By Jada Chau, President of Venture Company
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On December 18, 2022, 6th Meadowvale hosted their classic campfire, but in a different setting. Campfires are usually held at actual campgrounds when Scout groups go camping whether for summer, fall, winter or spring camp. However, in recent years due to COVID-19, it has been difficult for groups to do actual in person camping. Fortunately for Ventures, they were able to do their own small camping trip in August of 2022. But for the rest of the groups, camping is something they either have not experienced for a while or not at all.

This year's campfire was held at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto where all groups as part of 6th Meadowvale host their meetings. Groups prepared in advance for the campfire to present their usual campfire activities. The campfire featured a fake but glowing fire pit with fake fire and chairs in a circle formation all around the fire.

The Cubs and Beavers presented a few songs to bring the cheer and Scouts also sang some songs with live instruments like the guitar and some Christmas shakers for a beat. Ventures did a skit on the importance of food banks that are crucial especially during the holiday season while also thanking all those from the Temple and Scouts who donated to their recent annual food drive. And to end their segment, Ventures did a sing-along of Jingle bells with the whole group accompanied by one of the Venture members playing the song on the piano.

To finish the campfire, an inspiring and important message by Venerable Ruan was given to the group which was applauded by people stomping their feet on the ground as it is a campfire rule that there is no clapping but instead, stomping your feet on the ground. The campfire concluded with the elephant game where a song is sung and as the game goes on, more and more people are added to a line which moves around the campfire circle until everyone from the campfire is in the line.

Although the 6th Meadowvale Scout Group looks to hold this campfire again at the actual campgrounds, doing it at the Temple is the next best thing and all Scout members and leaders had fun in participating in this group event.

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