Campfire Social

Name and Purpose

• Campfire Social is a simple get-to-know-you ritual that uses the campfire as a shared focal point.
• Campers practise speaking in front of a group, listening to others, and setting a personal intention for the summer.

a.k.a.

• Stick Wishes, Fire Circle

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 15-25 minutes | Campfire area with established fire, supervised by qualified staff

Materials

• One stick per person (collected nearby or pre-prepared; natural sticks only)
• Active campfire
• Seating: logs, camp chairs, or ground
• Qualified fire supervisor on site at all times

Quick-Run Card

1. Everyone gathers around the fire with one stick.
2. Going around the circle, each person says: name, where they are from, one hope for the summer.
3. After sharing, they place their stick gently onto the fire.
4. Staff models the first turn to set the tone.
5. Close with a short reflection from the facilitator.

Setup and Boundaries

• Fire must be established and supervised by a qualified staff member before campers arrive.
• Clear seating boundary: everyone stays at least 1.5 metres from the fire edge.
• Signal: facilitator raises a hand and says “Pause” if anyone needs to stop.
• Check seating area for uneven ground or trip hazards.
• Have water or sand available nearby as per camp fire safety policy.

How to Play

1. Staff lights and supervises the fire before the group arrives.
2. Each camper receives or picks up one stick.
3. Staff models the sharing prompt: “I’m [name], I’m from [place], and this summer I hope to [hope].”
4. The circle goes around. No one is required to share more than they are comfortable with. A nod or a smile is a valid turn too.
5. After sharing, each person places (not throws) their stick onto the fire.
6. When all sticks are placed, staff offers a short closing reflection.

I-OPt Options

• Start: A (Active) – share name, place, and hope out loud. S (Support) – help keep the circle calm and encourage quieter voices. Q (Quiet) – share briefly or just place the stick silently. O (Observer) – listen and join when ready; a nod counts as a turn.
• Mid: A – listen actively to others and remember one detail to mention later. S – smile and acknowledge each sharer. Q – sit comfortably and take in the warmth. O – observe the ritual and decide whether to place a stick.
• Late: A – add a brief reflection after placing their stick if they wish. S – gently cue the next person in the circle. Q – enjoy the fire quietly. O – place a stick without speaking if that feels right.
• End: A – participate in the group closing reflection. S – help staff wrap up the circle. Q – stay for the quiet moment after. O – rejoin the group when comfortable.

Inclusion Adaptations

• A written slip of paper may replace a spoken sharing moment for players who find speaking in groups difficult.
• Players who do not want to approach the fire may hand their stick to a willing neighbour who places it on their behalf.

Stewardship Moment

• Sticks are natural materials returned to fire; no waste created.
• Reflection: “The fire will take our sticks and carry our hopes. How can we take care of this space and of each other for the rest of the summer?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This is a sharing circle. You are invited to say your name, where you are from, and one hope for the summer. For those not comfortable speaking in front of the group, a quiet nod or placing your stick without speaking is just as welcome.”
• Mid-game check: Not needed in this flowing circle format; staff reads the room.
• Opt-out/re-entry: Any player may pass their stick to a neighbour or place it themselves without speaking at any point.

Risks and Mitigation

• Fire proximity: enforce the 1.5-metre boundary firmly; staff positioned between campers and fire.
• Stick throwing: remind players to place sticks gently, not toss.
• Sparks: long-sleeved layers recommended; staff aware of wind direction.
• Emotional vulnerability: some campers may share something personal; staff prepared to follow up privately after the activity.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Two Truths”: before the fire, pairs share two true things about themselves.
• Silent walk to the fire circle, noticing one sound, one smell, one sight.

Debrief Questions

• What? “What is one thing you heard tonight that surprised you or stuck with you?”
• So What? “What does it tell us about our group that so many different hopes were shared?”
• Now What? “How could you help one person in this circle get closer to their summer hope?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Fire managed and extinguished per camp fire safety protocol.
• Seating returned to storage or left in place as appropriate.
• Quick check of area for any dropped items.