It is hard to beat a good campfire. For many of us, the campfire is how we begin and end the camp experience for our staff and campers.

There are innumerable variations in the campfire experience which may include singing, skits, time for reflection, conversation, traditions, and, of course, a s’more or two. 

Sitting by a fire is a warm and welcoming space, which some would argue is vital to the success of your camp season. As you put the finishing touches on your preparation for summer 2025, take a moment with me to reflect on your campfire and how you create a seat around it. Like most things in camp, it is simple, yet complex and tied to some basic needs of the humans we care for and sit beside around the fire.

Did you know that sitting by a fire is healthy? There has been much research done to show the benefits of a seat by a fire. In a recent post on his blog, “The Upside,” Chris Kissell notes a research study conducted to show that looking at and listening to a fire lowered blood pressure by about 5 percent! Being outdoors at a campfire increases oxygen intake, encouraging calmness. The warmth of the fire enhances blood flow which empowers relaxation. Human bodies and our general sense of well-being can be better supported in proximity to a well-tended fire. 

Beyond the positive physical impacts, we know through all of history humans have gathered and sat by a fire to be warm, cook food, and enjoy fellowship together in this natural community space. The shared experience and conversation found in a seat at the fire creates belonging in a circle of warm connection. 

As we prepare to welcome our seasonal staff to a seat by our campfire, a pause to think intentionally about their role and what seat we assign them to is vital to building the team and supporting the individual needs and strengths of each person we have hired. In this conversation, since we camp folks wear many hats, let's borrow one from the pros in this area — firefighters. 

When firefighters talk about a “seat at the fire,” they are referring to assigning roles. I know it will resonate with you when I say firefighters take time to assign roles to each member of their team and the seat they will take on the fire truck. That seat tells the person sitting in a specific spot the exact job they will do, the timing of it, and how that fits with the larger team. The information they have about their seat assignment allows them to be an effective and efficient member of the team, working in harmony with their teammates in what can be a stressful and life-impacting experience. 

Truly, the understanding each team member has of their role and how each role works together directly affects their ability to do their job, accomplish the task, and save lives. Seat assignments create awareness, enhance teamwork and effectiveness, and encourage communication and collaboration. While our camp staff are not racing off to put out real fires (we all hope!), their role at camp and how they work in harmony with the team directly impacts the lives of others (Dugan, 2009).

Time by the campfire is a core memory your staff and campers will hold dear for their entire lives. The memory of that warm, cozy, welcoming space in a circle of belonging will bring a sparkle to their eyes and a soft smile to their face in the years to come. While we know that often “just happens” at camp, I want to encourage you to take time to intentionally “assign seats” at the fire this summer. Then, create the moment to share with each member of your staff clarity around what their seat assignment is and why it is the perfect spot for them.

Please remember to pause and reflect on your seat at the fire! Resist the temptation to gather the supplies, build the fire, and run off to the next thing. Enjoy the flickering flames and soft crackles, take in the relaxing air and calming warmth, and be fully present in the intentional space that is the heart of why you do what you do. I am hoping you roast all the perfect marshmallows from your seat at the fire this summer.

Reference

Dugan, M. (2009, February 1). The joys of seat assignments. Firefighters Nation. firefighternation.com/fire-leadership/the-joys-of-seat-assignments/

This blog was written on behalf of ACA's Project Real Job, whose goal is to support camps in their efforts to recruit, hire, and retain staff.

Kendra Perkins, MA Ed, is the director of Camp SAY and has 20 years of experience in camping with a focus in MESH programming and individualized support including adaptations for campers and staff in the residential setting. She has a master’s degree in special education where her culminating thesis was focused on youth resiliency. Prior to working in the camping world Kendra was a special education teacher and supported the growth and development of children and adults with disabilities, specifically in the areas of social/emotional health and 21st Century skills. Kendra is an active member of ACA and serves on the Staff Recruitment & Retention Committee. She can be reached at [email protected].

Photo courtesy of Camp Ho Mita Koda in Newbury, Ohio.