[Camp Songs] Classic camping songs. Campfire songs you can play along with

Jenka

Jenka, jenka, Yukio Hashi, folk dance, how to dance, choreography, video

The original song is the Finnish dance tune “Letkajenkka.” Its title has also been translated as “Schottische Danced in a Line.” The dance style features American-born choreography where people form a single line, hold the waist of the person in front, and hop as they dance.

It seems to have taken root in Japan just as it is.

It’s perfect for a campfire.

Kuikaimanimani

Kuikaimanimani

This song, with lyrics that feel like a spell and don’t quite make sense, is a lot of fun and apparently originated as a South American folk song.

It came to Japan by way of the YMCA in the United States after passing through South America, so it has turned into a kind of telephone game—now even in South America people don’t know what it means.

There are other songs of this “meaning-unclear” type, like Sarasponda and Mayim Mayim, and their mysterious lyrics are oddly appealing.

In Japan, it’s even been included in school textbooks as a classic.

A song like this would really liven up a campfire sing-along.

To the Sun in the Palm of Your HandLyrics by Takashi Yanase / Music by Taku Izumi

[Children’s Song] Te no Hira o Taiyō ni ♪

The classic children’s song “Tenohira o Taiyo ni” is well known by many kids and adults.

It’s also famous for having lyrics written by Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman.

Since it’s included in elementary school textbooks, there are probably very few people who don’t know it.

Just listening to it—or singing it—fills you with energy, making it perfect for lively events like camp.

There’s choreography that matches the lyrics, too, so singing while dancing will make it even more exciting! It’s a great song for helping kids and adults become friends and for creating fun memories.

Yupo iyaiya eya

Yupoiya Iya Eya at the campfire

There’s an action song that’s just perfect for those joyful moments when everyone gathers around a campfire and smiles come naturally.

With its simple yet unforgettable melody and a rhythm that gets everyone moving together, it creates a truly wonderful sense of unity.

The story of how it became a campfire classic is fascinating as well, but in Japan, ever since it was introduced through an educational magazine in 1965, it has enjoyed unwavering popularity as a staple camp song.

This piece is sure to shine on camp nights when you want to deepen bonds with friends, or at recreational events where everyone wants to get excited together!

Goodbye for today.Lyrics and Music by Shoichi Kaneko

Goodbye for today.

This song was released in 1966 and became a hit sung by Ryoko Moriyama.

It’s often used not only at camps but also in various outdoor activities and has gained wide popularity.

The lyrics carry a positive message about friendship and believing in hope for tomorrow over today, so singing it warms the heart.

By the time you finish, you feel like saying, “I’ll do my best again tomorrow.”

I can hear the camp song

014 I Can Hear the Camp Song

As the title suggests, “I Can Hear the Camp Song” is a folk song that’s perfect for camping.

Its cheerful lyrics evoke the warmth of nature, making it popular as a children’s choral piece as well.

If you’re singing it at a campsite, accompanying it with an acoustic guitar should make it easier to sing.

There are harmony sections, so if you’re confident in your singing, try taking the harmony part.

The Bear of the Forest

Japanese Children’s Song – Dōyō – Mori no Kuma-san – The Bear of the Forest

It was first broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in August 1972, which made it widely known in Japan.

In the original lyrics, it depicts someone fleeing from a bear that is chasing them, whereas in the Japanese version, it seems to have been changed to feature a kind-hearted bear.