These closings help to put a final period to your perfect campfire. They will help to add emotions and are sure to add to the memories of your Campfire Program.
(spoken, or sung to the tune of Edelweiss)
May the Lord, Mighty Lord,
Bless and keep you forever;
Grant us peace, perfect peace,
Courage in every endeavor.
Lift up your eyes and see his face,
And his grace forever,
May the Lord, Mighty Lord,
Bless and keep you forever.
As darkness creeps into our circle of light,
Embers that glow and sigh
Draw our friendship circle closer,
Whisper memories that will not die;
God's magic danced in our fire's flames,
And fills the gathering night
With mystery and a wondrous peace.
That bids safe sleep 'til morning's light.
The stars shining over us,
Their light shines before us,
Oh God of Nature,
Grant to us a perfect peace
We've shared a friendship fine and deep,
And now this circle leaves to sleep.
Wood and water, wind and tree,
Wisdom, strength and courtesy,
Favor go with thee.
I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see,
I sought my God, but God eluded me,
I sought my brother -- and found all three.
The embers of our campfire
Are now slowly dying,
The birds and wood folk have gone to their rest.
The stars shining over us,
Their light shines before us;
Oh God of nature,
Grant to us a perfect peace.
Let's remember the food we've shared,
The games we've played, the songs we've sung;
Let's remember all of these things.
Let's remember the skits we've played,
The hikes we've hiked, the problems we've shared;
Let's remember all of these things.
I now declare this campfire closed,
Its memories stored forever in our hearts and minds.
Our Spirit from the North
And our Spirit from the South have left;
Those from the East and the West have also withdrawn;
Now let us slumber quietly until the dawn.
May the peace the peace of the forest,
The song of the birds,
The warmth of the sun,
The strength of the trees,
The fragrance of the flowers,
The joy of the wind,
The calm of the lake,
In all of which is the Creator of all good things,
Be in your hearts now and always.
Before ever singing the words, it's certain Scouts have heard the familiar melody played on a bugle. The first verse of Taps is an appropriate campfire closing and easy to sing. Scouts can remember the words because the three "places" the sun has gone from, proceed from lowest to highest: "the lake," "the hills," "the sky."
See also Taps
Day is done.
Gone the sun
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well. Safely rest.
God is nigh.
sung to the tune of "O' Christmas Tree"
See also Scout Vespers
Softly falls the light of day
As our campfire fades away.
Silently each Scout should ask:
Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my honor bright?
Can I guiltless sleep tonight?
Have I done and have I dared
Everything to be prepared?
We thank you for coming today
To join us in song and in play
The fire is done
We sure had fun
But now it's time you all go away
GOOD NIGHT!
(spoken, or sung to the tune of "Happy Trails")
See also Happy Trails
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smiling until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song, and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'til we meet again.