Campfire Skits

As a dynamic and engaging tradition, campfire skits play a pivotal role in building character, boosting morale, and nurturing the enduring spirit of scouting.

Skits, run-ons, and running gags give scouts practice in theatrical skills such as creative writing, staging, stage presence and voice projection. They also give an opportunity to write or modify a skit and adapt it and make it their own.

Skits should last no longer than 3 or 4 minutes. Run-Ons are quick get-on, get-off "bits" while Running Gags are like Run-Ons but have parts that are continuations to further the story.

With a little thought, many jokes yield themselves to be adapted to be a Run-On, with a quick interaction between 2 or 3 scouts.

As with any skill, performing a skit takes practice and dedication. The time spent practicing will pay off with a much smoother presentation, and enhanced enjoyment for both performer and audience.

Movements while "on stage" should be animated, exaggerated, and slowed down a bit to allow the audience to catch up with the performer's thought process.

Skits can often be adapted to include more or fewer scouts, so don't let the suggested number of participants dissuade you from using a skit!

Skit Categories

Skits come in all shapes and sizes! Here are the main types you'll find in our collection:

Chain Reaction Skits
Each Scout or participant joins in and repeats (or escalates) the action, building up the gag until a big finish that involves the whole group.
Classic “Run-On” / One-Liners
Quick, punchy skits meant to fill the time between longer acts. Usually delivered by one or two Scouts, often with a single joke or groaner punchline.
Physical Comedy & Slapstick
Skits focused on pratfalls, exaggerated movements, or visual humor—perfect for Scouts who like a little action and stage chaos.
Wordplay & Puns
Skits driven by plays on words, clever puns, or double meanings. Groaners welcome!
Misunderstanding / Clever Confusion
The humor comes from a mix-up, a misheard instruction, or classic “Who’s on First?”-style confusion.
Sound Effect / Visual Gag
Relying on funny noises, visual jokes, or exaggerated miming for laughs. Great for Scouts who love hamming it up.
Audience Participation
These skits need volunteers or involve the audience directly—perfect for getting everyone involved in the fun.
Parody & Satire
Spoofs of familiar situations, traditions, or famous figures. A Scouty twist on pop culture or camp life.
Absurdist / Nonsense Skits
Skits with a deliberately surreal, silly, or bizarre premise—embracing the weird!
Meta / Breaking the Fourth Wall
Skits that make fun of the idea of skits, comment on performing, or break out of character to talk to the audience.
General Skit
Classic campfire fun that doesn't quite fit any one box—always good for a laugh!