Campfire Closings
Campfire Closings
Source: Campfire Ceremonies - Troop Program Resources (scouting.org)
Something quieting, comforting, and maybe even thought-provoking is appropriate to close out the troop campfire. After the closing, troop members normally head quietly to their tents and hit the sack.
Thorns and Roses
A constructive conclusion to the day’s activities can be a moment when each Scout in the campfire circle is given an opportunity to share a serious comment about what they least enjoyed (their thorn), what they most most enjoyed (their rose), and what they most look forward to tomorrow (their bud).
Closing Wish
Thorns and roses can be followed by a closing wish presented by the Scoutmaster or SPL. “As the grey ash fades, so be our errors. And as the good fire has warmed our circle, so may our ideals warm the world.”
Troop Circle – Scout Benediction
It’s special to perform this troop meeting closing in an outdoor, campfire setting. The troop forms a circle around the fading fire with each Scout making the Scout sign. With their left hand, each grasps the lifted right wrist of their neighbor on the left. The troop then gives the Scout Benediction or Scout Law.
Taps
Before ever singing the words, it’s certain Scouts have heard the familiar melody played on a bugle. The first verse of Taps is an appropriate campfire closing and easy to sing. Scouts can remember the words because the three “places” the sun has gone from, proceed from lowest to highest: “the lake,”the hills,” “the sky.”
– Day is done.
– Gone the sun
– From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
– All is well. Safely rest.
– God is nigh.
Scout Vespers
As with any song, the more it’s sung, the easier it is to remember the words. First verse (sung to the tune of “O’ Christmas Tree”):
– Softly falls the light of day
– As our campfire fades away.
– Silently each Scout should ask:
– Have I done my daily task?
– Have I kept my honor bright?
– Can I guiltless sleep tonight?
– Have I done and have I dared
– Everything to be prepared?