The campfire in Grade Four where we learned to make bannock and listened to native stories about Bigfoot.
The campfires at Horne Lake in Grade Six where we sang songs, told jokes, made popcorn, ate s'mores, and played guitar.
The campfire at Alice Lake where we shared our hopes and fears. Where we yelled to the dark sky "We're not sinking!" and we went to bed knowing each other and ourselves a little better
The campfire at Educo Education Centre where we challenged each other to a game where we had to come up with as many songs (and sing them) containing certain key words. We laughed so hard sometimes we couldn't breathe. Then we would catch our breath and laugh some more.
The campfire I set outside the Grade Seven Classroom to teach them about the chemical composition of fire and after we let the fire burn out we drew its footprint.
So many campfires I shared with this class. Sitting in the darkness with the light reflecting on all our faces. The stars overhead. Secure in the knowledge that together we were warm and happy, and if we drifted away into the night we would be colder and lonelier.
There is something primal about starting and stoking a fire. About flaming marshmallows. About sparks shooting towards the heavens.
Such a simple activity that brings us together with warmth and laughter and music.
I agree there is something wonderful about sitting under the stars around a campfire, with good company, singing songs and just enjoying the simple pleasure in life!
ReplyDeleteyes it is still and always a favourite activity.
DeleteAnd the serenity of a camp fire too when thoughts appear out of nowhere. I grew up camping and camped with my kids and husband. It really gets in your blood. We no longer have a tent (a camper now) but the campfire is still important. Some things (it seems) can only be shared over a campfire...
ReplyDeletewe have a camper now too. Campfires are a huge part of our entertainment. And it is true, some very hard and real conversations can happen around a campfire. I think because of the darkness and because the fire makes us feel safe.
DeleteI'll have to google bannock... New to me... And down here we have learned from Hollywood the how & what of s'mores, even though we don't have graham ( sp?) crackers ...
ReplyDeleteWe have an outdoor fireplace in our courtyard because although I'm no kind of camper, I adore a fire on a still starry evening...
And your insight resonates... "Primal" is the mot juste
As I suspected... Bannock to you, damper to me.
DeleteWell now I have to google 'damper'...
DeleteLove bannock, that is one of my favourite weeks when we make that at school. I really like how this post relates back to your classrooms.
ReplyDelete