| When I think of church camp songs, I tend to | | | | does not talk about religion or God, I still consider |
| think of those songs that are bible oriented or | | | | it a great church camp song. The reason I say |
| African-American spirituals. Actually, at the church | | | | this is because it talks about nature and all the |
| camps I have attended, they pretty much like to | | | | beautiful things that God has created. It's pretty |
| sing what everybody else likes to sing: silly songs, | | | | hard to sing this song without feeling gratitude and |
| folk songs, old time songs and other traditional | | | | thankfulness for the many beautiful things God |
| campfire songs. In addition, they also like to sing | | | | has created for us to enjoy. |
| upbeat, religious songs. | | | | 5. The Happy Wanderer: This song kind of goes |
| At church camps, I find that whoever is running | | | | hand in hand with the previous one. It's just a |
| things likes to be as organized as possible, so | | | | happy, feel good song about the beauties of |
| usually singing around the campfire is not left to | | | | God's creations. |
| chance. The church campfires that I have been to | | | | 6. Kumbaya: Kumbaya is probably the all time |
| usually included several church camp songs | | | | most popular church camp song ever. It's easy to |
| interspersed with stories. Some of the stories | | | | sing, easy to learn and just about everybody |
| were fun and some were more spiritual in nature. | | | | knows it. |
| Most of the time, the campfire would finish with | | | | 7. He's Got the Whole World: Here is another |
| one of the ecclesiastical leaders, like a priest, | | | | African American spiritual that is probably a close |
| minister or bishop teaching one of the stories, | | | | second in popularity to Kumbaya. |
| parables or characteristics of Jesus. I am a | | | | 8. You Can't Get to Heaven: This is a fun song to |
| Christian, so this article is from my viewpoint. If | | | | sing, even though I'm sure you won't be barred |
| you are of another religion besides Christian, you | | | | from heaven just because you're wearing roller |
| could teach about your religion and/or prophets. | | | | skates. If your kids take it seriously, you might |
| All of the religious songs I refer to in this article | | | | want to tell them that if they die with roller |
| are based in a Christian background. I really don't | | | | skates on or in a rocking chair, they can still go to |
| know of any campfire songs from other religions, | | | | heaven. Who knows; if they believe they can't |
| but if you know of some that I could include, | | | | get to heaven with roller skates, maybe they'll be |
| please email me and let me know. I would much | | | | more careful! This is one of those songs where |
| appreciate it. | | | | you could make up your own verses. |
| Below are listed some of the most popular church | | | | 9. Peace Like a River: This is another one of my |
| camp songs: | | | | favorites. Easy to teach, easy to learn and easy |
| 1. Amazing Grace: This is one of the most | | | | to play on the guitar. It's also a very peaceful |
| beautiful religious songs I know. It is easy to play | | | | song if it's done right. This could be done slowly or |
| on the guitar with only three chords. It has one of | | | | medium tempo. |
| the most recognized melodies. The song has even | | | | If you are looking for a particular church camp |
| more meaning if you know the story behind it. | | | | song that isn't here, try asking your pastor, priest |
| The story is about John Newton, the composer | | | | or other church leader to help you. They will |
| of the song. It is an inspiring story. If you 'google' | | | | probably have some ideas for songs that are |
| John Newton or Amazing Grace, you will find | | | | suitable for your denomination. If you decide to |
| several resources. There is also a movie called | | | | do hymns with guitar accompaniment, you might |
| Amazing Grace about John Newton. | | | | have to transpose to get it into an easier key. A |
| 2. Down by the Riverside: Like most African | | | | lot of hymns are in flat keys, which are harder to |
| American Spirituals, this is a pretty easy song to | | | | play on guitar. Transpose it into a sharp key like |
| learn. Many of the lines are repeated, which | | | | G, D, A, or E. |
| makes memorization easy. In most spirituals there | | | | If you know of any church camp songs or scout |
| is only a difference of two or three words | | | | songs that should be on this list, or included in The |
| between verses. This makes it easy to learn | | | | Great American Campfire Songbook, please email |
| several verses quite easy. | | | | me and let me know. |
| 3. Peace Like a River: This is another spiritual that | | | | Good luck with your campfire singing; and |
| is easy to learn. | | | | Remember to have fun! |
| 4. I Love the Mountains: Even though this song | | | | |