A Campfire Enrolment
This is my favourite because everyone has an active part in it.
I got this one out of Guide Stuff Christmas 1988 edition and altered it slightly. Thank you to Mary-Etta Barclay, 24th Guelph Guides for the original idea.
Please note: they are in a campfire circle - not horseshoe
Supplies Needed:
Games
Rocks (7 - girls at Discovering Level) to surround the fire
Pine Cones (enough for each Tenderfoot) fire starters
Twigs (enough for girls at Exploring Level) kindling
Computer Stuff
Logs (enough for each adult - parents and leaders) fuel for the fire ( I rolled up paper and wrote on them what I wanted adults to say)
Cooking
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LEADER 1: Welcomes everyone. Everyone stands and sings O Canada. (You could do flag if wanted.)
Invite everyone to sit, parents may bring chairs if they want.
CAMPFIRE OPENING - Sussex Campfire is sung (or whatever)
LEADER 1: All of us here play a part in the Guiding days of each new Guide, who will make her Promise tonight. We have chosen to use the fire building skills that we learn in Guides to represent the many aspects of the program and the people that keep the flame of Guiding glowing around the world.
LEADER 2: A fire must always be built on safe ground and kept secure. The Guide Law (Discovering girls, ready on one knee) gives us a secure base upon which to build our Guiding days and all the days of our life.
Rocks are placed in a circle. The Guide Laws are repeated as each rock is placed.
LEADER 3: Our Tenderfoots bring the tinder to our fire. Eager to catch the spark that will light their way in Guides. Some come ready to build on experiences and knowledge gained in Brownie days. Some come to discover and share the fun and activities of friends and classmates already in Guides.
Tenderfoots place pine cones inside rocks and say their words as each pine cone is placed.
We had 9 Tenderfoots that year and these are the words we used:
We will wear our uniform proudly
We will always wear a smile
We will help others in our community
We will make new friends
We will sing cheerfully
We will learn to do things for ourselves
We will try new skills
We will seek adventure
We will do our best
LEADER 1: It is our responsibility to see that each spark is kindled. What can help keep this fire going?
Exploring Girls bring twigs to represent the following:
I bring friends to work and grow together
I bring fun to keep the fire alive
I bring the learning of new skills through challenges and badges
I bring service in helping others
I bring crafts for fun and achievement
I bring outings to broaden our horizons
I bring games for fun, learning and cooperation
I bring camping for fellowship, enjoyment and appreciation of our great outdoors
I bring songs for campfire and the joy of singing together
LEADER 2: Now our fire is flaming, full of enthusiasm and desire. How can we make it last and last? We need the fuel that will keep it buring steady and long. These Guides need the adult support that you and I can provide.
Adults place their logs and read what is written on them.
LEADER 1: The Leaders give: time, planning, teaching, providing outings and opportunities for badges and program learning.
LEADER 2: The Commissioners provide: leadership, guidance, and represent W.A.G.G.G.S., the wider world of Guiding.
LEADER 3: The Parents provide: support for Guides and leaders, money, transportation, and an interest in their daughter's Guide activites.
PARENTS:
We will help them be prepared
We will help them be observant
We will help sell cookies and calendars
We will promote punctuality
We will help when possible
We will encourage their curiosity
We will take part in outings
We will provide a variety of interest
We will give them guidance
We will teach badge skills
We will offer our support
We will offer our time
We will invest our money
We will provide transportation
We will help prepare them for camp
We will help maintain a clean uniform
LEADER 1: Together we can all tend and nurture our Guiding fire, a good basis for the Fire of Life.
If you have a lamp-lit campfire, it would be very effective to have this in the campfire circle now, with the lights out.
ENROLLMENT
LEADER 1: I light three candles to remind us all of the threefold Promise that we make.
Guides sing "When E're you make a Promise".
Tenderfoots go to the centre and face outwards. Everyone makes the Guide sign.
Tenderfoots make Promise then they form a horizontal line in front of their leaders to be pinned.
The girls are welcomed to the Unit. They return to their Patrols.
Guides sing "On My Honour"
Guides move into Horseshoe formation and the Colours are marched off.
The rest is up to you.