Kentucky 4-H Camping Skits and Meditation Handbook

Table of Contents Quick Skits ...... 6 A Big Jerk...... 6 Artistic Genius ...... 6 Attention Attention! ...... 6 Beam Me Aboard...... 6 Closing time ...... 7 Comb your hair! ...... 7 Court Case ...... 7 Court Scene ...... 7 Crying Skit ...... 7 Do That Moo That You Do So Well ...... 8 Dog Incident...... 8 Drinking Cola ...... 8 Duck Food ...... 8 Echo ...... 9 Elephants ...... 9 EW! ...... 9 Fly Swatter ...... 9 Fruit of the Loom ...... 10 Gravity Check ...... 10 Is it time yet? ...... 10 It's all around me! ...... 10 Jacket Walk on Skit ...... 11 Listen at the Wall ...... 11 Lost Item around Campfire ...... 11 Lost Quarter ...... 11 Painting the Walls ...... 12 Pebbles ...... 12 Plane Landing ...... 12 Prisoner ...... 12 Rattle Snake ...... 13 River Water! ...... 13 Soldier in the Battlefield ...... 13 2

The Meeting Skit...... 13 They're After Me! ...... 14 Three against a Thousand ...... 14 Throwing Up ...... 14 Washington's Farewell ...... 14 What kind of tracks are these? ...... 14 What's up? ...... 15 Medium Length ...... 16 Airplane Disaster ...... 16 Bach ...... 16 Bonfire ...... 17 Come See The Monster ...... 17 Cool and Creamy ...... 17 Did you see that? ...... 18 Dirty Dishes ...... 19 Do you got it? ...... 19 Energy Saver ...... 19 Four Leaf Clover ...... 20 Hairy Hamburger ...... 20 Igor's Brain Sale ...... 20 Important Papers ...... 21 Jailhouse Comedian ...... 21 JC Penny ...... 22 Lancaster Bomber ...... 22 Lemonade from Sydney ...... 22 Living Xylophone ...... 23 Nurses ...... 23 Offensive Bus Passenger ...... 23 Penny Pants ...... 23 Presents for the Teacher ...... 24 Restaurant Minutes ...... 24 Statues in the Park ...... 25 Table Skit ...... 25 The Bravest Camper ...... 25 The Captain of the Ship ...... 26

The Make-up skit ...... 26 The Scab ...... 27 The Weather Stick ...... 27 Toothache ...... 27 Toothbrush Skit ...... 28 Tree Climber ...... 28 Two Burglars ...... 29 Long Skits ...... 30 7-Up Camp Skit ...... 30 Ants Marching ...... 30 Anything for a Sale!! ...... 31 Bandana Instructor ...... 32 Beautiful Horse ...... 33 Bubble Gum Skit ...... 33 Honey Bee ...... 33 Lion, Tiger, Bear, OH PIE! ...... 34 Making Eggs ...... 35 Movie Theater Skit ...... 36 The Muffin Man ...... 36 PB&J Skit ...... 37 Pencils ...... 37 Pencil Salesman (Alt. Version) ...... 38 The Caterpillar ...... 39 World's Best Spitter ...... 39 Variations in length ...... 40 Blue Trolls ...... 40 Camper Skit...... 41 Candy Shop ...... 42 Clothing Shop...... 42 Hypochondriac...... 43 Alt version: Contagious Disease Ward ...... 43 Invisible bench ...... 43 Johnny Got Hit by a Car ...... 44 Mama Mama! ...... 44 Pie in the Face ...... 45

WEE!!! ...... 45 What Are You Doing This Summer ...... 46 Who Sneezed? ...... 46 Wide Mouthed Frog ...... 47 Works Every Time ...... 48 Mediations/Camp Fire ...... 51 Leading Meditation Programs for 4-H Camps ...... 51 Rain Storm ...... 54 Forest Foliage Signature ...... 55 A Summer Symbol ...... 58 Signatures ...... 58 A Smile ...... 59 The Art of Giving ...... 60 Priceless Privileges ...... 61 A Little Fellow Follows Me ...... 61 A Short Course in Human Relations ...... 62 TIME ...... 63 The Meaning of Love ...... 64 A Regard for Others ...... 64 To Give the Best ...... 65 Why Wait for a Break? ...... 66 A Blessing in Disguise ...... 66 The Waste in Worry ...... 67 BELOW THE SURFACE ...... 67 A CHALLENGING LETTER TO ONE SELF ...... 68 4-H CAMPERS SAY GOODBYE ...... 69 THE MAN IN THE GLASS ...... 70

Quick Skits Less than 5 mins

A Big Jerk You need one person to act like a lawn mower that will not start.

Get about 3 people to try it 2 times each. It still will not start so you call on somebody from the audience to come down and try it.

He does and it starts fine then somebody says "Thanks. I guess all it took was a big jerk!" (Use staff as audience member not camper)

Artistic Genius The scene is an art show where judges are inspecting several canvases that are on display. They comment on the brightness, color, technique, that is used on the different pictures. They select one for the prize and comment additionally on the genius, imagination, and the beauty of the picture. The artist is called up and the winning picture is shown to him. The painter exclaims, "Oh, my goodness that got in by mistake. That's the canvas that I clean my brushes on.

Attention Attention! Stage Left a Lone Camper Comes Running until he is in front of crowd LONE SCOUT (as he runs)-"ATTENTION...... " (yelling this until in front of crowd.) (Lone Scout now stands in front of crowd) Person in Audience: "WHAT, WHAT, WHAT?" Person 2 In Audience: "What do you want?" Lone Camper- "I just wanted some attention"

Beam Me Aboard One camper walks out and one hides with the "board".

The first camper acts like he is calling the "Star Trek" ship with the flip walky talky and says "Beam me a board!"

Then the second camper tosses the board onto stage and the first camper says "Thank you" and carries the board away (or if at a campfire, adds it to the fire.)

Closing time One person asks a volunteer from the crowd. An adult is best. Ask them to get down on all fours. The rest of the people in on the skit sit on chairs drinking cups of water. The person who asked for a volunteer yells out "CLOSING TIME". Each person places their cup of water on the volunteers back and walks away. The leader can then have an auction with the crowd for how long they should keep the cups of water on the volunteers back. Note: Keep the volunteer there long enough for the joke to be funny but not too long.

Comb your hair! The first person crawls in on his/her knees and falls down and pretends to die.

The next person crawls in and says "water" "water" "water" and falls down and pretends to die.

The third person crawls in and says "water" "water" "water" and gets to the cup of water and takes out his comb and combs his hair

Court Case Second person walks in with a suitcase. First person already on stage asks where he is going and the second person's reply is that he is going to court. A little while later he comes in with the case and also a ladder. This time he says that he taking his case to a higher court.

Court Scene Guy brought in - "I'm Innocent! I was just picking up pebbles on the beach!" Two or more are brought in with similar stories. Last person comes on stage dressed like a girl, saying, "Hi, I'm Pebbles", in an alluring manner.

Crying Skit The first person of the team comes on stage crying.

The next person comes out, asks the first one what's the matter and the first one whispers in his ear. Then they both start crying, long and loud.

Several others come out on stage, one at a time and repeat the same action.

When everyone is on stage, crying, moaning, howling, sniffing and so on (using large handkerchiefs that were dipped in water before their entrance and wringing them out splashily) the last person comes out and asks aloud: "Why is everyone crying?" They all answer in unison: "Because we haven't got a skit!"

Do That Moo That You Do So Well 3-4 staff are on stage and they call up an unknowing volunteer from the audience. They tell the volunteer that they are going to have a mooing contest. These are the rules. Each person in the group has to yell MOO as loud as they can on the count of three. Whoever is heard above the rest will win. But you have to yell really, really loud. You also have to beat your chest with your hands, as this will make you moo louder. One staff counts out 1-2-3 and the staff just let the volunteer get up (by himself) and moo as loud as he can.

Dog Incident Camper 1: "Can you hold my box while I go in here"(place does not exist so walk off stage)

Camper 2: "Sure" camper 1 walks off stage. Camper 2 shakes box a little and some liquid comes out. He puts his finger under it to try some.

Camper 1 comes back on stage and says "thanks for holding my puppy."

Drinking Cola First guy brings in a stool, puts it down, and leaves. Next guy brings in a can of coca cola, puts it on the stool, leaves. Next guy opens the can of coke, puts it back on the stool, leaves. Next guy drinks the whole can of coke, leaves. Next guy takes the can, leaves. Next guy takes the stool, leaves. Next guy comes in, does a really long burp, leaves.

Duck Food Camper 1: (stands behind box) Camper 2: (walks in stands in front of box) Got any duck food? Camper 1: No this is a hardware store. We don't sell duck food. Camper 2: (Leaves and re-enters & walks up to counter) Got any duck food? Camper 1: No, this is a hhhhhhaaaaarrrrrrrddddddwwwwwaaaaarrrrreeee store. We... don’t... sell... duck...food. Camper 2: (Leaves and re-enters & walks to counter) Got any duck food? Camper 1: No! And if you ask again I'm going to staple your feet to the floor. Camper 2: (Leaves and re-enters & walks to counter) got any staples? Camper 1: No. Camper 2: Good. Got any duck food?

Echo The leader announces that he has noticed an echo and he is going to try it out (also could be on a hike overlooking a canyon). The following is a dialogue between the leader and the echo - a person out of the room or out of sight.

Leader: Hello Echo: Hello Leader: Cheese Echo: Cheese Leader: Bologna Echo: (silence) Leader: (to group) It must not be working now. I'll try again. (To echo) + This leader is great. Echo: Bologna

Elephants Person 1: (Carrying a paper bag or any odd object on stage)

Person 2: Why are you carrying that paper bag?

Person 1: To keep the elephants away!

Person 2: What Elephants? There are NO elephants around these parts!

Person 1: YOU ARE WELCOME!

EW! The first person whispers in the next person's ear and the second person says "EEEEEW!" and then the third person says "What?" and then it keeps going till the end of the line. Then the last person says "EW!" and spits on the floor. (If you don't get it, everyone spit in the next person's ear).

Fly Swatter Camper walks in acting like he is swatting flies. Narrator: What are you doing? Camper: Hitting flies. Narrator: Did you get any? Camper: Yeah 5. 3 boys and 2 girls. Narrator: How can you tell if they were boys or girls? Camper: I got the 3 boys from the remote control and the 2 girls on the phone.

Fruit of the Loom Cast: Pedestrian 1, Pedestrian 2, Stranger 1,2,3, more if needed.

The two pedestrians walk down the street. Pedestrian 1: Here watch this, I can walk up to anybody and greet them by their first name. Pedestrian 2: Prove it. Pedestrian 1 walks up to stranger 1 and while shaking hands he/she looks on shirt tag. Pedestrian 1: Hi,(make up name here) Pedestrian 2: How did you that? Pedestrian 1: Well just watch closely. Pedestrian 1 walks up to stranger 2 and while shaking hands looks at shirt tag. Pedestrian 1: Hi, (make up name here) Pedestrian 2: Alright, let me try it. Pedestrian 2 walk up to stranger 3 and while shaking hands looks at shirt tag. Pedestrian 2: Hi, Fruit-of-the-Loom

Gravity Check One scout runs up to the stage. He jumps and falls on his b-hind. While he is running, he yells "Gravity Check". The scout gets up and walks off stage.

Is it time yet? 5 or more people are sitting on a bench with their right leg crossed. The person at the end of the bench says to the person beside him "Is it time yet?"

That person says the same to the next person, who says it to the next person until the message gets to the last person on the other side of the bench.

That person checks his/her watch and says "No" to the person beside him and then that person says it to the next person until it gets to the last person.

Repeat 2 more times and then 1 more time but instead of the person saying no the person says "Yes!" and everyone switches over their legs!

Groan... A True Camp Skit Classic!

It's all around me! A camper comes onto the stage frantically and says "It's all around me, it's all around me!!"

In time, a camp counselor yells "What's all around you?"

The camper replies "My belt!" 10

Jacket Walk on Skit Two campers wearing the same jacket (one camper's arm in one sleeve, the other's arm in the other sleeve) walk on stage.

Another camper yells "Hey! What are you doing?" The campers yell back "One size fits all!"

Listen at the Wall One person goes along a wall listening and listening. Others come along and ask him what he is doing. He says dramatically, "Listen," and the others do. One of them says, "I don't hear anything", in a disgusted voice. "LISTEN", he says more dramatically and they listen some more. Again someone says, "I don't hear anything." The original listener says, "You know," with a faraway look, "its been like that all day."

Lost Item around Campfire First boy searches the ground around the campfire. Second boy: "What are you looking for, maybe I can help you find it. First boy: "I dropped my favorite marble." Second boy: "Where were you standing when you dropped it?" First boy: "Over there." (He points into the darkness." Second boy: "Then why are you looking over there." First boy: "Are you kidding? It's too dark over there. You can't see a thing."

Lost Quarter Two campers are searching an area, one with a flashlight while the other one is searching on the ground.

Another camper walks up and asks the first one what he is doing. He says "I dropped my quarter and now I'm looking for it."

You keep doing this till all your campers have gone except for one.

He says to the first boy "watcha doing?" The first camper says "I dropped my quarter" Then the other camper says "Where did you drop it at?" The first boy says "Over there." (Pointing to a different spot.)

The other boy says "Then why are you looking over here?"

The first boy says "Because this is where he is holding the flashlight."

Painting the Walls In the middle of the singing a person wearing two coats, holding a paint bucket, paint brush, and a step ladder pushes through the crowd. He excuses himself saying he is a painter and needs to do the next room.

The leader asks him why he is dressed for winter. The painter replies that he was told to paint the room with two coats.

Pebbles A counselor is standing alone on stage looking at his/her watch, when finally a camper comes along.

The counselor asks where he/she has been, and the camper replies, "Throwing pebbles in the lake."

This occurs a few more times as more campers come along and say that they, too, were "Throwing pebbles in the lake."

Plane Landing Pilot and control tower voice are located on opposite sides of the stage area. An out of sight on the pilot's side makes engine noises. Another person starts the skit by saying, "I think that there is a plane overhead."

PILOT (yelling loudly): "Pilot to control tower - "I'm coming in. Give me landing instructions!"

CONTROL TOWER (in loud monotone as if through a microphone): "Control tower to pilot - why are you yelling so loud!"

PILOT: "Pilot to control tower, pilot to control tower-I haven't got a radio!”

Prisoner A prisoner is brought before a judge. The policeman says that he caught him red-handed. Judge asks if it is true and the prisoner says, "Well, maybe so and maybe not".

The prisoner is asked if he has stolen before and he replies, "Mmmm ... now & then".

Judge, impatient now, asks where he stole these things and the prisoner replies here and there.

Judge tells the policeman to lock him up!

Prisoner asks when he will get out of jail. Judge smugly says, "Oh, sooner or later."

Rattle Snake The two campers are sleeping peacefully when one of them jumps up and screams "AH I've been bit by a rattle snake on the bum". Second camper: "Hold on I'll go find out what to do"(running to doctor)

Second camper: (talking to doctor) "Doctor Doctor my friend was bit by a rattle snake what should I do?"

Doctor: "You must first suck out the poison"

Second camper: (returns to camp) Well (first camper) doctor says you’re gonna die.

River Water! This takes about 5 campers and is done like this. There is a chief who is handing out forks spoons and knives and plates. The first camper goes "Can I get a fork please?" The chief replies "Sure here you go." Then the camper goes "How did you get it so clean?" The chief says "River water." You do this with at least 3 more campers using different objects (forks spoons knives plates) when you finish that one more camper says "May I have a fork?" The chief says "I have to clean some first." The chief yells "River water!" and a dog comes up and licks all the silverware. All the campers act sick.

Soldier in the Battlefield This skit can be played by just one person, or you can use two. A person in battle dress falls on the ground moaning that he is about to die.

The orderly kneels over him frantically trying to record his name for the records. He keeps on asking his name, but he is in too much pain to bother with his name and keeps on asking for help.

In desperation the orderly tells the soldier that he is dying and that he needs his name to tell his mother. The soldier replies that his mother already knows his name.

The Meeting Skit A large group of important-looking people are sitting in a circle. They appear to be having an urgent meeting.

#1 stand up and yells "But I think we should" and sits down #2 stand up and yells “We should try it my way"

All of this should be without pause, overlapping one another. This process continues for as long as needed with similar phrases.

Finally, one person stands up and claps his hands...

“So we're agreed! We want one large pizza with onions, pepperoni, sausage, pineapple, tomatoes, green bell peppers, and hold the anchovies!"

They're After Me! Two campers on stage talking about last night's events. From off stage someone starts screaming "They're after me, they're after me!"

The two campers on stage look around wondering what’s going on.

The screaming camper runs on stage and trys to hide behind the other campers who move out from his way, all the time still screaming, and ‘‘They’re after me!'' over and over again.

One camper asks ''Who's after you?''

Screaming camper answers ''The squirrels! They think I'm NUTS!!!'' Everyone runs off stage.

Three against a Thousand Three guys all bandaged up and smeared with dirt and blood come dragging into the meeting with the disbelieving tail about the fantastic battle that they had just gone through.

"What a battle, what fantastic odds, we never should have attempted it in the first place, 3 against a 1000, unbelievable!" Really ham it up...

Finally, one guy says, "Yeah they were the toughest three guys I've ever seen.”

Throwing Up The camper comes in front of the group and starts throwing the ball into the air. He does this until the camp director asks the question, "What are you doing?" At which time the camper replies "Throwing Up!"

Washington's Farewell It is announced that a member of the troop has memorized Washington's Farewell Address and is about to do a dramatic portrayal of it. A boy emerges dressed as Washington and delivers his farewell address, "Bye Mom!"

What kind of tracks are these? First boy, standing center stage, looking at ground. Second camper comes in, asks: "What are you doing?" 14

First camper: "I'm trying to figure out what kind of tracks these are."

Second camper: "They look like wolf tracks to me.

Third camper joins group: "What are you doing?"

First camper: "I'm trying to figure out what kind of tracks these are."

Second camper: "They look like wolf tracks to me."

Third camper: "They look like bear tracks to me."

Fourth camper joins group:"What are you doing?"

First camper: "I'm trying to figure out what kind of tracks these are."

Second camper: "They look like wolf tracks to me."

Third camper: "They look like bear tracks to me."

Fourth camper: "You guys, those are TRAIN TRACKS."

Just then, the rest of the campers come in as a train, tooting and chugging.

What's up? Camper walks onto stage looking up. Second camper walks on stage, looks at first boy, then faces audience and looks up.

Third camper walks on stage, looks at second and first campers, faces audience and looks up.

Continues until final camper walks up to the others, looks at each of them, then faces audience and looks up.

After a second, he turns to the camper next to him and asks, "What are we looking at?" That camper responds, "I don't know." And turns to the next camper and asks him the same question. This continues down the line until the question is asked of the first camper who walked in.

He responds, "I don't know what you are all looking at, but I have a stiff neck!"

Medium Length ~ 5 to 10 minutes

Airplane Disaster Two Campers are sitting on chairs, one pretending to be an airplane pilot, and the other is the co-pilot. Pilot: "The plane is a little too heavy - we can't land!" Co-Pilot: "I'll throw this apple out" (Throws an apple out an imaginary window) Pilot: "We're still too heavy to land!" Co-Pilot: "I'll chuck this Banana out" (Throws a banana out) Pilot: We're still too heavy, throw something else out!" Co-Pilot: Pretends to throw something out and says "Done." Pilot: "What did you throw out that time?" Co-Pilot: "A Grenade" Pilot: "I don't think you should have done that. Oh, well, at least we can land now." Pilot and Co-Pilot land the plane and start walking away. They pass Camper 1, who is holding his head and an apple. Pilot: "What happened to you?" Camper 1: "I was walking along and this apple fell out of the sky and hit me in the head!" They pass Camper 2, who is holding his head and a banana. Pilot: "What happened to you?" Camper 2: "I was walking along and this banana fell out of the sky and hit me in the head!" They pass Camper 3, who is laughing. Pilot: "What happened to you?" Camper 3: "I farted and the outhouse actually BLEW UP!"

Bach Two of the people are standing pretending to play the violin. Larry and Bubba mosey up and one of them says, "Whatcha doin'?" Person playing the violin says "We are playing the violin" Larry: "whatcha playin'?" Violinist: "We are playing Motzart" Bubba: "Neva' heard o' him" Violinist: "Here is another piece" Larry "What's that?" Violinist: "That is Beethoven" Bubba: "Neva' heard o' him neither" Violinist: "Here's another" Larry: "What's that?" Violinist: "That's Bach"

Bubba: "We've heard of bak, we hear that one all the time on the farm!" Then Larry and Bubba start running around screaming "bak! bak!" like chickens

Bonfire A leader begins to explain how to lay a campfire. The leader decides to use members of the audience to represent different pieces of wood. The bonfire builders bring up various volunteers. Some of the volunteers are bunched in the center for tinder with others placed for kindling with the "big" logs stacked on top of each other in increasing larger sizes. The leader then says that the fire is ready to light, strikes a match, whereupon, several accomplices yell out that its ON FIRE and dash several buckets of water on the fire.

Come See The Monster There is one person under a sheet, then another person to be the "Advertiser" then several more that will come up later.

Advertiser: Come one come all! Come see the scariest monster in the world! (The person under the sheet)

Customer1: Alright, I'll check it out, how scary can it be? (They peek under the sheet and faint or run away screaming)

Advertiser: O.K., Who's next step right up!

Customer2: I'll take a look (Peeks under sheet and screams while fainting)

Advertiser: (rolls customer to the side) Anyone Else?

Customers 3&4: Let us look! (They both look under the sheet and faint)

Advertiser: (Rolls customers with the other one) this wasn't in the job description. Does anyone from out there (the audience) want to look at the monster? (Choose someone that won't get their feelings hurt easily)

Volunteer looks under the sheet and the monster faints.

Cool and Creamy It starts out with two counselors standing outside; they each have a can of shaving cream. Together they sing: Cool and Creamy We like cool and creamy 17

Cool and creamy We like it the best!

Counselor 1: Would you like it on your shirt. Counselor 2: Yes id like it on my shirt Counselor 1: On your shirt? Counselor 2: On my shirt. [counselor one squirts counselor two's shirt with shaving cream.

Together they sing: Cool and Creamy We like cool and creamy Cool and creamy We like it the best!

Counselor 1: Would you like in your pants. Counselor 2: Yes id like it in my pants Counselor 1: In your pants Counselor 2: In my pants

Together they sing: Cool and Creamy We like cool and creamy Cool and creamy We like it the best!

This keeps going on and on using things such as up your nose, down your shirt, in your hair, on your face, use your imagination! The last two are always would you like some in your nose followed by would you like some in your mouth? [counselor actually receives a mouth full of shaving cream which is usually immediately spit out]

Did you see that? Two or more people take part. The action can be taking place in any location; the city, the country, the woods, etc.

While walking along, one person excitedly exclaims, "Whoa,cool,wow,neat! (or any similar exclamation) did you see that?"

Another person who is the "dummy" for the entire skit acts like they didn't see the object/action while obviously looking around replies "No, What? What? I missed it."

Then the person or people who saw the object say what it was (any object;

Bald Eagle, fish, fancy car, cute girl etc.) and comment on how neat it was. Example; "That Salmon must've jumped three feet in the air!"

Repeat this dialogue again so the "dummy" replies "No, What did I miss?. After the third or so time where the "dummy" doesn't see the object/action they decide to "fake it" so they do not seem so stupid and reply "Yes, wow! That was so cool, neat, awesome etc."

For the last one, while walking along the group of people turn around and point at the ground where they just walked and exclaim together, "Whoa! Gosh! Did you see that back there?

The "dummy" Replies again, "Yes, Wow! That was amazing! Then one of the others exclaims, "Then why did you step in it? That was the biggest, gooiest pile of dog doo I've ever seen!"

The others exclaim wildly "Oh, gross! As the "dummy" pretends to wipe his shoe off on the ground.

Dirty Dishes The counselor walks on the stage with a big pot, sets it down on a table along with a spoon or ladle, and sets up a "Back in 5 min" sign before walking offstage. A camper comes along, eyes the pot, grabs the spoon and takes a big, messy slurp. Eyes wide, he/she grabs a friend from offstage and stresses how important it is that they try this awesome tasting soup. This keeps happening, each new person getting another to try the soup. You can make each have a different personality (etc. hyper, ghetto, California girl) just for laughs. The counselor walks back on, seeing the camper grouped around the soup. Spotting the counselor, the campers flee. Laughing, the counselor appreciatively proclaims how nice it is to see campers helping wash the dirty dishes.

Do you got it? The object is to have a very dramatic person who keeps on saying "Do you got it? Do you got it?" while walking back in forth in front of the audience. People keep on bringing things out and hold up to him/her. Once everyone has gone except the last person the last person comes out running with toilet paper! Then him/her shouts out "That’s it you got it!" They run off and pretend to go the bathroom! If it is outside run behind a tree.

Energy Saver Camp Counselor: Today, let's take turns and tell how we can help to conserve energy in our homes.

Camper 1: I know a good way. My mom doesn't use her clothes dryer as much as she used to. She uses a new solar energy device called a clothesline and hangs her laundry outside to dry in the sunshine.

Camper 2: My dad said that if we filled a plastic bottle with water and put it in the tank in the bathroom, it would cut down on the amount of water used for flushing.

Camper 3: Did you know that if you take showers you use a lot less water than if you take baths? Mom even uses a timer, and we have learned to take 3-minute showers at our house.

Camper 6: (Starts to slowly fall asleep.)

Camper 4: We keep the drapes closed on summer days and keep them open for light and warmth in the winter.

Camper 5: We keep the damper in our fireplace closed whenever we aren't using it. If it's left open in the winter, the warm air in the house escapes up the chimney and that's a waste.

Camper 6: (Is now completely asleep)

Camp Counselor: Johnny, do you have anything to add about saving energy? (She turns to see that he is fast asleep.) I guess Johnny is the best energy saver of us all.

Four Leaf Clover A person finds a four leaf clover. He feels sure that it will bring him good luck. Another person runs into him. They accuse each other of running into each other. They start hitting each other. A policeman comes along, the other guy accuses the lucky person. The lucky person is hauled off to jail. The lucky person reappears, disgruntled and unhappy. Garbage is dumped on him as he walks along and gets fined by a policeman for littering. The lucky man throws away the four leaf clover. Another finds it. The former lucky man comes back on stage. The person who found the four leaf runs on stage saying he just won a million dollars and has good luck since he found it. The former lucky man slumps down, groans, and begins to cry.

Hairy Hamburger A man sits down in a restaurant and orders a hamburger. The waiter brings out his hamburger. The man starts eating his hamburger and finds a hair in it; complains to waiter and another one is brought out. The second hamburger has a hair in it and is taken back. The third hamburger also has a hair in it. The man gets upset and demands to see the cook. The cook comes out and the man asks him how he makes his hamburgers. The cook says that all he does is roll the meat and demonstrates making patties by placing the meat under his arm and squeezes.

Igor's Brain Sale Have a camper (Igor) stand in front of the audience and the other three stand aside.

The 1st staff walks up to Igor and Igor asks if he wants to buy brains. He asks for some candy and he yells "GO AWAY!"

The 2nd staff walks up to Igor and Igor asks if he wants brains. He asks for soda (any brand) and Igor yells at him again.

The 3rd staff walks up and Igor asks if he wants brains. He agrees.

Igor shows him a Scout's brain (imaginary) and says, "camper brain, 1 dollar', camp counselor, 5 dollar'" He continues up and keeps raising the price all the way to Camp Director's brain for $1,000,000.

The 3rd staff asks, "Why is this one so high??"

Igor says, "'Cause it's never been used!!"

Important Papers The setting can be either a king or a boss in his office who beckons to a courtier or assistant that he wants his royal or important papers. The person runs in with a sheath of papers, the king or boss quite agitated tosses them aside and demands that they bring him his important papers. Other people bring in other things one at a time such as a book etc. The king throws them aside and gets more and more upset demanding that he have his important papers. At last someone comes in with a roll of toilet paper (court jester, office boy etc.). The king knights him or the boss promotes him thanking him profusely and runs off the stage in visible relief.

Jailhouse Comedian Jailer (as he escorts the new inmate to his cell) OK, here is your new home. Don't expect to get out anytime soon!! (Jailer laughs maniacally as he leaves.

Inmates taunt new inmate. After a few moments of silence ...)

Inmate 1 (yells): Five!! (Other inmates laugh hysterically while new inmate looks confused).

Inmate 2 (yells): Twenty-Two!! (Other inmates laugh while new inmate looks even more confused).

Inmate 3 (yells): Forty-Three!! (Other inmates laugh while new inmate continues to look confused).

(This can go on for several inmates depending on the number of campers available. When all inmates have had their 'turn,' a moment of silence and then ...)

New Inmate: I don't understand! What's going on? Why is everybody laughing?

Inmate 1: Well, we've been here so long that we have memorized every joke we know. Inmate 2: So to save time, we just give each joke a number.

New Inmate: Gee, I think I'll give it a try ... (yells) Seventy-Five!!

(Absolute silence - no one laughs)

New Inmate: What did I do wrong?

Inmate 3: I guess some people just can't tell a joke!

JC Penny A camper stands in the middle of the stage, the rest off to the side. One of the campers walks by the first. The first camper asks the second, "Nice shirt. Where did you get it?". The second camper responds, "JC Penny!" and walks off stage. The third camper now walks by the first. The first camper asks the third, "Nice pants. Where did you get them?". The third camper responds, "JC Penny" and walks off stage. This happens with all the campers except the last one who is wearing the toga. After all the campers have gone through, the remaining camper walks by the first acting like he is looking for someone. The first camper asks him, "Hey, who are you?” Camper responds, "I am JC Penny!"

Lancaster Bomber Pick three people out of the audience and get them to pretend that one is the pilot one is the navigator and one is the rear gunner of a Lancaster Bomber.

You then need four more volunteers to be the engines. They are flying back from a bombing raid when the enemy fire hits one of the engines, so the camper who is that engine falls over. It goes on until all the engines have fallen off.

Now tell the audience that the engines have caught fire.

Now shout "WHATS THE BEST WAY TO PUT OUT FIRE" and four campers run in with the four pans of water and drench the campers who are the engines while shouting "WATER!”

Lemonade from Sydney One person stands behind the table, while the other three are off stage. The person behind the table yells, “Lemonade, Lemonade just 10 cents a cup"

First person walks up to the table, "yes, I'll have some. (Takes a sip) Excellent! Where does it come from?"

"Sydney" 1st person walks off stage

(Repeat for 2nd & 3rd actors)

After the third person walks off stage, lemonade salesperson ponders aloud, "Where's Sydney?"

Then call your dog... Here Sydney... here boy/girl 22

Living Xylophone The instrument consists of several kneeling performers. The player strikes each on the head with a fake mallet or his fist as if playing a xylophone. Each player utters a single note when struck. Simple songs such as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" can be played this way.

Nurses The scene is an emergency room at a hospital. The nurse is totally self absorbed, combing hair, looking in mirror etc.

A camper runs in, a skier with a pole stuck in his/her stomach (a branch could be used also for a hiker).

Patient is screaming in agony. The nurse insists that she must ask him some questions before anything can be done. The patient screams that he is losing blood.

The nurse continues asking questions such as where he lives, past illnesses, type of house, how he got there etc.

A phone rings and a Dr. Killjoy asks the nurse out to lunch. The nurse runs off leaving the wounded man writhing on the floor. A goofy looking janitor with a broom wanders by and pulls the pole out. The patient stands up, says thanks and leaves.

Offensive Bus Passenger Players are pretending that they are riding a bus. There is a bus driver and several passengers. Every time the bus stops, the passengers holds their nose, coughs, etc. looking at a specific passenger as they get off the bus. The bus driver complains to the offensive passenger that he is driving everyone off his bus.

The passenger says that it isn't his fault. The driver accuses him of a peculiar smell and asks if he has taken a bath, washed his shirt, socks, feet, etc. The passenger claims that he has.

Irritated, the passenger pulls a pair of dirty, smelly, socks out of his back pocket, as proof.

Penny Pants You should have a group of at least 4-5 people who will be doing the skit. Naturally, make sure they know exactly what is going on ahead of time. Give each group member a penny and a large glass of ice water.

You tell the audience you need volunteers. Each group member will pick one volunteer so that there is exactly one volunteer for each volunteer. **Make sure you choose volunteers who do not embarrass easily and have a good sense of humor. ** Teachers/adults/counselors are preferable because it really makes the kids laugh.

Tell the volunteers that they are participating in a game. In this game they have to put the penny on their forehead and try to drop it down into the front of their pants. Whoever does this first will win a prize? This whole time you and members of your group should be nonchalantly sipping your glasses of ice water.

Say "Read, Set, Go!" As the volunteers hold out the front of their pants trying to drop the penny in, (which is actually a little more difficult than you may think) you and the members of the group get beside the volunteer you previously chose. Silently count with your group members "3...2...1" and then dump your glass of ice water down the front of their pants, which they are conveniently holding out for you. I have never heard a group of kids laugh so hard!

Presents for the Teacher Kids bring in presents for their teacher on the first day of school. The teacher can tell what the child's parents does by the present he brings such as apples from parent's fruit stand, baker's child brings rolls, candy maker candy. The last person brings in a crudely wrapped package, with yellow liquid leaking out. The teacher tastes the liquid and states that his father must run a bottling factory.

The child replies that no his dad is a dogcatcher and that it is a puppy in the package.

Restaurant Minutes The scene is two guys enter a greasy spoon type of restaurant that has a customer and a grill cook with a stained apron.

The cook says that all they have is soup and a hot dog. The first man says he will take the soup and the other man says he wants the same. The cook tells them if one wants the soup the other has to have the hot dog.

The second man agrees and asks to have mustard put on the hot dog and the waiter leaves. The third asks if they steal, referring the cook.

The first man says the cook will steal your shirt off your back if he could. The first & second man gets their order, the cook dropping the silverware, then wiping them off with his dirty apron.

Second man tells the cook that he wanted mustard on his hot dog. The cook squeezes mustard off his apron onto the hot dog.

First man says that there is a fly in his soup. The cook retrieves the fly out of the soup, squeezing it, telling the fly to spit it all back.

The third man disgusted, makes a comment and walks out without his pants. His pants have been stolen.

Statues in the Park The scene opens with a statue (camper, standing still) posed as a famous statue such as The Thinker or The Discus Thrower.

Another person introduces himself as Dr. Arthritic Kneecap of the University of Amputation and Mutilation. He talks about having discovered a formula to revitalize calcium deposits; even would work on this statue he says.

The doctor pours the bottle on the statue and it slowly comes to life. The statue and the professor talk about being alive.

The doctor then asks the statue "what is the first thing you want to do?"

The statue says that he wants to kill 5,000 pigeons with his bare hands.

Table Skit Bring up 5 or 6 counselors that have no idea what they are getting into. Have them get down on all fours on the ground and place a large cup of ice cold water on their back as if they were a table.

Have 2 campers sit next to each counselor and just begin to talk to each other. Then, have the rest of the presenters run on with sticks or some other non harmful weapon.

They all begin to fight and knock all of the cups of water off and spilling them on the counselor's backs. At the end, the attackers run off and the diners apologize for the wetness and let them sit down again.

This is great if done by the same age group every year because the returning counselors know what is happening and they laugh a lot at the new counselors that have no idea what is going to happen.

The Bravest Camper ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, today we have with us the bravest camper in the world. Let’s meet him (or her, of course). BRAVE CAMPER: [camper steps up and takes a bow] ANNOUNCER: Folks, lets see how brave he really is. Here comes Dracula, a blood thirsty fiend. DRACULA: [Dracula approaches camper with hooded face and rises up ready to attack] BRAVE CAMPER: [Smiles at vampire and shakes Dracula's hand] ANNOUNCER: And now, we have a werewolf, a ferocious and horrible creature of the night. WEREWOLF: [Charges up to brave scout, snarling and clawing at the air] BRAVE CAMPER: [Yawns as though he is absolutely bored] ANNOUNCER: And now he faces the mummy, a ghastly undead monster. MUMMY: [Lumbers, moaning, towards the brave camper with hands outstretched reaching for the brave camper 's neck] BRAVE CAMPER: [Looks at watch like he is ready to go home] repeat announcing all the monsters, brave 25 camper continues to show no fear, just friendliness, boredom or indifference. ALL MONSTERS: [Gather around behind the brave camper] ANNOUNCER: Well, as you can see nothing can scare this brave camper, not even the worst monsters in the world. And now, our Camp Director will present the trophy to this fearless lad. BRAVE CAMPER: [As the Camp Director approaches the brave camper looks up, then with a terrified look on his face he runs away from the Camp Director screaming] MONSTERS: [Also afraid of the Camp Director they yell, scream and moan as they run off stage]

The Captain of the Ship Only "Captain" and "First Mate" speak: FM holds out arm as telescope and says "Captain,I see a ship off the port side! C "How many men and how many guns?" FM "20 men and 20 guns!" C "Very good! Bring me my red jacket so the men won't see me bleed!" Battle sounds from campers ; cannons roar, shots fired, men groaning,ect. FM “Captain, a ship off the starboard"! C "How many men and how many guns"? FM "50 men and 50 guns"! C "Here we go again! Bring me my red jacket so the men won't see me bleed"! Battle sounds longer, more gruesome, let campers have FUN with it! FM "Captain, a ship right behind us"!! C "Calm down! How many men and how many guns"? FM "100 Men and 100 guns"!! C "Hmmm, bring me my yellow pants.”

The Make-up skit This skit doesn't have to be done with makeup... any routine will do... such as getting ready in the morning.

One person sits on a bench while a partner hides behind them. The person's arms are behind them, and the partner inserts their arms under the first persons' arms. In other words, the person on the bench is doing the routine without the use of their arms.

It is the partner who performs all of the actions even though they cannot see. So, for instance the partner applies lipstick and eye shadow and powder and all kinds of makeup. The person on the bench acts like they know what they are doing. Talking about what they want to do next and where they are going and perhaps making excuses for why they are getting the makeup all over their face.

The Scab This skit works best if you have the participants up in front of the group in a "normal" setting. The fewer people who are "in on the gag" the better.

Need 3 participants - preferably leaders/counselors rather than campers (the effect is much better)

Participant 1 should have a decent sized piece of a greenish/yellow fruit roll-up laying on their skin - "the scab".

Participant 2 should be sitting next to Participant 1 - repeatedly pointing to scab and whispering/poking at it to Participant 1.

Participant #2 should increase the frequency and/or urgency of their interest/poking/eyeing of the "scab" to the great distress and aggravation of Participant 1 - to the point of having to slap P-2's hands back several times and being a great distraction to the overall event.

Participant 3 should be doing normal activities in front of the group - explaining the day's events or whatever purpose the group has been called together to hear. Because of the distraction of P-1 & P-2, P-3 explains to everyone that P-1 fell down and skinned up their leg/arm/face (wherever the "scab" is located) - make the story elaborate and embarrassing to add drama.

Just as P-3 finishes explaining how the scab came to be....P-2 should reach in, pluck off the "scab" and eat it.....shock, terror, joy, gasps will ensue.

The Weather Stick Have two volunteers hold up a blanket or sleeping bag and stand in front of the audience. Tell the audience that the stick that you are holding is a magic weather stick, and it can predict the weather.

Hold the stick above your head and say "I think it is making a prediction." Hold it up to your ear, and pretend to listen to it. Say that it says that is is going to be windy, and have someone move the branch around in your face, as if it is windy.

Then say that it is going to hail, and have someone move rattle the bucket with the rocks in it and act like it is hailing on you. Then say that it is going to rain, and have someone throw the water on you.

Toothache A boy with a toothache complains to another boy. The other boy says he will help and pulls out tooth with a pair of pliers. The boy with the toothache says wrong tooth. Another person comes along and gives him some apples saying that will cure his toothache. Boy ends up with a stomachache. Another person says to tie a string to his tooth and tie the other end

27 to a door. The door slams in the face of the boy with the toothache. He now has a toothache, headache, and a stomachache. Another person enters with some hedge clippers or an axe or something. He says, "I hear you have a toothache". The boy with the toothache says, "Not that!" and runs off the stage.

Toothbrush Skit This skit is best done by brave counselors to an audience of shocked campers... although it would work with anyone who was willing.

Any number of people are asleep on the ground. There is a toothbrush, some toothpaste, and a glass of water nearby. One person yells to another in the group that they need to get up for some reason for another. "Jane! It's your turn to wake the campers up!" or "Joe, get up, you're going to be late!"

The skit is funnier if the people are sleeping on top of one another, snoring, mumbling, tossing, etc.

The named person grumpily wakes up and proceeds to brush their teeth, even spitting back in the cup. They then go back to sleep. This process continues until every sleeping person has brushed their teeth (same brush, same cup).

The skit ends when the last person claims to need to take their medicine and chugs the whole glass of water. This gets pretty gross...it is often hard to get people who are willing to go third or fourth, but if you can... the campers will never forget it.

Tree Climber While camp director is talking about something (such as telling the title of another skit) two campers interrupt him and say "We have been at camp for a long time, so we know these skits already and we found a tree that we would rather climb." Camp Director thinks it over and grants their request "I'll keep checking up on you!"

Campers walk off into woods, out of sight of the group. You will need to tie a log up in tree with a rope before the skit begins...

Camp Director goes on with a skit, and yells to the boys to see how high they are (campers do not actually climb tree). The campers say about 50 to 75 feet up.

Camp Director says "OK" and continues on with a skit then checks back with the campers. The campers say that they are about 150 to 200 feet high. The camper master then says that he doesn't think there are that high of trees where you are camping.

The boys start to yell and then lets the log hit the ground as if it was them.

Two Burglars 2 cops begin by saying that there has been a robbery and they have to play the tape to find the culprits. The cops pretend to play a tape and watch a fake tv screen. The pickpockets and victim walk out on stage coming from opposite directions and bump into each other. The Cops rewind (where everyone moves backwards) the tape then play it slower. Moving very slowly the pickpockets bump into the victim. Still it is too hard for the cops to see what is happening. Finally, the cops play the tape in slow mo. The pickpockets move very slowly, pick the victim up spin him upside down and shake money out of pockets and safely put them down. The cops act like they are in shock.

Long Skits >Than 10 Minutes

7-Up Camp Skit Four guys are sitting in a hospital waiting room. A nurse enters.

"Hello Mr. Morissey (or whatever name you want), I have great news! Your wife just gave birth to twins!" Mr. Morissey jumps up and exclaims: "Wow, this is really funny, because I work as a talent agent for the Minnesota Twins!" and he exits.

Time passes, and the nurse enters again.

"Hello Mr. Jenkins! I have wonderful news! Your wife just gave birth to triplets!" Mr. Jenkins jumps up and says: "Wow, that's really funny, because I make tape at 3M!" and he exits.

Time passes, and the nurse enters again. "Hello Mr. Chester! I have exciting news! Your wife just gave birth to quadruplets!" Mr. Chester jumps up and says: "Wow, that's really funny, because I draw The Fantastic Four." before he exits, the last man gets up. Last man: "That's it, I'm outta here." Nurse: "Why is that?" Last man: "I work at 7-up!"

Ants Marching At irregular intervals between skits, when there is ALWAYS dead time, the group marches across the stage/camp fire area singing the appropriate verse of "The Ants Go Marching...". (Try to time the marching so one verse lasts all the way across the stage)

1st time: The Ants go marching one by one, hurrah, ... ,

The Ants go marching one by one, the little one stops to shoot his gun (smallest guy in group pretends to shoot at the audience), and they all ...

2nd time: The Ants go marching two by two, hurrah, ... , The Ants go marching two by two, the little one stops to tie his shoe (smallest guy in group pretends to tie his shoe), and they all ...

3rd time: The Ants go marching three by three, hurrah, ... The Ants go marching three by three, the little one stops to (smallest guy stops and pretends to be unzipping his trousers) - 30

Camp Director shouts: HEY!!!! NO, WAIT, STOP!!!! It's "Climb a Tree, CLIMB A TREE!!!!" All scramble off, leaving the smallest guy alone in front of the audience, zipping up and looking sheepish.

Anything for a Sale!! Camper #1 is a store Salesman Camper #2 is a Mother looking for a new couch

Props needed: 3 chairs lined up, a bucket of water, bottle of ketchup, mustard and some other kinds of condiments. Jelly, peanut butter, soda, baking sprinkles, etc. Safe but messy lotions, foods and fun things. Box of matches

Camper 1 (Salesman) comes on stage and says a few volunteers are needed to help out with the skit. Since the stage is a furniture store the volunteers are asked to be pieces of furniture.

Three chairs are lined up and in each chair sits a volunteer the side people holding up their arms for arm rests. One other person stands up straight as a lamp behind the couch. Another person can act like a coffee table - whatever catches the fancy of the Salesperson. The volunteers are thanked profusely and told that they are to stay still no matter what. Their job is to pretend they are furniture, so they are to be still and not move, laugh or wiggle.

When the showroom is done the Salesman tells the audience that business has been really slow and that he/she REALLY needs a sale!!

As he/she finishes telling the audience how badly the store is doing and how much a sale is needed the Mother walks in loudly announcing that she is looking for QUALITY furniture. The Salesman assures her that this furniture is as good as it gets. The Mother says it has to be good because she has 9 children and they are VERY hard on the furniture. The Salesman asks the mother to sit down and try the furniture pointing out how comfortable the couch is (Mother sits on volunteers and spreads out, putting her feet up on the "sofa" or on the "coffee table".) Mother comments on how comfortable the furniture is but she is worried about how the fabric will hold up to her nine very busy and sometimes sloppy children.

The Salesman REALLY needs this sale and sees that this may be a potential huge sale if he/she can prove how durable and comfortable furniture is.

The Salesman offers to have the Mother bounce up and down on the furniture, turn on and off the light many times, knock on the furniture to show how solid the wood table are etc. The Mother is interested but not quite sold. She really wants to know how well the furniture will hold up to spills and stains.

The salesman is desperate, so he/she tells the Mother to wait just a moment and goes off stage and comes back with a bottle of ketchup and starts squirting the "couch". The Mother is quite impressed because the couch doesn't show the stain. (Volunteers will try hard not to move or brush off ketchup)

The Salesman can see that the Mother isn't quite sure yet, so he/she goes and gets the mustard. Once again the Mother isn't quite sure - she asks how the furniture stands up to Peanut butter and jelly. Here the Salesman runs to get the PB & J and smears it on the furniture showing the mother how easily is can wipe off.

By now the volunteers are getting pretty nervous about what is coming next.

Mother then tells the salesman that her kids love to bake and how would the furniture stand up to that? The Salesman runs out and brings back sprinkles etc.

Finally the Mother asks how best to wash the furniture - here the Salesman brings in the bucket of water and throws it on the "furniture". If any of the volunteers are still on stage (some may have decided to leave by then) the Mother announces that most of all she is worried how the furniture can stand up to fire as her kids really like to play with matches. At this point volunteers will probably get up and run off the stage - if they still are hanging in there, Salesman should tell Mother that he/she has some gasoline off stage which he could throw on the furniture to show how flame retardant it is around matches. Salesman lights a match.

At this point any remaining volunteers will probably run off stage - if they are brave enough to stay the Mother assures the Salesman that isn't necessary and buys the whole lot!

Bandana Instructor Instructor tells how they went to Mt. Ranier and went on a hike. Before they left, they had to give up their most unnecessary items and only take what was needed.

One of the items they were allowed to take was a bandana because it served so many purposes - which they will now demonstrate.

Ask for an audience volunteer - someone who has a bandana. (Choose the plant in the audience, who comes down acting a bit less than intelligent.)

Tell the plant that because it is a big audience, you will show one side and he should show the other.

Instructor takes out bandana and shows it to the crowd "I've got my bandana!"

Plant watches, then takes out Banana "I got my bandana!"

Instructor tells plant to do exactly as he does. Instructor goes through the following, and the plant does as he is told, each time asking, "are you sure?" or "should I do that now?"

Instructor: "First, fold it in half. Fold it again. Put it in your back pocket. Wipe your armpits with it. Now unfold it and put it on your head. Shine your shoes with it."

When done, the last instruction is "Whew, I've worked up a sweat, now wipe your forehead with it!" 32

Finally, the plant and instructor turn and face each other, and the Instructor is shocked "What happened to you?! Where's your bandana?"

Plant: "Bandana?? Bandana?! I though you said 'Banana'!"

Beautiful Horse The large scout is walking like a horse down the street (stage) with the third scout. The small scout walks up to them and says, "Sir, that is the most beautiful horse I have ever seen, can I buy it". The third scout says with an accent," Why you want to buy my horse, SHE no looka so good." The small scout says," What are you talking about, that is the most beautiful horse I have ever seen, please let me buy it." The third scout says once again "Why, my horse no looka so good". The small scout is starting to get upset and says, "I will give you a thousand dollars for that horse." The third scout agrees, the small scout gets on the big scout and rides off, they run into a tree. The small scout walks the big scout back to the third scout and says, "You sold me a blind horse", the third scout says, "I told you sir, my horse she no looka so good."

Bubble Gum Skit 1st camper walks out to the chair, takes his gum out of his mouth, places it on the back of the chair, then walks off.

2nd camper walks out to the chair, leans his hand on the back, finds the gum on his hand, and totally disgusted wipes it on the seat of the chair and walks off.

3rd camper walks up to the chair and sits down. He realizes with great disgust that the gum is stuck to his bum. Disgusted, he peels it off, throws it to the ground, and walks off.

4th camper walks out to the chair, then realizes he's got gum stuck to his shoe. With great disgust he peels it off, sticks it to the back of the chair, and walks off.

1st camper comes back, walks up to the chair, peels it off, sticks it in his mouth and walks on.

Honey Bee Two people enter. One person wants to play a game and the other wants to be left alone. Something like this: Ann: Play a game with me! May: No it's almost time for dinner. Ann: Please! I really want to play a game! (Ann continues to bug May to play a game with her) May: fine I'll play a game. It's called Honey Bee

Ann: Ooo okay! How do you play? May: Okay well first you need stand like a flower. Ann: Alright (stands still like a flower with mouth open) May: Okay now I'm the bee. I'll fly around you and buzz. When I get close I need you to say " Give me some honey!” Ann: Alright (starts acts like a happy flower not paying attention to May) ( While Ann isn't paying attention May turns away and gets a water bottle and fills her mouth with water) May: buzz buzz (get's close to Ann) Ann: Give me some honey! (May sprays Ann with water) Ann: Ugh! Wait, wait let me be the bee this time! May: Alright (stands like a flower) (While Ann buzzes and goes to fill her mouth with her own water bottle and not paying attention May turns and fills here mouth with water, too) Ann: buzz buzz (gets close) (May just stands there) Ann: (spits out water to the side) You are support to say Give me some honey!! ( May spits water at Ann)

Lion, Tiger, Bear, OH PIE! You need 4 tables, 4 boxes, 4 table cloths that cover to the floor and some stuffed animals; a lion, a tiger and a bear.

The leader of the skit says they need 3 volunteers. The first two volunteers do not know the skit; the last person is in on the punch line.

On the first table, you put the lion under the first box, on the second table, you put the tiger under the box and on the 3rd table, and you put the bear under the box. The 4th table has a person under the box hiding. This person under the box is not someone who knows about the skit. Get them to volunteer right before you go on. It is great to use a leader or other adult for this! Someone who likes a good laugh!

The first volunteer comes in and they are told that you are going to lift each box really fast and they have to say really loud what is under the box. Have someone with a stop watch or second hand time them. The other two volunteers are out of the room at this time and cannot see what is happening. When the box is lifted off the 4th table, the person under yells "OH MY!" This will get a great reaction.

Do the same for the second volunteer.

When it is time for the 3rd volunteer, the one in on the skit, they come in with a pie tin full of whip cream!

When they get to the 4th box, the person under the box cannot see what is about to happen. When the box is pulled off, the "volunteer" hits them with the pie and yells "OH PIE!"

Making Eggs Have a Director and 3 actors in which the 3rd actor is the Doctor.

Director: Hello everyone, I am making a movie in which I am planning to be an award winning movie with these three actors

All three actors walk out...

OK, now you all know you lines?

Actor 1 and 2: Yeah, I think so (looks around like not knowing the lines)

Director: OK, camera's ready.

Camera Man: Yeah

Director: Lights, ready?

Light Man: A okay here .

Director: Sound, ready?

Soundman: Yeah, picking up everything just fine.

Director: OK...ACTION!!!

Actor 1: (walks in to room and walks up to Actor 2)what are you doing

Actor 2: Makin eggs Actor 1: Let me try some

Actor 2: Well, they're not done, but if you want some it is ok with me.

Actor 1:( takes spoon and makes it look like he is tasting the eggs) Oh my gosh, these eggs are sick.(falls to floor acting dead)

Actor 2: (act like picking up phone) DOCTOR! DOCTOR! (then acts like he hangs up phone)

Doctor: (enters room) what seems to be the problem? 35

Actor 2: He tried some of my eggs.

Doctors: ( checks out Actor 1) He's dead.

Actor 2: Dead?!

Director: CUT.. that is the worst I've ever seen do it again but more (then put in like faster, slower, etc, you can add your own)

At the end...Director: That was great, now Cameras did you get that

Camera man: hmmmm....I ran out of film (Camera man runs off being chased by the other cast)

Movie Theater Skit You Need at least Five People, and a log maybe or chairs.

2 people to be the dating boy and girl 3 to be extras...

The couple is going to a movie and they are buying popcorn and pop and stuff and hurrying to their movie (they're running late).

When they get to theater, the only two seats are apart from each other... So sit on opposite ends of the 3 folks already there.

The boy has the pop and the girl has the popcorn. The Boy asks the person next to him to ask her for the popcorn. They do it and she passes the popcorn. As it is coming back from the boy everyone gets some popcorn and then when it gets to the boy there is not more.. (Repeat with pop, candy, etc.)

The Muffin Man - Two staff members stand on stage facing each other. One then begins jumping up and down and singing "Do you know the Muffin Man, the Muffin Man, the Muffin Man? Do you know the Muffin Man who lives on Drury Lane?" - He then stops, stands still, and tries to keep a straight face as the other then begins jumping up and down and singing "Yes, I know the Muffin Man, the Muffin Man, the Muffin Man. Yes, I know the Muffin Man, who lives on Drury Lane." The two people then link arms and dance around in a circle singing "We both know the Muffin Man, the Muffin Man, the Muffin Man. We both know the Muffin Man, who lives on Drury Lane!" - They then stop and look at each other for a second until one of them says, loudly and suddenly "Wait a 36 minute...we need more people!" He then starts yelling a countdown, starting at five, while both of them run out into the audience and stand in front of a staff member, who would stand up at this moment. (They stay where they are, do not bring them up to the stage) - When the countdown reaches zero, the two initial staff members would jump up and down and together sing "Do you know the Muffin Man...." The second set of staff members would then respond properly and both groups would hook arms with their partners and sing "We all know the Muffin Man...." - The same staff member again shouts "We need more people!" and the four staff members would run farther into the audience, this time including campers whomever else they liked. This would commence until more than half of the audience is standing and dancing, then it would be best to end it before people find themselves lonely and without partners.

PB&J Skit Two counselors (or campers) sit on a bench and start talking about how dry, itchy, bug bitten their skin is. One claims that the best choice of treatment is peanut butter and begins to rub the substance all of their arms and legs... the second claims that jelly is better and does the same thing.

The whole time they are explaining why it is a good product and the various ways they use it. This gets more fun when you begin to harass your partner by saying things like, "Did you wash your face this morning? I hear peanut butter does wonders as a facial." (Then smear them) "You know jelly makes my hair glossy... you look like you could use a little yourself!" (Jelly in the hair).

The skit ends with a third person walking up with two pieces of bread... they exclaim "I love Peanut butter and Jelly!!!" and wipe a piece of bread on each person ... put them together and take a bite.

Pencils Salesman: OMG I have all these pencils I need to sell. I'm too busy, I need someone to do it for me (enter Dummy) Salesman: Hey ___! Whatcha doing? Dummy: Nothing much! Salesman: Wanna sell these pencils for me? Dummy: What do I need to do? Salesman: Hold these, and when someone walks by sell them! Dummy: Ok got it! (Friend 1 walks by, Dummy does nothing) Salesman: What was that?! Dummy: I don’t know, I guess she/he didn’t want any pencils Salesman: Okay well you need to advertise, when someone walks by go, "pencils!" Dummy: Ok got it! (Friend 2 walks by) Dummy: PENCILS!!! Friend 2: What's up? What are you doing? Dummy: Pencils! Friend 2: Well how much are they? Dummy: Pencils! (Friend 2 leaves) 37

Salesman: What was that?! Dummy: He/she was asking so many questions and I panicked! Salesman: Ok when someone asks you how much say "two for 5, five for 10" Dummy: Ok got it! (Friend 3 walks by) Dummy: PENCILS!! Friend 3: Wow, ok how much are they? Dummy: Two for 5, five for 10! Friend 3: Well are they any good?

Dummy: Two for 5, five for 10

(Friend 3 leaves) Salesman: What was that?! Dummy: I was doing great but they wanted to know if they are any good Salesman: Just tell them "some are, some ain't" Dummy: Ok got it! (Friend 4 walks by) Dummy: PENCILS!! Friend 4: Cool, how much are they? Dummy: Two for 5, five for 10 Friend 4: Are they any good? Dummy: Some are, some ain't! Friend 4: Why should I buy them from you? Dummy: Some are, some ain't (Friend 4 leaves) Salesman: What was that?! Dummy: They asked why they should buy them from me and I just don’t know! Salesman: Tell them "if you don't, somebody else will" Dummy: Ok got it! (Robber runs in, steals pencils and leaves) (Cop runs in) Cop: Did you see that robber just run by? Dummy: PENCILS!! Cop: Well did you get their license plate? Dummy: Two for 5, five for 10! Cop: Is everyone in your family as crazy as you? Dummy: Some are, some ain't! Cop: Give me one good reason I shouldn't take you to jail right now Dummy: If you don't, somebody else will! (Cop takes Dummy to jail)

Pencil Salesman (Alt. Version) A sales manager is trying to teach a dumb salesman how to sell. The manager tells the trainee to listen to him carefully and he will teach him how to sell. He gives him the following instructions:

1) Hold pencils in your hand and say, "Pencils for sale." Practice saying that.

2) Next people will ask how much they are so say, "Ten cents. Three for a quarter." 3) Then they will ask what color so you tell them yellow. 4) Now they will either buy them or they won't. If they don't buy say, "If you don't, someone else will."

The manager has him repeat the instructions back and leaves him on his own. What happens is that the trainee is left on his own and starts calling out pencils for sale when another person rushing by and the trainee doesn't notice him and they collide falling to the ground.

They have the following dialogue:

1 )The customer asks if he knows how much the suit cost and the trainee tells him ten cents, three for a quarter. 2) The customer getting mad asks the trainee who you think I am, to which the trainee replies, "Yellow." 3) The customer really mad says, "Do you want someone to punch you in the nose." To which the trainee replies, "If you don't, someone else will." At this point the customer chases the salesman off the stage.

The Caterpillar You get a group of 4 or 5 people in a line. One person is a show manager. The line walks around. The show manager announces the marvelous caterpillar. They caterpillar walks in. The manager says certain tricks and the caterpillar does them (make a triangle, square, etc.) Then call for a volunteer for the best and last trick. (Make sure they aren't easily angered) Have the volunteer lay on the ground. Then say the marvelous caterpillar will walk over the volunteer. Have each member of the caterpillar walk over the volunteer, but have the last one dump a cup of water on the person (they pick up the cup secretly when the volunteer is walking up).

World's Best Spitter A camper loudly proclaims himself as the Best Spitter in the World. He boasts about his spitting prowess, claiming that he can spit further than anyone else. The Spitter agrees to a demonstration and asks for someone in the audience to catch for him. (camper volunteers to be the catcher) The Spitter explains that he will stand about 20 feet from the Catcher. When the Catcher learns that he is to catch the Spitter's spit, he complains. The Spitter then "finds" the water bucket at the edge of the campfire stage. The Catcher agrees with obvious relief. They set up a short distance apart. The Spitter winds up and spits. The catcher reaches up and catches with a solid thump.

The Spitter takes a bow but the audience is not impressed. They say anyone can do that, they want something better. So the performance is repeated, this time at a greater distance (and maybe with a corkscrew spin on it.) After several tries, the Spitter claims that he can spit all the way around the world! The audience reaction is predictable. They set up; the Spitter spits, the Catcher ducks, waits, moves into position, and catches the spit (the Spitter may choose to dive out of the way just in the nick of time as the spit comes sailing up behind him.) Now the planted campers yell that the spitter is a fake! They say he couldn't really spit all the way around the world. The Spitter says, "Oh Yeah? Show them!" The catcher turns and throws the water into the crowd.

Variations in length These skits can be easily altered to go as long or as short as needed

Blue Trolls Two campers are walking through the woods. They come to a campsite and realize they only have a one person tent.

With a little bit of bickering, they decide who will sleep in the tent and who will sleep on the ground. Both campers get comfortable and fall asleep.

Four more campers (unseen to the audience and positioned one in each direction (north, south, east, & west)) call out: North: "From the North" South: "From the South" East: "From the East" West: "And from the West" All Four: "We're the Blue Trolls!" (loudly)

All Four Trolls rush in from their respective directions and beat up the camper sleeping on the ground. As swift as the came, they then return to their spots. The bewildered camper runs to the camper in the tent (who was unaware of the Blue Trolls attack) and yells "A monster, I was just attacked by a grueling, vicious, horrifying

40 creature," etc.

He pleads that he should have the tent and the other camper should try sleeping on the ground.

The camper in the tent tries to comfort the scared scout and assures him that there are no "creatures" out there. Both campers go to sleep again.

The same episode is repeated where the Blue Trolls call out, rush up, beat up the camper on the ground, and leave. Again the camper is hysterical and pleads again to switch places with the camper in the tent.

The camper in the tent, a bit upset now and wanting to get at least a little sleep, agreed to sleep outside.

Again the same episode with the Blue Trolls is repeated. Except this time as they are rushing up and just as they are in mid-swing, one of them says "Wait, we've gotten this guy enough, let's get the guy in the tent!"

And they then proceed to pound the unfortunate camper in the tent. (Camp directors would suggest tickling versus beating up

Camper Skit A "camper" (usually a counselor acting likes a small five year old) and a counselor walk on stage. The camper has a few random things. You can have a bag full of them, or just a few either way works well. But the items must be totally random, like a 9-volt battery, a ping-pong paddle, a yellow pages phone book, all kinds of things will work, basically anything that has nothing to do with camping. The camper holds these things through out the skit. Additionally you will need to put a real tent or even just a chair that is a "tent" will work.

They make small dialogue of how camp will be fun and exciting making sure that the camper acts as much like a five year old as possible (squeaky voice or kid voice helps a lot). Finally the counselor says we are ready to go camping. They quickly "hike" to their spot and start to get ready when the counselor notices that the camper does not have a tent. He asks about the stuff that the camper does have and he rattles off the random purposes for each of the non-camping items. Finally the counselor says "so you forgot your tent?" the camper can either cry or get upset here. Finally the counselor says well you can just sleep under the stars tonight which satisfies the 5 year old camper and he goes to sleep.

Two to five other people come up dressed like "gangsters", but look ridiculous, they have to act like serious gangsters but look really ridiculous. Their dialogue revolves around the fact that there is some guy on their turf which is the camper. So they "beat him up" by fake kicking him and such.

The camper screams for his counselor as well as yelling while getting beat up but is too asleep to see what it was that actually beat him up. When the counselor arrives from his tent/chair the camper says he was attacked by a random animal (anything will do but it must be an animal that wouldn't be out in the woods, like a zebra or panda bear). The counselor assures the camper there are none of that animal in this part of the world and that it was just a nightmare, he then convinces the camper to go back to sleep.

This sequence then repeats itself with the gangsters still upset that someone is on their turf etc. The camper uses a different animal and then begs the counselor if he can stay in his tent for the rest of the night the counselor agrees and the camper is excited.

In the last sequence the gangsters come up again and are about to beat up the counselor when one of them says, "you know we have been beating on this guy all night long, let's go get the guy in the tent"

They take down the tent and beat the camper again where he screams "I hate camping" and runs of the stage. (Can use tickling versus beating up)

Candy Shop The main person says to the audience "I'm going to be opening a candy shop and I need some things in my empty shop. What do you think I'll need? How about a sign?" Then ask for a volunteer from the audience to come act as your sign. Then tell them "okay you are going to be my sign, now I need to to be extra loud and catch people, say something like, OPEN OPEN OPEN!!!!! really loud" Then tell them you are going act like you're a normal person and walk by. Then do so. Continue on and pick more volunteers for a door, cash register, fridge, coat rack, etc. Make sure they all make noises and run through each time you add a person and make sure they sound and look funny. When you have those volunteers ask if you need anything else in your shop, when they finally shout candy, tell them "Why do I need candy when I got a whole bunch of suckers right behind me??"

Clothing Shop 2 campers (a shopkeeper and assistant) enter from one side and another camper from the other side.

The shopkeeper asks the 3rd camper, "Hey would you like to open a store?"

The boy says "sure" and the Assistant pretends to hit him and carries him out of view.

The Assistant comes back and a customer walks in and asks for an item. The Shopkeeper tells his Assistant, "Go get ____(the name of item)."

Assistant replies, "Yes, Sir!" He walks offstage and you hear screams like "Hey, don't take that!" or similar...

Then Assistant comes out with that item. Customers come in and ask for shirt, shoes, belt, etc.

Then when a customer asks for underwear, the 1st camper who was taken off stage runs off stage in long underwear/boxers/towel screaming "no not my underwear!" through the stage and off the other side.

Hypochondriac Have first staff act like they are sick and need to see a doctor. Another staff member comes out with a mysterious and funny illness. Ex: can’t quit doing jumping jack, can only sing in opera, can’t quit picking their nose, etc. Note: the more ridiculous the illness, the funnier it is. Being a hypochondriac, the first staff member contracts the second staff member’s illness, but in doing so, the second staff member is cured and walks away from the stage. Can repeat with however many staff member you want. The first staff member has to continue with all illnesses until the last staff member walks in acting like they’re pregnant. The first staff member runs away.

Alt version: Contagious Disease Ward The scene takes place in the waiting room of a doctor of contagious and communicable diseases, Dr. Ringworm, M.D. Have four chairs and a stand for magazines or books. In walks a person (a) with an itch which they scratch periodically in different places. They grab a magazine and attempt to read but they are disturbed periodically by their itch. After a while, a second person (B) comes in with a serious hand twitch. B sits next to A. B gradually starts to scratch with the itch, while A's hand starts to twitch. When it has been well established that they have contracted each others' disease, a third person enters with a serious leg twitch. Pretty soon all three have the hand twitch, leg twitch, and itch all over. A fourth person comes in bouncing all over the place and shaking every muscle in their body. The actions of the four people become more frantic and are bouncing around in their chairs. Then a person dressed like a pregnant lady strolls in casually and the other four scramble for their lives. If possible or desired have some jazz music playing in the background for the campers with the diseases to keep the beat to.

Invisible bench Camper 1 is on the invisible bench already Camper 2: (walks up to to Camper 1)What ya doin'? Camper 1: Sitting on this here invisible bench. Camper 2: Can I join ya? Camper 1: Sure! Repeat until all but one of the Campers are sitting on the invisible bench.

Counselor: what are you doing? Camper 1: sitting on this invisible bench. Counselor: How can you? I moved it over there yesterday! (Pointing somewhere else.) All the campers sitting fall down (This skit is mostly improv. Can have as many staff participate as needed)

Johnny Got Hit by a Car The skit is really a filming of a film called Johnny Got Hit By A Car.

The director says action and Johnny and his friend start to play ball and Johnny gets hit by a car which is a person.

Next the director says cut and everyone goes back into places. Every time the director says cut, the camera man will try to talk, but the director will shut him up before he can get a word in.

The director then instructs to cast to perform the same skit girly, karate-style, manly, ballerina-style, etc...

Every time the actors do a scene the director will say he does not like it. And he will have them do one of the things in the list above.

When you have done all you will have the director tell the crew to put everyone together.

Once you have finished the director will say he likes it. Once the director says he likes it the camera man FINALLY gets to talk and he says that there isn't any film in the camera and everyone chases him off the stage.

Mama Mama! Title: Mama Mama the house is on fire

You need: 2 campers: both play kids. 3 Counselors: one is the director, two are the mom and dad. another 3 campers: 2 are the house, one is the fire. And another counselor, or 2 to be the fire house. and a bucket of water. So the basic skit goes like this; Director introduces the skit and says that he's filming a new movie...and action! Kids: mama mama! the house is on fire! mom: the house is on fire! kids: the house is on fire! Mom: ok, I'll go tell your father! (goes up to the dad) Dan (His name) Dan! The house is on fire! Dad: The house is on fire? Mom: The house is on fire! Dad: I'll call the fire dept. (pretends to call) Hi! my house is on fire. ok, you'll be right over? great! thanks! Fire man comes and he pours water on the three campers being the house and the fire.

So, what makes this skit funny is the number of times you do it. (after 5 is too much though.) The Director

44 needs to be good on his or her feet, and has to come up with new themes. and he/she should yell CUT! and then say something along the lines of "I'm not feeling this, let’s try to do it with a ------Theme.

Some funny themes are: aliens, pirates, English (British accent), red neck, gangster, western...The actors have to speak within the theme.

So like red neck the kids could say mama mama the trailer's on fire!

Pie in the Face This skit requires pie plates, shaving cream, towels, 3 plastic raincoats, or something similar (i.e. plastic bags). At least five people need to be involved. There is the narrator, the three members of the pie in the face team, and the person(s) who delivers the pies to the pie in the face team. This skit works best if everyone in the skit is serious, official, and ceremonious. Play up the ceremony and the official part of he skit.

The skit starts off with the narrator about the history of the grand art of pie throwing. He introduces the three members of the team who will receive the pie in the face. The team marches out and stands at attention.

As the narrator continues to talk a person comes out with three pies on a tray and hands them to the three members of the pie in the face team.

The narrator describes the various pies in the face throws that have evolved through the centuries. In every case the person in the middle receives the pie in the face.

Examples of pie throws are the classic pie in the face, the pie on the top of the head, the double pie in the face, the pies on the side of the head, and the swing, miss and hit. You can have the person in the middle change places and still get a pie in the face.

The last thing that happens is that the guy in the middle who was getting all the pies in the face gets the other two members of the pie in the face team.

During all this keep the members of the pie in the face team supplied with pies. This can go on as long as you would like. Another thing is wipe off the pie in the face team faces once in a while. Be original and creative with skit.

WEE!!! Campers lay on the ground, side by side, pretending to be asleep.

The 4th camper (acting as the camp counselor) stands by the group.

The camper laying the furthest away rolls over the two campers and asks the counselor if he can go wee.

The counselor says, "No, now go back to sleep."

Then he rolls back over. He then rolls over again and tells the counselor, "Man, I really got to go wee!" The counselor says "NO! Go back to sleep now!"

He then rolls back over. He then again rolls back over and says, "I really reallly reeeallllly gotta go wee!

The counselor says, "Well, if you have to go that bad... go ahead."

So he gets up starts skipping around yelling, "WEE, WEE, WEE!!!"

What Are You Doing This Summer Camper 1, looking at Camper 2: Hi! I’m going on vacation this summer. I’m going to Australia. What are you doing this summer?

Camper 2: I’m going on vacation to Disneyland. (Turns to Camper 3). Hi! What are you doing this summer?

Camper 3: I’m going to an overnight camp. (Turns to Camper 4): Hi! What are you doing this summer?

Camper 4: I’m going to Arizona. (Turns to Camper 5) Hi! What are you doing this summer?

Camper 5: I’m going to study. (Turns to Camper 6) Hi! What are you doing this summer?

(If there are more campers, make up other things to do for the summer.)

Second-to-last camper: I’m going to Maui. (Turns to last Camper): Hi! What are you doing this summer?

Last Camper: (sounding sad) I’m going to have dental surgery.

Second to last Camper: Oh, my!

Last Camper Yes, you’re going to Maui, and I’m going to oww! (make it sound similar to Oahu, the Hawaiian island...)

Who Sneezed? General: Welcome to the world's finest recruiting barracks!

(last recruit in line sneezes)

General: Who sneezed? (Goes up to the first recruit) did you sneeze?

Recruit 1: NO, I was tying my shoe!

(General takes stick- Hits the recruit. who then falls to the ground!)

(so on and on on on)

General says to last guy in line: Did you sneeze!?

Last person says: Yes, sir.

General: "Gesundheit!"

Wide Mouthed Frog One morning the wide mouthed frog decided to take a walk to see the world and enhance his education. As he hopped through the meadow by the pond he came upon a cow. He hopped over to the cow and said: "HELLO MRS. COW, I'M THE WIDE MOUTHED FROG, TELL ME WHAT DO YOU FEED YOUR BAAABIES."

The cow replied: "I feed my babies milk."

Frog: OOOOOHHH

The frog hopped further into the meadow and came upon a bird pecking in the grass. He hopped over to the bird and said: "HELLO MRS. BIRD, I'M THE WIDE MOUTHED FROG, TELL ME WHAT DO YOU FEED YOUR BAAABIES."

The bird replied: "I feed my babies worms."

Frog: OOOOOHHH

The frog hopped further into the meadow and came upon a horse eating grass. He hopped over to the horse and said: "HELLO MRS. HORSE, I'M THE WIDE MOUTHED FROG, TELL ME WHAT DO YOU FEED YOUR BAAABIES."

The horse replied: "I feed my babies wide mouthed frogs."

Frog: oh you can add as many animals as there are people, but have the animal that eats large mouthed frogs last.

This works best when the person doing the frog part has a large mouth and really hams up the questions and

47 the OOOHHH responses, opening the mouth widely while speaking. The final "oh" is done with the mouth barely open and the voice barely loud enough to be heard by the audience.

Works Every Time Requires: 3 people, with 2 being of the same gender (2 girls, 1 boy or 2 boys, 1 girl) *This dialogue is a basic script. Can be tweaked and changed as people get more comfortable or as they add their own personal style to it. Can also add or remove steps to make this skit longer or shorter. (Scene Opens on a lone character sitting by themselves. 2 characters enter. One is cool and very good with flirting. The other is a huge nerd and inexperienced. The lone character is completely oblivious to the conversation going on behind them.) Cool: Hey (name) look at that dude/girl over there! Nerd: Oh my gosh they are sooo cute! Cool: You should go talk to them. Nerd: No I can’t do that! I wouldn’t even know how to! Cool: No it’s fine I’ll help you out. I’ll show the moves that help win hearts. Nerd: You’d really do that? Cool: Yeah totally. You ready? Nerd: Yeah! What do I do first? Cool: Okay first you gotta walk past them. Nerd: Oh like this? (walks normally) Cool: No you gotta strut past them. Here I’ll show you. (Does a cool walk) Nerd: Oh okay! Like this (epically fails at cool walk) Cool: Perfect! Now go do that past cutie over there! Nerd: Are you sure? Cool: I’m sure. It works every time. Nerd: Works every time? Cool: Works every time. Nerd: Okay! (Nerd does “strut” past the cutie. Cutie gives really uncomfortable look but ignores the Nerd. Cool calls Nerd back over) Cool: (Name), come here! Nerd: Did it work? They seemed real uncomfortable. Cool: It totally worked. That’s just them playing hard to get. Ready for the next step? Nerd: Sure! What do I do? Cool: Alright next thing you gotta do is strike a pose in front of them. Nerd: Really? Strike a pose? Like this? (Strikes really awkward and unattractive pose) Cool: Perfect. Now go show that to cutie. Remember to strut too. Nerd: And you’re sure this will work? Cool: Absolutely. It works every time. Nerd: Okay! (Nerd “struts” in front of cutie. Stops right in front of cutie and strikes their pose. Cutie is even more uncomfortable than the first time through but just continues to ignore Nerd. Nerd keeps strutting. Cool calls them back) 48

Cool: Get back here, (name)! Okay you’re breaking the ice but there’s a few more things you gotta do before you can win their heart. Nerd: I don’t know about this, (name). I mean they didn’t look like they were into it AT ALL. Cool: Nah, I’m telling you you’re roping them in. Ready for the next step? Nerd: I guess so. Cool: Alright this time you’re gonna sit next to them. Nerd: What? I can’t sit next to them! Look how beautiful they are! Cool: No you got this. Just plop on down next to them. Nerd: Are you sure? Cool: I’m sure. Just keep strutting, pose, and then plop right down. It works every time. Nerd: Alright if it works every time. (Nerd does their strut up to the cutie, strikes the pose, and then sits HARD next to cutie. Cutie watches in horror and then scoots away from the nerd. Nerd is called back by Cool.) Cool: (Name), come here! Nerd: They did not like that. Maybe we should just give up. Cool: No they were totally into it. I’m telling you just a few more steps and you’re golden. Nerd: Okay if you say so. Cool: Okay next step is you gotta put your hand on their knee. Nerd: NO! I can’t do that! Touch them?? No. Cool: You got this I promise. Just do your strut, do your pose, sit down next to them, and then put your hand right down on their knee. Nerd: I really don’t know about this. This works every time? Cool: Absolutely. It works every time. Nerd: Okay…. (Nerd does the strut, the pose, sits down hard again, and then slaps their hand down on the knee of the cutie. Cutie is horrified and in pain after the slap but still tries to ignore the Nerd. Nerd sits there with their hand on the cutie’s knee until Cool calls them back) Cool: Alright, (name) come on back. Nerd: I really don’t think this is working. I’m pretty sure I just hurt them. Cool: No that was perfect. They’re definitely coming around. Nerd: If you say so. What’s next? Cool: Next you’re gonna say sweet nothings into their ears. Nerd: Really? Like this? (Screams “Sweet nothings!”) Cool: Perfect! Do that right in cutie’s ears. Nerd: You’re sure? Cool: Yeah, strut past them, do your pose, sit down, hand on knee, and then sweet nothings. Nerd: And all of that will work? Cool: This works every time I promise. Nerd: Works every time? Cool: Works every time. Nerd: Alright then. (Nerd struts, poses, sits down hard, slaps the hand on the knee, and then screams “Sweet nothings!” Cutie is so uncomfortable and in a lot of pain. They scoot away from the nerd again. Cool calls Nerd back for the final time) Cool: Alright come on back. That was so good. You’re so close to winning them over. Nerd: I don’t know about that. I think they were in a lot of pain. Cool: Pain that they haven’t given in to you yet. I promise this is working. 49

Nerd: Well alright… Cool: Alright so you ready for the final step? Nerd: Yes Cool: You’re gonna kiss them. Nerd: NOOOOOO! I can’t kiss them! That’s crazy! I mean look at them! Cool: No you got this. Just give them a big wet one right on the cheek. Nerd: I still don’t know about this. Cool: You can do it. Just strut, pose, sit, put your hand on their knee, say your sweet nothings, and then give them a kiss on the cheek. Nerd: And this works every time? Cool: Works every time. Nerd: Okay. (Nerd struts, poses, sits down hard, slaps the knee, screams “sweet nothings,” and then kisses the cutie on the cheek. Cutie unable to control themselves anymore, screams and runs into the arms of the cool kid. Nerd looks sad.) Cool: Works every time!

*It is important to remember that the cutie should look increasingly uncomfortable about the nerd every time they walk past them or do an action. The cutie is free to do their own thing while the Nerd and Cool kids are talking. They can interact with the audience and react when they realize the nerd is coming back again.

Mediations/Camp Fire

Leading Meditation Programs for 4-H Camps Meditations are a very important part of the 4-H Camp experience. Many times when we think of encouragement, we think only of our meditation programs. There are, however, many other opportunities that can be used to inspire your fellow campers. Thoughts for the day, special ceremonies, signatures, candle lighting, and flag services, as well as meditation, allow you to develop a continuous encouragement program throughout the entire camping program. Whatever types of encouragement programs are conducted at your camp, they need to be a vital experience for each camper. They should help the camper become more aware of themselves and others.

Thoughts for the Day

• A thought for the day is a short message that stimulates campers to think and ponder. • The thought should be short, simple, and easily understood by the age group of the campers that you are working with. • The thought for the day may be related to the camp theme or to the meditation theme for that day in camp if desired. • Since the thought for the day is used primarily to stimulate the campers for the camping day ahead, it is usually given at flag raising or during the announcements at the breakfast meal. • The thought can be meaningful, seen and referred to during the entire day if it is then posted at several locations in the camp such as the dining hall, crafts room, nature room and recreation building. • When using a thought for the day in your camping program, the following guidelines may be helpful in planning and presenting the message: 1. Involve campers in helping to plan and present the thought. 2. Those responsible for the thought for the day should be informed at lest one day in advance. This allows planning and practice time and an opportunity to prepare the necessary visual messages. 3. The thought should be very short, easily understood and convey a message of encouragement. 4. The campers should be quiet and attentive and the speakers need to speak clearly, distinctly and loud enough to be heard clearly by all campers. Make sure you emphasize that they speak slowly enough to be understood. 5. Posting the thought for the day on poster board around the camp will give added exposure to the message and give campers further opportunity for considering the thought. 6. Recognize those campers who assist with the work of preparing and presenting the thought for the day.

Examples: 1. The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of you arm. 2. It is always better to get ahead than it is to get even.

3. You can never learn anything new when you are doing the talking. 4. Credit is given for what you finish, not what you start. 5. Minds are like parachutes . . . They function only when open. 6. Footsteps in the sands of time are not made sitting down. 7. The only way to have a friend is to be one. 8. An old carpenter once said: “The best rule I know is for talking is the same one used for carpentering . . .Measure twice and saw only once.” 9. We are three people: the person we think we are, the person others think we are, and the person we really are. 10. TWO ROADS

In the morning, when you wake, Two roads before you lie For the day – which will you take, Since either you must try?

One’s the road of selfishness, And those who travel there Cause others sorrow and distress, By the tears and frowns they wear.

And one’s the road of helpfulness, And those who pass that way Have cheery words and smiles to bless, The ones they meet that day.

11. If every camper were just like me, what kind of camp would our camp be? 12. Building teens is better than mending adults. 13. Life is a grindstone . . . but whether it grinds or polishes us depends on the stuff of which we are made. 14. No one plans to fail, but some fail to plan. 15. No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar. 16. The only place where success comes ahead of work is in the dictionary. 17. Of all the things we wear, our expression is the most important. 18. Character, ability, loyalty and courage are the fundamentals of success. 19. Our 5 senses are incomplete without 2 others . . . common or horse sense and a sense of humor. 20. Discipline yourself so that others won’t have to.

21. The surest cure for loneliness, the quickest way to happiness, is found in this simple creed: Serve Someone in Greater Need. 22. Judge each day not by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you sow. 23. Gossip is like a balloon . . . it grows bigger with each puff. 24. It is unfortunate that the only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down friends, side-stepping responsibilities, dodging issues, passing the buck and pushing their luck. 25. The worst thing about doing nothing is that you can’t stop and rest. Joan Welsh 26. There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. 27. Nothing is impossible to the man who doesn’t have to do it himself. Grit 28. He who has never failed has never tried. Emmett LeCompte 29. A real live wire never has any problem meeting a deadline. W.N. Rieger 30. Cheerfulness in our dealings with other human beings is like oil in steel bearings . . . it reduces the friction Grit 31. Small deeds done are better. 32. One of the reasons that experience is such a good teacher is that she doesn’t allow any drop-outs. Illinois Journal of Education 33. No man is so full of wisdom that he has to use his mouth as a safety value. 34. Obstacles are those frightening things that you see when you take your eyes off your goal. 35. A pessimist is a person who manages to make himself seasick during the entire voyage of life. 36. If you didn’t start today with a smile, it’s not too late to start practicing for tomorrow. 37. Look for the humor in the serious, the joy in the sad, the strength in the weak, and the best in the bad. William Ward 38. It is not what you know, but what you do with your knowledge that counts. 39. Try to discover your shortcomings before others do. 40. The world’s best tranquilizer is work well done. Emmett LeCompte 41. Luck is the point in life where preparation meets opportunity. 42. Those people who don’t stand for something are likely to fall for anything. 43. You can never do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late. 44. The only commodity that does not deteriorate with use is knowledge. 45. Common sense is seeing things as they are and doing them as they should be. 46. The successful man is the one who matches his backbone to his wishbone. L.P. Karch 47. The best way to be understood is to be understanding. Norma Shidle 48. Friendship is like a savings account: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. 49. A banker gave this analysis of time: yesterday is a cancelled check, tomorrow is a promissory note, and today is ready cash. Spend it wisely. 50. The secret of joy in work is contained in one word: excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it. Pearl Buck 51. You don't just luck into things as much as you'd like to think you do. You build step by step, whether it's friendships or opportunities. Barbara Bush former First Lady 52. Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. Marie Curie, scientist 53. My grandfather once told me that there are two kinds of people: those who work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was less competition there. --Indira Gandhi, former prime minister of India 54. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature... Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. --Helen Keller, author, The Open Door

55. It's far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help. --Judith S. Marin 56. I don't know that there are any shortcuts to doing a good job. Sandra Day O'Connor 57. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Eleanor Roosevelt 58. A good idea will keep you awake during the morning, but a great idea will keep you awake during the night. Marilyn Vos Savant 59. Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. Abraham Lincoln 60. Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. Scott Adams 61. Originality is unexplored territory. You get there by carrying a canoe. You can't take a taxi. Alan Alda 62. Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in. Isaac Asimov 63. Go ahead and do the impossible. It's worth the look on the faces of those who said you couldn't. A. Whitney Brown 64. If you have broken eggs, make an omelet. 65. If you have lemons, make lemonade. 66. A problem is a chance for you to do your best. Duke Ellington 67. When someone demands blind obedience, you'd be a fool not to peek. Jim Fiebig 68. Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right. Henry Ford 69. Man's mind stretched by a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions. Oliver Wendell Holmes 70. The mere absence of war is not peace. John F. Kennedy 71. Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out. Art Linkletter 72. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Eleanor Roosevelt 73. The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn. Anwar Sadat 74. There is no defense or security for any of us except in the highest intelligence and development of all. Brooker T. Washington 75. If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well. Martin Luther King

Rain Storm Campers are in lines or group with a staff member in front to lead. The campers must follow the leader’s actions. Best to have 8 or more groups to get a well-rounded sound. First leader will start the sound. The next leader will start shortly after the first. This will continue around until all leader are doing the first sounds (when the leader does the sound so should all camper in front of them). Once the last leader is making the sound, the first leader than we go to the next sound. The leaders continue to do the sounds they are on until it is their turn to move to the next one. The process repeats until the end. The order of the sounds are below. Rubbing hands together (Light rain)

Snapping fingers (Moderate Rain) Light clapping (Heavier rain) Slapping thighs (Rain storm) Light clasping (Heavy Rain) Snapping Fingers (moderate rain) Rubbing hands together (Light rain) Stop

Forest Foliage Signature Developed by: Karen Ayres former 4-H Agent in Harlan County

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Six to Eight white paper bags

Six to Eight votive or tea light candles

Six to Eight leaf outlines cut out of black paper

Part I At the time when America was discovered much of what is now the United States was covered with trees which had never been disturbed by man. More than half of our country was in forests. they extended from Maine to Florida, and across the continent for hundreds of miles. Near the center of our country these forests stopped. Here were acres and acres of grasslands. This was what we no call "the Great Plains." Beyond the Great Plains lay another forest area, which ended at the Pacific Ocean.

Part II After the brave journeys of the Vikings, other explorers came to our country. Some were seeking gold, and others were looking for furs and spices. Still others came looking for timber, and tar, pitch, and turpentine, called "naval stores." they were necessary for sealing the seams of wooden ships and making other repairs. Soon after the first settlers arrived in America, the English discovered the value of our forests. They sent over trained men to gather tall, straight pine poles for use as masts on the King's ships. These men also collected "naval stores" for the ships. the forests and their products were very important to some of our early colonies. Certain businessmen in England had helped start some of the colonies. they did this so that they could make money. If the colonies did not make money for these men, they would stop sending supplies to the people. Then the settlers would have to go back to England. Fortunately, the colonies became permanent settlements.

Part III When the first settlers came to America there was much timber here. these forests were made up of many different kinds and types of trees. In all there were 860 different kinds of trees. If you were to learn about every one of these today, it would take you more than two years to study all of them.

Part IV Tonight we are going to learn six new trees by learning about the shape of their leaves. Each leaf has a very unique shape that is easy to recognize when you are in the forest.

(Place candles in the bottom of the paper bag using some dirt or sand to secure the bag. Place the bags on a table the outline of the leaf shapes should be attached to the front of the bags using tape or glue.)

Part V The first leaf that you can easily learn to identify is the leaf from the redbud tree. Redbud trees have heart-shaped leaves. Think of a heart being red and remember redbud. 55

Redbud leaf

LIGHT THE SECOND CANDLE IN THE BAG THAT HAS THE SWEET GUM LEAF.

Part VI The next leave comes from a sweetgum tree. Sweetgum has a start-shaped leaf and usually has lots of prickly gum balls lying around on the ground.

Leaf of Sweetgun tree Prickly gum balls

LIGHT THE THIRD CANDLE IN THE BAG THAT HAS A SASSAFRAS LEAF.

Part VII Sassafras trees have three different leaf shapes. One is oval, one has a notch in one side like this mitten shape one here. It looks like one of the mittens you wear in the winter. The third has notches on both sides. Sassafras tree roots are also used to make tea.

Leaf of Sassafras tree

LIGHT THE FOURTH CANDLE IN THE BAG THAT HAS TWO OAK LEAVES

Part VIII There are two groups of oaks. These two groups are know as the red oaks and the white oaks. Try to remember cowboys and Indians. Historically most cowboys were called white men: they shot bullets which have rounded tips. the Indians were called red men: they shot arrows which have very pointed tips. So the white oak leaves have rounded tips on its leaves and the red oak tree has pointed tips.

Leaf of Red Oak Leaf of White Oak

LIGHT THE FIFITH CANDLE IN THE BAG THAT HAS A SYCAMORE LEAF.

Part IX Sycamore trees have bark that peels off high on the trunk leaving behind big whitish or light green patches something like camouflage. Its leaves look a lot like maple leaves, but sycamore trees have fruit that looks like a ball.

Leaf of sycamore tree Fruit of sycamore

LIGHT THE SIXTH CANDLE IN THE BAG THAT HAS A SUGAR MAPLE.

Part X Sugar Maple has sinuses (spaces between the lobes) that are U-shaped and the actual edge of the leaf is smooth. Red maple has V-shaped sinuses, and the edge of the leaf is serrated or toothed.

Leaf of Sugar Maple

SONG LEADER THEN LEADS "THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND

This Land Is Your Land

This land is your land; this land is my land,

From California to the New York Island,

From the Redwood forest to the Gulf Stream water

This Land – was made for you and me.

As I was walking that ribbon of highway

I saw above me that endless skyway

I saw below me that golden valley—

This land – was made for you and me.

I roamed and rambled, and I followed my footsteps

To the sparking sands of her diamond deserts

All around me a voice was sounding—

This land—was made for you and me 57

A Summer Symbol By: Jake Farmer On a hill by the lake lays the cast iron clover whose image is forever branded in my heart. It stands as sentinel over the entire camp, and watches over the lake like a wolf eyes the moon. Looming out of a fire pit filled with ash, it resides at the foot of the bench rows adjacent to the path leading down to the canoe docks. A charred piece of metal crudely shaped into the form of a living clover, it holds no meaning throughout the week at camp, for it just sits there, wallowing in the remains' of burned wood. And yet, you sense a silent power emanating from the ominous, metal fixture. The scorched earth stands out vividly amidst the tall trees and lush grass, providing passersby to pause with curiosity and intrigue.

And that last night of camp, as you take your seat amongst the other silent watchers, it ignites into an inferno of powerful intensity- wreathed in not just flame, but ancient legend. The archaic belief that if that clover burns hot and bright enough, it will writhe forever in the hearts of those watching, inspiring a desire to return once more.

Although bound and gagged by towels, gas, smoke, and fire, it always found a way to speak to me. For each year I went back, if only to witness that momentous event, to receive that summer brand upon my heart. The glorious blaze of that 4-H clover, the wafts of smoke, the air filled with the scent of diesel, and a lake in the background mirroring the twinkling night sky.

Signatures A signature, as we commonly use the term, is a closing. We write a signature when closing a letter. An example often used in “Sincerely Yours” or “Yours Truly”. Then we sign our name. Thus, a signature at camp is used at the closing of the day’s activities. It is usually given following the last activity on the camp schedule for each day, sometimes when the camping period ends and prior to when the campers are dismissed to go home. The purpose of the signature is to reflect upon the day’s activities, the making of new friends, the learning of new skills and the contributions that each camper made in the total camping program. The people responsible for the signature might include an encouraging message, a song, poem, or something similar about which the campers can think, meditate and be stimulated mentally. 58

A signature at camp is the closing of the day’s activities. Depending upon the last activity on the camp schedule for each day, the signature may take place: 1. After the campfire program as a total camp. 2. After meditation under the stars as a total camp. 3. In a friendship circle in the recreation hall as a total camp. 4. After taps, or directly before taps in the cabin. Campers should be quiet and remain silent after the signature if done at taps time. When using a signature in your camping program, the following guidelines may be of assistance in planning and presenting it to the campers: 1. Those responsible for the signature need to know about it at least one day in advance in order to prepare properly. 2. The signature should not be longer than five minutes in length. 3. Those taking part in the signature need to give leadership by telling the campers what to do and how to respond. 4. Those speaking need to so clearly, distinctly and slowly enough to be understood. 5. Practicing with the participants before time for the signature gives campers self confidence. 6. The mood or tempo of the camp needs to be wound down and the campers need to be quiet and in a formation, such as a friendship circle, concentric circle, or closed group. If done in the cabin, each camper should be resting on their own bunk and ready to retire for the night. 7. If the signature is done in a group setting, someone needs to tell the campers to go quietly to their cabins after the signature is over. 8. If done in the cabin, someone in each cabin should give the signature at a predetermined time or designated signal. 9. Don’t forget to thank and praise those who help conduct the signature. Let then know that they have done a good job. Following are a number of items that may be used a signature material. You will want to add your programs to the list and share them with you fellow campers. The camp library is a good source of signature material.

A Smile A smile cost nothing, but gives so much. It enriches those who receive it, without making those poorer who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in the business, and is the countersign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give then one of yours, as none needs a smile as much as he who has no more to give. Author Unknown

Wreckers of Builders The Way to Success I watched then tearing a building down, Wishing never did a job – A gang of men in a busy town. But only sweat and toil – With a ho-heave-ho and a lusty yell. There’s no use to sit and hope They swung a beam and a sidewall fell. For someone else to till your soil. I asked the foreman, “Are these men The world is full of wishing-folks, skilled?” Who sit and dream and smile, He gave a laugh and said, “No indeed! And never seem to get around Just common labor is all I need. To doing things worth while. I can easily wreck in a day or two They all would like the praise that What builders have taken a year to do.” goes, And I tho’t to myself as I went my way, With reputations grand – Which of these two roles have I tried to But do not care to pay the price, play? To earn such praise from man. Am I a builder who works with care, And yet – there’s no way else to win. Measuring life by the rule and square? Success and worthwhile praise, Am I shaping my deeds by a well-made Than rolling up the sleeves – and then, plan, To toil thru endless days. Patiently doing the best I can?

Or am I a wrecker who walks the town, Edward V. Wood Content with the labor of tearing down?

Author Unknown

The Art of Giving The art of giving encompasses many areas. Emerson said it well; “Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only true gift is a portion of thyself.” We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the heart: love, kindness, joy, understanding, sympathy, forgiveness. We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the mind: ideas, dreams, purposes, ideals, principles, plans, inventions, projects, poetry.

We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the spirit: attention and consideration. We give of ourselves when we give the gifts of words: encouragement and guidance. The finest gift that man can give to his age and time is the gift of a constructive and creative life.

Priceless Privileges Isn’t it strange that princes and kings, And clowns that caper in sawdust rings, And common folk like you and me, Are builders for eternity? To each is given a bag of tools, A shapeless mass and a book of rules, And each must fashion ere life is flown, A stumbling block or stepping stone.

A Little Fellow Follows Me A careful man I ought to be, A little fellow follows me. I dare not go astray, For fear he’ll go the self-same way. I cannot escape his eyes, Whatever he sees me do , he tries. Like me, he says, he’s going to be, The little chap who follows me. He thinks that I am good and fine, Believes in every word of mine. The base in me he must not see, That little fellow who follows me. I must remember as I go, Thru summers’ sun and winters’ snow. 61

I am building for the years to be, In the little chap who follows me. Author Unknown

A Short Course in Human Relations The six most important words: I admit I made a mistake. The five most important words: You did a good job. The four most important words: What is your opinion? The three most important words: If you please. The two most important words: Thank you. The one most important word: We. The least important word: I United Business Service,

TIME Setting: On a card table covered with a white or white and green tablecloth, set a ticking clock lighted by a kerosene lamp or candles. Another clock (travel alarm) or metronome is set near a microphone so that the ticking can be heard often during the speaking parts. This, along with the speakers, should be out of sight or at least in the background where the campers cannot see them. Read the following with fairly long pauses in between each line so that the loud ticking of the clock may be heard: THE VALUE OF TIME Take time to work - - - it is the price of success. Take time to think - - - it is the source of power. Take time to play - - - it is the secret of perpetual youth. Take time to read - - - it is the fountain of wisdom. Take time to be friendly - - - it is the road to happiness. Take time to contemplate - - - it is the highway to reverence. Take time to dream - - - it is hitching your wagon to a star. Take time to love and be loved - - - it is the privilege of heaven. Take time to look around - - - the day is too short to be selfish. Take time to laugh - - - it is the music of the soul. We have the chance - - - living as free Americans in a free economy and in the best place on earth - - - to make wise use of all the great resources at our disposal as we chart a course that will help us to develop into better citizens for tomorrow. If it’s to be - - - it’s up to me!

The Meaning of Love By Brad Stevens Love as we have come to understand and use the word, is almost infinite in its degree and meaning. It can range from the love of the parent for the child, to the love of a gourmand for food; from the love of a boy for his pet, to the love of the sports-car buff for his automobile. But it is to a story I came across that I am indebted for an insight into a love of uncommon depth and meaning: “Five-year-old Mary underwent an operation and lost so much blood that it became necessary to resort to a blood transfusion. Samples of the blood of all the adults in the family were taken, but none was found to match Mary’s. Then a test was made of her older brother’s blood and it was found to match. Jimmy, a husky boy of 13 years, was know to be fond of little Mary. “Will you give your sister some of your blood, Jim?” asked the doctor. “Yes sir, I will if you think she really needs it!” The need was desperate, so the boy was prepared for the transfusion. In the midst of the drawing of the blood, the doctor observed Jimmy growing paler and paler. There was no apparent reason for this. “Are you ill, Jim?” the doctor asked of the youngster. “No sir, but I’m wondering just when I’ll die.” The doctor looked at him in amazement. “die? Do you think people give their lives when they give blood?” “Yes sir,” replied Jimmy. “And you were giving your life for Mary’s?” “Yes sir,” replied the boy, simply.

A Regard for Others By Brad Stevens Few things can bring us greater personal satisfaction than the realization we have been responsible for providing happiness, aid or a sense of well-being to others. Yet, each day of our lives, the chances are good that we pass up at least one opportunity to show a warm sense of regard for someone—not because we lack the desire to do so, but because we are not really looking for such an opportunity. I order to maintain an awareness of people and how we might show our regard for them, it is necessary to try to look at the world through their viewpoint. 64

The interests and needs of the elderly, for example, are different from those of the young. So, too, will the person who is timid, introverted or perhaps even physically handicapped not see things in the same light as someone who is healthy and aggressive in his dealing with people. It is when we are able to direct our acts of kindness in a way that best meets the needs of their recipients that we will discover the greatest sense of personal satisfaction. The action taken by the pastor of the parochial grade school in a small Montana town provides us with a good example of regard at work. One year, when a deaf mute enrolled in one of his classes, the pastor feared that the child’s affliction would lead to his being lonely and shy with the other pupils. To prevent his, the pastor had an instructor teach sign language to all of the children in the boy’s class. As a result, the child enjoyed a normal school boy’s life.

To Give the Best By Brad Stevens I had been only half-listening to the young man who sat across the table from me, nodding every now and then in a show of interest. It was in the middle of one of these condescending nods that the thought suddenly struck me that I was being deliberately dishonest – to a fellow human being whose problem I had offered to hear, and to myself. There I was, having promised to give whatever good advice I could to a troubled individual, but really only going through the motions. Instead, I had been permitting a hundred and one other thoughts, all of a personal nature, to flit in and out of my mind. How much kinder, and better, it would have been for me to have merely turned the young man away with any of a dozen excuses! For when we give something away – be it our advice, our appreciation, our respect, our encouragement or our understanding – that gift carries with it a little bit of oneself. And, since we are often remembered, and sometimes even judged, by what we give away, it is a good idea to make certain that the quality of our gift is all that we would have it be. The beauty of giving is to be found, in a large part, in the fact that it is a voluntary act. As such, it should both achieve its desired objective and do so in a way that will leave no doubt in the mind of the recipient as to our sincerity of intention. In the giving of ourselves to others, therefore, we must be willing to do much more than go through the surface motions of giving – we must be willing to care enough to give our very best.

Why Wait for a Break? By Grant Mitchell The fact that we live in a land of opportunity can be misleading. The opportunity is there, all right. But not to the degree that it’s going to be presented to us on a silver platter. We’ve got to get out and look for opportunity; and, once we’ve found it, we usually have to work like crazy to make it pay off. Not everyone realizes this. Many people, in fact, think of opportunity in terms of a “break” --- some mysterious course of events that will some day crystallize to provide them with a golden chance to succeed in a big way. Until then, well, they’re content to relax and conserve their energy for that big moment. The ability to locate and take advantage of opportunity involves a number of factors. Ambition, certainly, is one. But Ambition, in itself, is not enough to bring about a fulfillment of our goals in life. Anyone can aspire to be a great doctor, an outstanding secretary or a successful businessman; but only those who add the vital ingredient of work to their aspirations will achieve their goals. Another factor is creativity. Many of us are blessed with the ability to come up with excellent plans and ideas, but some of us never put them into effect. We worry so much about the actual merit of our idea that it either dies of old age, or is thought of and sold successfully by someone else. As for those of us who find it difficult to develop new and creative ideas, we need only apply a little imagination to figure out how we can profit from ideas that are already in existence. The third, and sometimes most important factor, is initiative. We can’t afford to sit back and wait for a “break”. We need to take stock of our talents, determine how to utilize them to the fullest; then set out to obtain our objectives. Nor can we look to anyone else to inspire initiative within us. This is something we must provide for ourselves at the right time.

A Blessing in Disguise By Brad Stevens How often have we heard people complain about problems they are having, engage in self-pity because of setbacks they have suffered, or express conscience-stricken regret over mistakes they have made? More than likely, such occasions have been frequent. For it is common for a person to view his problems, setbacks and mistakes as incidents of grave, personal misfortune -- and to seek the sympathy and understanding of other people. In reality, however, such apparently negative circumstances are often a blessing in disguise. Problems, for example, force us to stretch our mental faculties, to develop creative solutions, to put forth added energy and effort. They keep our days from becoming routine or dull. And they prevent us from slipping in the oblivion of complacency.

Setbacks, too, can benefit us, provided we accept them with the proper attitude. We are always at our best when we are in the process of rising to challenge, and setbacks are among the greatest challenges a person can face. Herein lies the opportunity to prove –- to ourselves as well as others – that we have the courage, determination and enthusiasm that is needed to overcome obstacles and to win when the odds are against us. And, in mistakes, we have the finest instructor of all. We can learn only so much from the experience and suggestions of others; the balance of our knowledge must come through trial and error on our part. No one expects us to be perfect, and we will almost always be forgiven an honest mistake. But it is up to us to profit from our mistakes, and to make a more valuable contribution because of them.

The Waste in Worry By Brad Stevens If we were to keep a record of all the things we worried about during a given period of time, we would discover – in reviewing them – that the great majority of our anticipated problems or troubles never come to pass. This means that most of the time we devote to worrying, even the constructive kind that prompts us to try to come up with a solution to what is troubling us, is wasted. Thus, we not only caused ourselves unnecessary mental anguish, but also took up valuable minutes and hours that could have been spent elsewhere. To avoid this, it is often necessary to subject potential sources of worry to the coldly objective and analytical light of reason. Once, shortly before a major concert in front of a standing-room-only audience, a member of Arturo Toscanini’s orchestra approached the great Italian conductor with an expression of sheer terror on his face. “Maestro,” the musician fretted, “my instrument is not working properly. I cannot reach the note of E-flat. Whatever will I do? We are to begin in a few moments.” Toscanini looked at the man with utter amazement. Then he smiled kindly and placed an arm around his shoulders. “My friend,” the maestro replied, “Do not worry about it. The note is E-flat does not appear anywhere in the music that you will be playing this evening.” The next time we find ourselves in the middle of worrying about some matter, we might be wise to stop and ask ourselves what the odds are of the problem really coming to pass. We may be able to go on to something more constructive.

BELOW THE SURFACE By Brad Stevens

A highly successful woman salesperson was asked to explain the secret of her way with her customers. Her ability to distinguish herself in an industry that was highly masculine in nature had always fascinated her associates. She reached into her purse and 67 withdrew a large stone. “If I were to pinpoint one thing,” she said, “it would probably be this stone I always carry with me and use whenever I meet a prospect who is reluctant to grant me a meeting. It is called a geode – and, as you may know, it has an unattractive, worthless appearance on one side; while on the other side it contains a number of beautiful and quite valuable gems.

“After showing my geode to a difficult prospect, I remind him that because his initial reaction to my visit is negative and he is inclined not to spend the few minutes needed to hear what I have to say, he may be overlooking a valuable proposal for his company.” This effective selling tool for an unusual woman is also an important philosophy each of us would be wise to follow. Too often, we are guided in our evaluation of people by the first impressions they make on us. We forget that the real substance of a person comes from within and often takes time, patience and understanding to cultivate. As with the goods we must often look beyond the surface to discover the real beauty of a person.

The above signatures can be used anytime during the camping program. Following are 2 suggestions that can be used as final signatures in closing camp.

A CHALLENGING LETTER TO ONE SELF

Each camper is given a blank envelope and a sheet of paper/ they also need something to write with, a pen or pencil. Each camper is instructed to write letter to himself. The setting can be anywhere; the campfire site, the hill, in groups or the campers may find a quiet solitude spot of his own to think, meditate and write his letter.

Even though the location is not important, orientation and stage setting is important. Emphasis should be given to the campers on the importance of doing a good job of letter writing. They should write into the letter such things as new friends gained, old friendships renewed, meaningful experiences, things learned, challenges and resolutions to do a better job back home. In other words, he needs to put into his letter those things that will be meaningful to him and that will remind him of this camping experience.

Once the letter is written, it is folded into the envelope and sealed. The camper’s name and address is then put on the envelope and turned into those responsible for the signature. The letters are then taken home and sometime later (4 to 6 months) the letters are given postage stamps and mailed to the camper.

The meaningfulness of the letters and the signature experience depends almost entirely on the orientation and stage-setting done before the letters are written by the campers. Campers need to be assured that no one but them will read their letters.

4-H CAMPERS SAY GOODBYE

This closing signature may be done around the flag pole or in a friendship circle. If done around the flag pole, a closing flag lowering service may also be included. Five people are needed for this signature: A leader and 4 people – one for each “H”.

LEADER: We have an opportunity during this camp to renew old friendships, make new friends, share ideas and experiences, and learn many new skills which will help us in our leadership back home in our communities. Before we part, let each of us renew in our hearts the 4-H pledge. Please join me in repeating the 4-H Pledge. I pledge ......

Head H: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking” – so that I may understand the true purposes of 4-H club work and plan my efforts to help other boys and girls find and develop their talents.

Heart H “I pledge my heart to greater loyalty” and the kind of love that will make me sensitive to the individual needs of those with whom I work. I will do all I can to help them become self-confident with pleasing personalities, ready to take their place in life as good citizens.

Hand H “I pledge my hands to larger service” –in helping other boys and girls develop their skills and talents and help them to understand how to use their skills and talents in service to others.

Health H “I pledge my health to better living” – for if my body is not strong, I cannot give much concentrated effort and expenditure of energy to any cause. I will try to help others know the importance of healthful living.

ALL H’s: these things we pledge for our clubs, our communities and our country.

Leader: And now, to symbolize our readiness to take back home to our communities the skills, talents and encouragements which we have received from this camp, let us all turn, facing out from the circle as a symbol that we will go in all directions to tell others of our experiences and challenge them to “Make the Best Better”. I now declare the 20__ County 4-H Camp over and officially dismiss you.

THE MAN IN THE GLASS When you get what you want in your struggle for self And the world makes you king (or queen) for a day, Just go to a mirror and look at yourself, And see what that person has to say.

For it isn’t your father or mother or spouse, Who judgement upon you must pass; The person whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back from the glass.

She’s the person to please, never mind all the rest. For he’s with you clear up to the end, And you’ve passed the most dangerous, difficult test If the one in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years. And get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be the heartaches and tears If you’ve cheated the one in the glass

Be creative! Make it your own!