Campfire Songs

There is nothing as relaxing and memorable as singing songs around a campfire.  My children still have fond memories of playing in the water and riding their bikes until they were exhausted, coming back to our campsite for a meal cooked out in the open, and pulling up our chairs for the evening bonfire.

There's No Need to be a Musician

Since I play the guitar, singing was natural and easy.  But you don’t have to be a musician to enjoy this simple camping pastime.  There are many songs that lend themselves to enjoying with your family and friends, and a good way to start is to dredge up some songs from your past.  Remember the camp songs you sang at summer camp?  Bring some of those old favorites back. 

Great Campfire Songs 

• Bingo
• Buffalo Gals
• Clementine
• Coming ‘Round the Mountain
• Do Your Ears Hang Low?
• Down In The Valley
• Froggie Went a ‘Courting
• Git Along Home Cindy Cindy
• Here we Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush
• Home on the Range
• Hush Little Baby
• Kumbaya
• My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
• Oh Susannah
• Old Dan Tucker
• Old McDonald Had a Farm
• On Top of Old Smokey
• Row Row Row Your Boat
• Skip to My Lou
• Ten In The Bed
• The Ants Go Marching
• The Bear Went Over the Mountain
• The Fox
• There’s a Hole in the Bucket

You get the idea, makes you nostalgic doesn’t it?  Now give your kids the same opportunity.  You don’t have to be the greatest singer or play an instrument.  Singing comes from the heart and it can be a great source of family fun, especially when camping at a place that doesn't have much in the way of other entertainment.  

The moon is out, the stars are twinkling overhead, the flames reach to the sky and you can hear the crackle and pop of wood burning.  You’ve made s’mores and Tonka pies, but you aren’t quite ready to turn in for the night. 

This activity may seem a little strange at first if you aren’t used to singing, but trust me, you’ll enjoy the family interaction.

 

We found that when our kids were young this was a good way to get them settled down after a long day of exercise and fun.  We often began singing a few little songs and before we knew it half the campground had gathered around and joined in.  Children remember these times.  Don’t you think you should add this to your child’s book of memories?  You’ll be glad you did.

Internet Link for Songs To Learn and Sing

If you need words to some of the best campfire songs for children here’s a good internet link:

http://www.songsforteaching.com/folk/

There are many more songs on the site than what I listed above.  If you’re not sure of the tunes, look them up on YouTube.  Most of all – have fun.  You’ll get as much a kick out of singing as the kids do!