[Campfire] Carefully selected fun games recommended for recreation!
For many of us, campfires stand out as some of the most vivid memories from childhood.
Whether you were startled by the leaping flames or found yourself gazing at them in quiet contemplation, the magical glow has a way of lifting your spirits.
In this article, we’ll introduce recreational activities that will liven up any campfire gathering.
These ideas work even in dim outdoor settings and are suitable for groups of all sizes, from small to large.
May they help create joyful memories for everyone gathered around the same fire.
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[Campfire] Carefully selected fun games perfect for recreation! (1–10)
Where are you from?
This is a variation of the game “Antagata Dokosa” that you can enjoy around a campfire.
Everyone holds hands and stands in a circle around the fire.
To the rhythm of the song “Antagata Dokosa,” you walk clockwise, but whenever the syllable “sa” appears in the lyrics, you squat down on the spot.
It’s important to listen carefully to avoid mistakes.
Another variation is to switch the walking direction from clockwise to counterclockwise every time you hear “sa,” and then switch back the next time it occurs.
As the tempo speeds up, the confusion and laughter grow, making it a recreation that captivates both children and adults.
The Falling-Falling Game
The “Ochita Ochita” game, which everyone can enjoy together, is also perfect for a campfire.
It’s a rhythm game where you perform actions that match the phrase said by a teacher or guardian.
For example, if they say “thunder,” you hide your belly button.
Since there are only three original actions, some age groups might master them quickly and get bored.
In that case, try coming up with your own phrases and actions to include.
Any phrase that you can associate with the word “ochita” (meaning “fell/has fallen”) is fine.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Relay
I also recommend a rock-paper-scissors relay that lets you practice teamwork.
First, split into two teams and have each team line up.
The person at the front holds a baton and plays rock-paper-scissors with the person next to them.
If they win, they get to take the baton.
Repeat this, aiming to pass the baton all the way to the last person before the other team.
Of course, cheating is not allowed, but try to predict what your opponent will throw as you play.
By the way, a rolled-up newspaper makes a good baton.
[Campfire] A curated selection of fun games perfect for recreation! (11–20)
Birthday chain
Have you heard of a game called the Birthday Chain? Everyone present lines up in order of birthdays, from those born on January 1 to those born on December 31.
You might wonder, how is that a game? The catch is that you’re not allowed to talk.
You have to use your hands to communicate your birthday with numbers and arrange yourselves accordingly.
Not being able to speak makes it a bit tricky, but it’s easy to join even if you’re shy.
It’s also a game that helps you remember your friends’ birthdays and foster communication.
They say the same things and do the same things.
“Say the same, do the same” is a fun game that engages both body and mind.
The leader says, “Say the same, do the same!” and then calls out one of left, right, forward, or backward.
Players follow the leader’s instruction.
For example, if “forward” is called, you jump forward while saying “forward.” The game offers various versions and difficulty levels, such as “Say the opposite, do the opposite” and “Say the same, do the opposite.” Please enjoy adjusting it to the players’ ages.
Jump together
One fun challenge to try with a large group around the campfire is “Jump Together.” Form a circle holding hands with the campfire in the center.
One person calls out a direction to jump—like “forward” or “right”—and everyone else jumps in that direction.
If you keep calling “forward,” you’ll get too close to the fire and it will get hot, so the caller should be careful.
Once you get used to it, try a version where the calls stay the same, but everyone jumps in the opposite direction of the command!
Second-count guessing game
Use a smartphone or a stopwatch and try a “guess the seconds” game! First, choose a target duration, like 10 seconds or 30 seconds.
At the start signal, begin timing, and without looking at the display, stop when you think the target time has passed.
The person closest to the specified time wins.
It’s a game that puts your internal clock to the test.
It’s simple and easy to join, and works for small to large groups.
Perfect as a campfire activity—give it a try!