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

Let's dance, the fun Porečeke!Polish folk song

[Children's Song] Let's Dance, Fun Polechke

When this exhilarating melody reaches your ears, doesn’t it naturally bring a smile to your face and make you want to join hands and start dancing? Rooted in a traditional Polish dance, its bright, buoyant rhythm lifts every listener into a cheerful mood.

The Japanese lyrics seem to teach us the joy and sense of unity that come from singing together in one voice.

What made this piece widely known in Japan was likely its introduction on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962.

It’s the perfect song to color those irreplaceable moments—singing and dancing with friends around a campfire.

As a beloved classic across generations, it will surely continue to bring many smiles for years to come!

Forest CampLyrics by Seiichiro Furuta

Forest Camp

You can almost feel the clear forest air and the warmth of a campfire shared with friends.

Suited to gentle singing on a camping night, its calm and memorable melody has surely been cherished by many.

The lyrics—filled with the natural beauty of dawn, friendship among companions, and the anticipation of new discoveries—are deeply moving.

It is said that the lyricist, Seiichiro Furuta, devoted himself to youth development, including establishing Japan’s first Cub Scout pack in Kobe in 1923.

From the 1960s onward, this song spread through songbooks and has been passed down in Scouting and outdoor education settings.

When everyone sings it together around the campfire, it becomes an unforgettable memory.

For those who wish to deepen bonds in nature, this is truly a song worth experiencing.

Mountain Delicacies

[Children's Song] Mountain Feast

It’s a leisurely tune based on an Austrian folk song, but the light, lively yodels that appear partway through make the piece stand out even more.

The lyrics amusingly capture the pure images a child might have, just as they are, and as you sing it, you start to get a sense of what the “feast” in the title is all about.

It’s truly a perfect song for singing outdoors.

This mountain shines.

This mountain shines.

This lively song with cheerful chorus shouts is the Japanese adaptation of the German folk tune “Horch, was kommt von draußen rein.” It was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it a very well-known piece.

The refreshing, beautiful melody that evokes a sunny day on a highland, along with its distinctive chorus section, leaves a strong impression.

Hokey Pokey

Hokey Pokey ♪ Hokey Pokey [English Songs | Kids’ English Conversation | Landy & Katy Channel]

When you think of a cheerful melody that makes you want to dance around a campfire, many of you probably know exactly the one.

Wave your right hand as directed, then tap your left foot, and spin around—before you know it, you’re smiling.

Its simple structure, uniting song and dance, is filled with a mysterious charm that captivates people across generations.

Said to originate from Mother Goose, this piece isn’t tied to any specific performer but has been passed down through the ages.

In Japan, it has been widely loved since the mid-2000s, featured on albums like “Kentaro and Miku’s Waiwai Kids! Let’s Sing in English with Miku,” among others.

It’s a familiar presence in kindergartens, sports day exercises, and English-learning materials—truly a star performer.

Move your body together with everyone at camp, and you’re guaranteed to make unforgettable memories.

Holdiridia

Holdiridia

This song was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1961, and the original is Franzl Lang’s “Mein Vater ist ein Appenzeller,” known from the yodeler himself.

Beyond being sung as a song, its melody is also used in integrated circuits and mechanical clocks, and is widely loved.

It’s a tune that makes you happy just by singing it—you’ll want to hum it while walking through mountains and highlands, as if you were in Switzerland.

Hands and hands and handsLyrics and composition: Nihonmatsu Hajime

17.9.4. Hands and Hands and Hands / Singing-Voice Bus Trip

Around a campfire with all kinds of friends, it’s the perfect chance to make new friends and deepen your bonds! That’s exactly when we recommend “Hand in Hand in Hand.” It’s a song for every season—spring, summer, fall, and winter—where you connect with people and make more friends.

When body parts like hands or shoulders are mentioned, you tap or make sounds with that part, or touch a friend and play along.

As you keep singing, you might just find that by the end everyone’s become closer! It’s perfect for the unique camp setting where people meet, connect, and make friends.