Campfire Songs

Picture this: a motley crew of kids, their laughter echoing through the air as they tumble through a day bursting with adventures. After the sun dips below the horizon, they gather around a crackling campfire, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames, sharing stories and marshmallows under the starlit sky. It makes me stop, take a deep breath, and sigh…there’s nothing better.

1968

I sat on Mom and Dad’s bed, watching my mom get ready to go out. The little white alarm clock/radio in the headboard played music, blaring as Dad was away picking up the babysitter. I remember thinking that all the good songs were played on the radio while I was asleep in bed.

Not that I ever knew “cool” music. I’ve never been able to identify good bands, albums, or singer/songwriters. A song comes on the radio, and I can hum along or sing the chorus, but the majority of the words just pass and are forgotten.

1974

One year the family was camping, and down the road, we could hear people singing accompanied by a guitar. I don’t remember who invited the two young men to join us at our campsite. They were probably bribed with beer. They came, and we enjoyed their songs. Listening to the playing and singing by the light of the fire was mesmerizing.

1977

The only place this didn’t happen was with Girl Scout songs. I signed up and participated in all the meetings and events. I loved the songs and knew every verse, word, and action. I went to Camp Counselor training, and there was a contest among the troops to see which group knew the most songs. I’m sure we won. Every time a group sang a silly song, it would remind me of another.

I loved the call-and-answer songs like “Sipping Cider,” where we giggled about kissing boys. We got mellow and meditative singing “Kumbaya.” (What does that word mean anyway???)

There was also a Girl Scout camping trip where one of the counselors played her guitar and sang “Blowing in the Wind.” The chords were simple, and the story was sad. I wanted to be just like her.

1982

I went to Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp after my Junior and Senior years of High School. We sang Jesus songs every night around the campfire. “Jesus is Lord, my redeemer. How I love him, how he loves me…” The 3-part harmony still gives me goosebumps.

There is something special about a group of kids, a full fun day, and an evening campfire. It makes me stop, take a deep breath, and sigh…there’s nothing better.

In the end, amidst the tunes of my youth and the memories they evoke, I realize that whether it’s the melodies of Girl Scout campfires or the gentle strumming of a guitar under the stars, music has always had the power to transport me to moments of joy, reflection, and connection. And maybe, just maybe, the magic lies not in knowing the “cool” songs, but in the heartwarming nostalgia each melody brings, reminding me of the simple joys and camaraderie of days gone by.

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