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Lovely Play & Recreation

[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.

[Campfire] Carefully Selected Fun Games Recommended for Recreation! (41–50)

ghost story

Scary Stories/Kaidan: 8 School Horror Stories Compilation ② [For Sleep/Background Listening]
ghost story

Speaking of campfires, they’re often held in the summer, aren’t they? So how about livening things up with scary stories, a quintessential part of summer? Even people who say they’re bad with scary stuff—don’t they still find themselves curious and end up watching scary shows on TV? It might be fun to switch narrators for each story: old school legends passed down over the years, folktale-like ghost stories, or real-life frightening experiences someone actually went through.

Some ominous background music would be a nice touch, too.

The railroad tracks go on forever.

The railroad goes on forever at the campfire
The railroad tracks go on forever.

It’s a fun, rhythmic song that paints a picture of train tracks stretching on forever and the scenery you can see from them, paired with a dance everyone can enjoy.

The song’s gentle, cheerful rhythm and its travel-inspired theme make it perfect for a campfire setting.

As you sing, alternate tapping your own knees and the knees of the person next to you to bring everyone’s feelings together.

It’s a delightful group activity that builds a sense of unity through harmonizing voices and forming a big circle.

Adding train-whistle callouts in the middle makes the atmosphere even more playful, so that’s highly recommended, too.

Gesture Game

Nizi Project Part 2 Ep. 6 Gesture Game — May 29, 2020
Gesture Game

Let’s try a classic recreation game: charades! It barely needs an explanation at this point, but it’s the game where you communicate with gestures—no talking allowed—and everyone has to guess based solely on the gestures.

You can split into teams, or have one person come to the front to act; when someone guesses correctly, the next person comes up.

You can also adapt how you play depending on the number of people.

Using objects or animals as prompts is simple and highly recommended.

folk dance

Scenes from the 2019 Minami Nursery School overnight care and campfire
folk dance

When it comes to campfire memories, isn’t it always folk dancing? Everyone forms a circle around the campfire flames, pairs up to dance, then switches partners—it’s the quintessential campfire recreation.

Folk dance refers to traditional dances from around the world, similar to Japan’s Bon Odori.

Well-known songs for folk dancing include Oklahoma Mixer, Mayim Mayim, Jenkka, and Korobeiniki.

In conclusion

We introduced campfire activities that everyone can enjoy, from children to adults.

Among the many games for large groups, were there any you felt like trying? Be sure to incorporate them into campfires held at schools, preschools, or in your community.