No.137
Campfire Gathering: A Three-Part Sample Program
Japanese name: キャンプファイヤー（三部構成の進行例）
Materials
- Fire equipment, extinguishing equipment, and first-aid supplies specified by the facility
- Program schedule, clock, and pathway lighting
- Equipment for the games in Part 2
How to play
- Confirm with the facility that the event may go ahead. A facility-approved adult must manage the fire. Before dark, check the fire exclusion zone, separate game area, entrances, exits, and stop signal.
- Allow about 5 minutes for Part 1. Enter quietly and have the host introduce the theme briefly. Watch the fire prepared by the fire manager from your seats; participants must not enter the fire area.
- Allow about 25 minutes for Part 2. Enjoy two or three call-and-response or sound activities from this chapter in the separate game area. The facilitator first demonstrates the movements and stop signal.
- Include any group performances within these 25 minutes, allowing about 2 minutes per group. Perform away from the fire; the audience applauds. Bring everyone to a stop before moving between areas.
- Allow about 10 minutes for Part 3. Return to your seats and reflect on the day. Invite three to five volunteers to share for about 20 seconds each, then have the host close. Listening without speaking is welcome.
- Light the pathways, leave in groups, and count participants. The fire manager extinguishes the fire and completes the facility's final checks. Keep this duty separate from supervising participants as they leave.
Ways to adapt
For preschool children, shorten the session to 20–30 minutes, mainly watching and joining responses beside an adult. In rain or other unsuitable conditions, use the LED gathering instead.