THE CAMPFIRE CEREMONY

PART 1
I. FIRELIGHTING CEREMONY

Version 1
4 Scouts act as the four horsemen of the NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST
Scout # 1: GIKAN SA AMIHANAN…. Bagyo, lunop, landslide………
Scout # 2: GIKAN SA HABAGATAN…..Gubat, massacre, rebellion…..
Scout # 3: GIKAN SA SIDLAKAN…..Drug addiction….
Scout # 4: GIKAN SA KASADPAN…. Prostitution, abortion…..

ALL SCOUTS TOGETHER: Kami nga mga batan-on karon, nangita ug giya….kangitngit dili namo Makita ang
dalan nga among gi-agian…dili namo Makita ang among
padulngan….KAHAYAG…..KAHAYAG….TABANGG….

Scoutmaster/Unit Leader comes forward and is bringing a lighted torch or candle: AKO ANG BOY SCOUTS
OF THE PHILIPPINES, AKO ANG KAHAYAG NGA MODAN-AG ALANG SA IMONG KAUGMAON….DALI UBAN
KANAKO ARON ATONG USBON ANG DAGWAY SA ATONG COMMUNIDAD….
(The four Scouts light their torches or candles and all 5 of them light the fire lay)

Version 2
(The four Scouts light their torches or candles)

Scout # 1: FROM THE NORTH…. On my honor, I will do my best, To do my duty to God and my country,
the Republic of the Philippines, and to obey the Scout law,
Scout # 2: FROM THE SOUTH…. On my honor, I will do my best, To help other people at all times,
Scout # 3: FROM THE EAST…. On my honor, I will do my best, To keep myself physically strong, mentally
awake and morally straight.
Scout # 4: FROM THE WEST…. A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind,
Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent

(The four of them lights the fire lay)

II. PRESENTATION OF THE SCROLL

(The Master of the fire presents the scroll which contains the program to the Campfire chief)

MASTER OF THE FIRE: “Oh, great campfire chief, it is my honor to present to you the scroll of tonight’s
campfire…..”

CAMPFIRE CHIEF: (Looks at the scroll and the program) “I can see that the program is well prepared…”

Version 1
…however, as the campfire chief, I have the authority and privilege to stop any presentation that will
tend to discredit or dishonor the dignity of our church dignitaries and public officials or desecrate the
memories of our heroes. Likewise, it is my privilege to stop any and all vulgar and indecent presentations
and/ or personifications. “

Version 2
…however, as the campfire chief, I have the authority to stop any presentation which dishonors our
Creator, our forefathers, our heroes and government officials. I will stop the presentations which insult
anybody or any culture”.

CAMPFIRE CHIEF: I designate you as the official Master of the Fire for tonight’s Campfire.

MASTER OF THE FIRE: I promise to do my best.

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 III. ODE TO THE FIRE
(by the Campfire chief)

CAMPFIRE CHIEF (silently approaches the fire lay and says):

Version 1 Version 2
As the flames point upward, so be our aim; Tonight we burn a fire with flames;
As the red logs glow, so be our sympathies; That sparks and sings our hearts a glow with
As the grey ash fades, so be our errors; friendship;
As this good fire warms us, Let joyous laughter ring.
So may our ideal warm the world.
Version 3 Version 4
“As the smoke rises, so do the aims of the Behold the fire, my friends.
Scouting Movement…. May its flames purify your hearts,
As the fire lights this venue, so do the Let no unfriendly thoughts be harboured,
aspirations of our Scouts and Leaders….. Let no uncouth word be spoken,
As these logs turns to ashes, so do our Keep the spirit of the campfire in your hearts
setbacks and failures….. forever.
As the heat spreads out around the circle, so Peace be to all.
does the spirit of Scouting.
Version 5 Version 6
The simple life and friendly cheer, The call of the fire
May all those find who gather here. Comes to us through the shadows
Version 7 That follow the close of the day.
Kneel always when you light a fire, Its flames bring us peace
Kneel reverently and thankful be And a calmness of spirit
For God’s unfailing charity. That drives all our troubles away.
And on the ascending flame inspire
A little prayer that shall up bear We are thankful for days
The incense of your thankfulness And the joys that they bring us
For this sweet grace of warmth and light. For nights and the rest that they bring.
For here again is sacrifice for your delight. May we go on believing
In this joy we’re receiving
Just now ‘round the fire as we sing.

CAMPFIRE CHIEF: as the Campfire Chief I now declare this campfire program formally open.
CAMPFIRE CHIEF: Master of the fire, carry on……
PART 2
I. COMMUNITY SINGING
(The song must be lively)
Suggested songs: The more we get together, Aram-sam-sam, Dong-ning-ning, Were here were here, Scouts
round the fire etc.

ARAM SAM SAM DONG NING-NING

//A ram sam sam, a ram sam sam
Gili gili gili gili gili ram sam sam// 2x
// ARAMI ARAMI
Gili gili gili gili gili ram sam sam// 2x
SCOUTS ROUND THE FIRE
Campfire’s burning, burning burning burning
Campfire’s burning, burning burning bright
Scouts are singing, singing round the campfire
Scouts are singing, singing round the fire
//Dong ning-ning dong, kakee kakee//2x
//Chickie chickie chickie bali pak pak//2x
WERE HERE WERE HERE
Were all together again, were here were here
Were all together again, were here were here
For who knows when we’ll be altogether again
Singing altogether again were here

(clapping, dancing, jumping)

II. PRESENTATIONS (The master of the fire then calls the presenters in random)
III. ICE BREAKER (Ice breakers are arranged in between presentations to serve as energizers)
IV. PRESENTATIONS

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PART 3
I. QUIETING SONG
(As the fire is dying, the atmosphere must also be solemn and silent at this time. This also prepares the
Scouts for the Campfire chief’s yarn.)
Suggested songs:
PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL KUM BAH YAH

Ang bayan ko'y tanging ikaw /// Kum ba yah, my Lord,

Pilipinas Kong Mahal
Ang puso ko at buhay man
Sa iyo'y ibibigay
Tungkulin kong gagampanan
Na lagi kang paglingkuran
Ang laya mo'y babantayan
Pilipinas kong Hirang...
Kum ba yah! /// (3x)
Oh Lord Kum ba yah
1. Someone’s crying Lord...
2. Someone’s praying Lord...
3. Someone’s singing Lord...

II. CAMPFIRE CHIEF’S YARN

(The campfire chief may tell a story with a moral lesson for the Scouts. Usually anecdotes, real life
experiences, or stories that teach scouts to be honest, good and obedient.)

III. DECLARATION OF THE CAMPFIRE CLOSE

Version 1
As the embers turn to ashes
And as we droop our eyes in slumber
May you dream of the memories of this Campfire.

Version 2
Now the fading campfire light says, “It’s time to say “Good Night”,
All the fun we’ve had today will soon belong to yesterday.

Version 3
But though the fire is dwindling low though the flames to embers go
We will ever keep the glow on friendship in our hearts.

CAMPFIRE CHIEF: As the Campfire Chief, I declare this Campfire closed

IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS
(The SPL or Troop Leader may give announcements or reminders at this part of the ceremony)

V. SCOUTMASTER’S BENEDICTION

“May the Great Scoutmaster, of all good Scouts, be with us always, as it was in the past, so let it be in the
future, until our paths cross again”