Hello again, it’s Mikayla here. Back at it again with another entry for my Wednesday blogs. This week, I had a privilege to lead the last campfire for community of Christ reunion. Each of the interns were able to do a night and tonight was me. I was so nervous and excited! Growing up back home in Arizona, I’ve taken 10 years of campfire classes and 2 years of leading for reunion. Each year for picking classes in junior camp to senior high camp, by the luck of a draw, I’d be put into campfire class. I feel like it’s my destiny to continue inspiring others to become leaders in front of crowds and lead songs. Directing campfire is a passion and it gives me the greatest joy to get people pumped up.
On Wednesday, I didn’t know how this group of people would respond for songs. I didn’t know if they knew them, or sang it differently. It can be intimidating, getting up in front of people you don’t know and start singing, but I like to just do it and see where things go and hope for the best. Some of my favorites I chose for everyone to sing were: Hey burrito, Go bananas, keep on the sunyside, If I were not upon a stage, and more fun songs. Even though I couldn’t remember some verses to songs, there were a few older women who helped me. And for those who freeze up on the spot, it’s ok! I did for Amazing Grace and it turns out, the congregation didn’t even know the verses and we all started humming. Haha! sometimes, if you do something with enough confidence, and aren’t sure, people will follow along with you.
Towards the more serious end of campfire, I had everyone write down on papers what they are worried about or fear. Once they were done, I had them cast their papers into the color changing fire. A symbolism that change is good and to not let our fears destroy us. I also had “Be still”- the fray playing on a speaker. It was a meditation exercise I did last year with my home campground. Except last time it was raining and lightning out which set the mood even more. Afterwards, we then all sang Sanctuary and closed with a prayer and upbeat music. Not to mention smores were quickly passed around and eaten in nothing flat.
Leading campfire is something I enjoy and wish I could share with the world. I absolutely love getting up in front of people and dancing like no body’s watching. I like laughing at myself when I mess up or immediately start humming because I forgot a verse, I enjoy showing others what I’m passionate about and get them excited as well. Next year I really want to be a Graceland Rep so I can travel to different campgrounds and spread what I have, the love for campfire.
