Camp "Spirit" Opening Ceremony
Thanks very much to "Cookiequeen", who shared this great camp opening ceremony with the Guiding Mailing List! I am looking for more material like this for use at camp openings and closings. If you have a good one, please email me.
You will need six "Spirits", dressed in appropriate costumes:
1. SPIRIT OF THE WOODS (dressed in rainforest type/colourful shirt.....stuffed birds attached, etc.)
I am the Spirit of the Woods, come from my cool depths to welcome friendly spirits. You may live on flat plains - treeless, it may be, but still beautiful. Or you may live in mountain valleys whose changing shadows in the evening or in morning's cooling mists whisper secrets of beauty. Or perhaps on the sea coast where curling waves lap the sand or dashing surf beats the rocks. Perhaps some tree-covered slopes may shelter you, or city pavement surround you. It matters not what you call home. If you have the true spirit of nature, the love of outdoors, you are one with me in spirit and truth... and I bid you welcome.
(The Spirit of True Camper speaks the following lines, then all repeat in unison.)
We bow to thee, O Spirit of (name of your camp) Camp and to all these Spirits of the Woods.
To thy Spirit, we swear eternal faith and love, here and in lands far from here.
2. SPIRIT OF THE TREES (green shirt with evergreen boughs; like from Xmas stuff)
I am the Spirit of the Trees. In ancient days, my kingdom stretched from coast to coast. But now, endangered by lack of knowledge of what I provide, I cling to these friendly mountains and bid welcome to my cool shades those who love me. I shelter you beneath my boughs. I am the tamarack, the hemlock, the spruce, the pine, the birch. My names are many, but my soul is one. Will you not today promise to love and protect me in order that I may continue my age-long service to mankind? I, the Spirit of the Trees, bid you welcome.
(All speak in unison after Spirit of True Camper)
We bow to thee, O Spirit of (name of your camp) Camp and to all these Spirits of the Woods.
To thy Spirit, we swear eternal faith and love, here and in lands far from here.
3. SPIRIT OF THE LIVING THINGS (t-shirt with flowers & stuffed animals attached)
I am the Spirit of the Animal and Flower life of the woods. I am shy and do not love strangers but if you will find me quietly and gently, I will show you fascinating glimpses of strange and beautiful things. Enjoy me but leave me unharmed so that generations to come may enjoy me also. I, the Spirit of Living Things, bid you welcome.
(All speak in unison after Spirit of True Camper)
We bow to thee, O Spirit of (name of your camp) Camp and to all these Spirits of the Woods.
To thy Spirit, we swear eternal faith and love, here and in lands far from here.
4. SPIRIT OF THE WATERS (blue shirt with ocean life attached or fake fish pics)
I am the Spirit of the Waters. Unlike the trees, who are rooted to this soil, I do not stay too long in one place. I kiss the shores, linger a moment to hear your laughter and song, and then speed on my way to the ocean, bringing pleasure to all in my travels. Do not pollute my waters, but leave them crystal-clear for those who shall come after you. I, the Spirit of the Waters, bid you welcome.
(All speak in unison after Spirit of True Camper)
We bow to thee, O Spirit of (name of your camp) Camp and to all these Spirits of the Woods.
To thy Spirit, we swear eternal faith and love, here and in lands far from here.
5. SPIRIT OF THE CAMPFIRE (colourful shirt and skirt of sticks)
I am the Spirit of the Campfire. I hide myself in the limbs and stumps of trees. I do not come forward, until you set me free with the glowing match. I crackle and dance before you. I cook your food for you when you are hungry, dry you when you are wet, warm you when you are cold, protect you as you sleep, and become the centre of laughter as you crowd around me for song and story. I, the Spirit of the Campfire, bid you welcome.
(All speak in unison after Spirit of True Camper)
We bow to thee, O Spirit of (name of your camp) Camp and to all these Spirits of the Woods.
To thy Spirit, we swear eternal faith and love, here and in lands far from here.
6. SPIRIT OF THE TRUE CAMPER (bad hair, messy face & clothes, camp hat, dirty hands)
I am the Spirit of the True Camper - the Spirit of (name of your camp) Camp, the lover of the beautiful in nature, reader of her secrets that I may share her great soul. Welcome to the special circle of (name of your camp) Camp.
(All speak in unison now)
We bow to thee, O Spirit of (name of your camp) Camp and to all these Spirits of the Woods.
To thy Spirit, we swear eternal faith and love, here and in lands far from here.
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