Campfire Tradition Continues!
by Karen M. and Nona M.

Every year for the past 50 years at 4-H camp they have a campfire at the end of the week. We usually have it in the football field of the University of Delaware. This year it is going to be in the front of the old farmhouse with a real fire if it doesn't rain. (the last two years we didn't have a fire) Every tribe has to make up a song or a yell about there tribe because it shows tribal spirit. Then they have to sing or yell it at the campfire in front of all of the other campers and their families that attend. The chiefs get their faces painted for the campfire so that they can keep the tradition of the seriousness at a real Native American campfire (like the ones long ago). In addition, they paint their faces to show that they are chiefs.

When we asked Sarah Berninger the camp director why they have a campfire every year, her answer was "to keep it similar to the State 4-H camp." We also asked Mark Manno, who said, "It is a perfect way to end the camp." The "ishkatay" or the keeper of the fire, builds the campfire. 4-H Camp supplies the dinner at the campfire. Volunteers make the food. The food is eaten before the campfire. The menu includes hot dogs, chips, ice cream sandwiches and corn. The drinks served are ice tea, lemon aid, and soda.

There is a Shakespeare class at 4-H. In this class, campers practice a play the whole week and perform it to us right before the campfire. Also the CIT's or counselors in training, perform a few skits for us. They are very funny!

This is one of the best camps in the whole world and we hope it stays the same way because it is so fun!

Tribal Songs

Navajo Yell
I saw a tribe from across the land
Who had a great chief with an orange band
I heard him say in a voice so gruff,
You can't beat the Navajo's 'cause they're too tough!

I saw a camp from across the land
Who had a big chief with a colored band
I heard him say in a voice so strong,
You can't beat the Navajo's 'cause they're never wrong!

(First verse: regular speaking voice/ second verse: loud/ first verse: SCREAM)

Seminole Song
(sung to the melody of Destiny's Child "Jumpin' Jumpin'")
Kids leave your frowns at home
The camp is full of smiles you won't be alone
So come to the Seminole tribe
'Cause it's 8:30 and we're all jumpin' jumpin'

More Camp Songs

The How-How Pow-Wow
by Katie M.

Everybody is always anxious about the traditional campfire at the end of each New Castle County 4-H Day Camp session. But what is the campfire? What do campers, counselors, and parents do there? It's all mixed up and done in a fascinating way that everyone enjoys!!!

The traditional campfire has been held for over 50 years in the state 4-H camp. New Castle County tries to resemble the state camp as much as possible. For about 15 years, our 4-H camp has held the customary Indian Pow-wow. That is also why we have Indian tribes and chiefs and saga mores.

During the program, campers sing favorite camp songs including 3 or 4 slow songs. 5 camp songs will be included at the end of this article. Also, each tribe performs a song, or a yell. The Navajo tribe yell, Comanche yell, and the Seminole song will be included as well.

The purpose of the songs and yells are to bring the tribe to a challenge to work together and complete a task in a short amount of time. Results at the campfire are absolutely spectacular!!!

Another question that always buzzes around camp is, " Why do we have Indian tribes?" It all started in West Virginia, where the original 4-H camp is held. They have Indian tribes as well. An executive from this camp visited the camp, and thought it would be a good idea to split the camp in several tribes.

"You always want to divide a large camp such as this, to have more attention to the campers, and to make it easier to keep track of the kids," says director Sarah Berninger.

It also ties in with the campfire for spiritual and less complicated reasons. To add a little spice to the ceremony, chiefs' faces are painted, certain actions are done, and specific songs and words are said. For example, when walking into the circle, you must have your hands folded, (right hand over left), and be perfectly silent. Moreover, the chiefs and saga mores say code words in order to have permission to enter the circle. During the campfire, smiles swarm throughout the circle, fun is dazzled in the air, and excitement and happiness is left in several memories after Friday night.