to help them out if they were

having any problems. This Cub could hike farther than anyone else, catch bigger fish, make a better

snow-fort to sleep in, start a fire with one match every time, could snowshoe faster than the leaders,

and had many more skills. Everyone would ask him for help, because he was so good. The leaders

relied on him to help teach all the Cub skills, and he did it with a smile on his face. Everyone liked

him because he was so friendly.

Saturday night, he and a few of his friends decided to sleep outside in a snow fort. The Cub helped

everyone to get settled, before turning in himself. The Cubmaster came out to check on them

periodically, so no one would get cold. In the middle of the night, the Cub was awoken by the call to

nature. He woke up a couple of his buddies to go with him, as he knew that no one should go

anywhere without a buddy. His friends told him that since he was the best Cub in the pack, and

knew so much, that there was no chance for something to go wrong. You all know, that flattery is

great for one's ego, and this Cub was no different. He got dressed and ventured outside to find a

bathroom or latrine.

After he was done in the bathroom, he got dressed again, and started back to his snow fort. But

when he opened the door, he saw that a storm had moved in. He started to return to his fort, but the

tracks he had left had been blown over by the storm. He tried to find his way back, but the wind was

driving the snow in his eyes and he couldn't see anything. He walked as fast as he could to where he

thought the fort was, but he couldn't find it. He walked, and stumbled in the storm for what seemed

a long time, when he realized he was in trouble. He remembered the first rule when lost in the

winter: stop and build a fire. He found a spot to dig out a cave in a snow bank, and crawled in. Being

the great scout he was, he had an emergency survival kit with him and quickly had a fire going.

The next morning, everyone awoke to find a clean, crisp layer of white snow had covered the entire

camp. It didn't take long for the Cub's friends to realized that he was missing, and they ran to tell

the rest of the camp. Everyone got dressed in their warmest clothes and quickly started a search

party. They scoured the entire camp for hours, but couldn't find the Lost Cub. For the rest of the day,

everyone searched for him. They called the police to help, but still couldn't find him. For days,

search parties combed the area looking for the Cub, but he was never found.

It was a sad year for that Cub Pack. They had lost a great friend. In the spring, they gathered again at

the camp to search for the Cub's remains. Again, everyone searched everywhere, but couldn't find

him.

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I often walk through these woods at night, and often think about the Lost Cub. It's been said that if

you are walking alone through these woods at night, you may feel a cold draft shiver down your

back. When you do feel this, just remember, it’s probably the Lost Cub reminding you to get a

BUDDY!

Blanket Toss Team (Final)

Narrator: "Look, it’s Bruce!” (point) Quick team!"

The blanket tossing team runs back on stage, positions themselves this way and that, and catches

Bruce.

Narrator: "Let's have a big hand for Bruce! Yay!!!"

Story – The Koolamunga Test

Long ago, somewhere in Africa, a little place called Koolamunga had a Scout troop but no Cub Pack.

When the missionary, John Cristy, sent out word that he was going to start a pack, all the boys who

were too young to be Scouts rushed over to join.

John looked out at rows and rows of faces - black, white, brown, yellow, and some so dirty you

couldn't tell. It was impossible to start a pack with 40 or 50 Cubs! "You can't be a Cub until you are

eight," he said, "so would everybody younger please go home."

Nobody left. The six and seven-year-olds stood as tall as they could and tried to look tough. John

realized he would have to sort them out some other way. So he told them the Cub Law. And then he

said, "Next week, we will have an obstacle race. You can all come, but I shall start the pack with the

12 boys who do their best to keep the Law during the race."

A big crowd gathered on race day. The Scouts came along to help John pick his 12 Cubs. John

designed an obstacle course so tough that it automatically eliminated the boys who were too young.

The others had to run half a kilometer downhill to the river through prickles and a mangrove

swamp with knee-deep mud. Then they had to swim across the river. On the other side, they had to

climb a steep bank, go along the top, cross over the river again by a fallen tree bridge, and finally

climb 300 m up the hill to the finish.

"This is not a race," John told them. "It's a test to see who can really do his best to keep the Cub

Law." And he was already sorting them out. Some jabbered away and didn't listen to the rules. One

put his foot over the starting line. "Ready, steady, GO!" John shouted, and off they went.

Very soon, some of them were yelling and swearing at the prickles. In the swamp, some gave up,

pretending they were hurt. One boy thought he would be clever and sneak along the bank instead of

swimming across the river.

A small boy caught his foot in a floating branch and thought it was a crocodile. John didn't blame

him for yelling, but noticed a red-headed boy swim back to pull the branch free. Then he saw a

bully’s hand reach over and dunk one of the stronger swimmers. That settled the bully boy's

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chances, but the face of the strong swimmer came up smiling and the boy swam on without

complaint. On the tree bridge, there was a good deal of bumping, some by mistake and some by

mistake-on- purpose.

Only 20 boys finished the race, and the first 12 home were sure they would be chosen. But John cast

aside those who had cheated or taken short cuts, those who had pretended to be hurt, and those

who had sworn or lost their temper.

John chose only boys who had done their best to keep the Cub Law. There were 11 of them. For the

12th, he chose a boy named Peter who was watching but hadn't taken part in the race. John knew

his mother was ill. She'd asked Peter to look after the younger children to make sure they didn't fall

into the river, and he did it without a grumble.

And who do you think he asked to be his Den Chiefs? He chose the red-haired boy who had turned

back to help with the crocodile that wasn't a crocodile, and the strong swimming boy who came up

smiling after being dunked.

And that's how the 1st Koolamunga Pack began. If you'd been there, would you have been one of

the boys chosen?

Closing – MOSQUITO

Setup: Eight adult leaders hold a large card showing his or her letter.

M is for the memories we share tonight – the memories of camp.

O is for the opportunities we have to grow together, to learn new skills, and to share fellowship

around this campfire tonight.

S is for the super things we have done here and the super people we have met and added to our

Pack family.

Q is for the quiet times we experience together times to reflect and give thanks.

U is for the ultimate peacefulness of the outdoors.

I is for the inspiration we receive from nature and from our friends.

T is for the terrific leaders who have been with us at camp.

O is for "It’s time to put the camp fire OUT"

Put them all together, and what do you have? MOSQUITO!

pack 657 campfire planning guide

Education