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Like moths to a flame, humans love being around the campfire.
Whether you’ve got a pit in your backyard or you’re planning an epic camping trip this summer, being around a bushel of flames this summer is goals.
But with modernity comes change, so it’s likely your campfire activities may be accompanied by a Bluetooth radio and takeout.
Get back to your ancestor’s roots this summer and try the following activities for an old-school experience around the fire pit.
1. Storytelling
Oration is a treasured human tradition.
Studies show that ancient campfires were the breeding ground for storytelling. Gathering around the fire meant people could go beyond talking about what happened in their daily routine and instead, gave them a chance to get creative.
So instead of turning on your favorite audiobook or podcast (you can listen to those in the car!), tap into your ancestors’ traditions, and take a deep dive into the innovative part of your brain. From ghost stories to love stories, take advantage of your audience and the ambiance and let your ideas flow.
2. Playing An Instrument
Leave the amp and double bass pedal at home.
Channel a calmer, less modern approach to creating music at the fire pit. From banjoes to bongos to harmonicas, creating a song and ensemble around the flames allows you to tap into your creativity in a more authentic, home-grown way.
Playing an instrument instead of blaring music from a speaker allows both you and the people you’re with to connect to the moment, the music, and one another more intensely.
3. Dancing
Whether you’ve decided to go a more modern route and listen to some of your campfire favorites via a speaker, or your pit is surrounded by musicians, the story is the same — get up!
Dancing next to a fire isn’t only an ancient ritual, but it’s also liberating and fun. Humans have their roots in the many ancestors that came before them undertaking a dance or ritual next to a bonfire, so it’s in our DNA to explore those experiences and feelings.
Whether you’re dancing a jig with your friends, or slow dancing with your partner, there’s something special about swaying outside next to the flames.
4. Cooking
That’s right; s’mores aren’t the only thing you can cook over the fire.
Cooking on an open fire is a 2 million-year tradition for humans. There are tons of unique ways to cook over an open fire, but it’s effort. And modernity has ushered in new traditions like home-delivery of your favorite food and sharing that around the flame.
Challenge yourself this summer to plan a meal that’s totally cooked over the campfire. You could roast meat using a traditional spit. Or bake bread or cook a stew in a Dutch oven. There are tons of fun possibilities out there to explore.
5. Deep Conversation
No-brainer, right? Well, wrong.
Studies show culture, cognition, and conversation were literally shaped throughout history around the campfire.
But with so many modern distractions, the chances of people even gathering around a fire in modern society is slim. Since you’re one step ahead of what most folks spend their summer evenings and nights doing, why not fan the flames of human conversation by engaging in meaningful chats with whoever is with you.
Final Thoughts
Look, if you’ve got plans to spend your time this summer around a campfire, then you’re an anomaly compared to many of your peers.
And if you’re invested at all in making the most out of your experience around the pit, then we’re certain just one of these timeless activities will make your experience as memorable as possible.
Ultimately, the main goal is to enjoy yourself and the people you’re with.
