Gathering Around the Fire
Summer evenings at Pine Hollow Camp were always special, but tonight was the one everyone looked forward to most—Campfire Song Night. The campers carried blankets, marshmallows, and guitars down to the fire circle where tall logs waited to be lit.
Ellie, a shy camper, hugged her pillow tightly. She loved listening to songs but worried about singing in front of others. “What if my voice sounds squeaky?” she thought.
A Night of Music Begins
With a crackle and a whoosh, the fire sprang to life. Sparks danced into the night sky, and soon the first song began. The counselors strummed guitars, and campers clapped along. Voices rose together, weaving through the starry air.
Ellie hummed softly, just loud enough for the flames to hear. The warm glow made her feel safe, and the rhythm of the songs thumped like a heartbeat.
Finding Courage
As the night went on, a counselor called out, “Who wants to lead the next song?” Hands shot up all around, but then Ellie’s friend Sam nudged her. “You know this one—you sing it all the time in our cabin. Go on!”
Ellie shook her head, but Sam squeezed her hand. “Your voice is part of the music too.”
Taking a deep breath, Ellie stepped forward. The guitar began to play, and she opened her mouth. At first, the notes trembled, but the fire crackled encouragingly, and the other campers smiled. Soon her voice grew stronger, clear and true.
A Song to Remember
By the final chorus, everyone was singing with her. The fire glowed brighter, the stars seemed to sparkle in rhythm, and Ellie felt her chest fill with joy. She wasn’t just singing—she was sharing a piece of herself.
When the song ended, the campers cheered. Ellie blushed but grinned. She sat back on her blanket, heart glowing warmer than the flames.
That night, as the fire faded to glowing embers, Ellie realized something important: sometimes courage means letting your voice be heard. And when you do, it just might blend into something beautiful.
The End.
Discover why music and movement matter in this helpful article. Then, make your child’s bedtime feel like campfire magic with our Bedtime Essentials — cozy star projectors, soothing sounds, and more.
