Camping, the word itself, is enough to cause a lot of excitement for the kids. A camp is all about engaging in fun activities. What doubles the joy at camping, camp songs. This summer, when the sun is setting down, gather around the campfire and have oodles of fun singing the best camp songs. These songs are usually quite entertaining and easy to follow.
Here is a curation of some of the most popular camp songs for kids that are sure to get the grooving.
Types of camp songs
Most camp songs have straightforward, rhyming, and repetitive lyrics that are suitable for kids of all age groups. Let us have a look at some types of camp songs.
1. Songs that go around in the circle
Here, everyone sings the same lyrics following similar tunes, but at different intervals. The kids can form small groups, one group starts singing a few verses of the song. Then the second group starts the same verse at another time.
2. Repeat after me songs
Introduce news songs with this style of camp songs. Children can also improve their vocabulary with the help of actions. In this style, the lead sings a verse from the song, and the rest have to repeat.
3. Songs with movement and actions
These camp songs involve physical movement along with singing. Kids find such action songs fun and enjoy participating along with others.
4. Silly camp songs
Silly songs may or may not make any sense. But the funny lyrics and jumbled words can make it entertaining for the kids.
20 Most Popular Camp Songs for Kids
1. Camp Granada (Hello Muddah, Hello Fuddah)
Summer campers have enjoyed this classic song for decades. Written by Allan Sherman and Lou Busch in the 1960s, this parody is based on the letters that Allan received from his childhood when he was at summer camp.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
2. Down by the Bay
This children’s song can be enjoyed by adults, as well. This song was performed by Raffi in his 1976 album. The chorus, easy-to-follow lyrics, and melodious tune are sure to get your kids grooving to this song.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
3. This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land
This famous folk ballad about the United States is easy for kids to learn. This song brings a tear into your eyes as you look up with pride. Woodie Guthrie wrote this song in 1940 inspired by an album, Worlds’ on fire.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
4. Home on the Range
This timeless classic is brought to you by Roy Rogers. It talks about America’s Wild West history and is fun to sing at the camp’s bonfire.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
5. There’s a Hole In the Bucket
Originated from a German folk song written in the 17th century, this classic melody narrates the story of Henry and Liza. It talks about a hole in the bucket and how these two little kids work a way around fixing it.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
6. The Llama Song
This camp song consists of unusual lyrics about llamas and various animals. Incorporate singing and dancing to make it a lot more fun for the kids.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
7. Kookaburra
Marion Sinclair wrote Kookaburra in 1932, who was a primary school teacher from Victoria. Kookaburra is an Australian animal. The catchy music and peppy lyrics are sure to get the kids laughing out loud.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
8. Camptown Races
This song was originally titled “Gwine to Run All Night” by Stephen Foster and was first published in 1850. The simple lyrics and fun rhythm of this song make it a favorite of kids across the world.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
9. She’ll Be Coming Around The Mountain
Adapted from the African – American gospel, ‘when the chariot comes’ this traditional song is a must-play during a campfire. After hearing this a couple of times, you will find it hard to get this tune out of your head.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
10. Land of the Silver Birch
This Canadian folk song is one of the favorite camping songs for kids, pays tribute to the nation’s natural beauty. Featuring the hills, lush wilderness, and beautiful sights, this song takes you on a country tour and fills you with pride.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
11. I’m Being Swallowed By A Boa Constrictor
Written and performed by a well-known author, Shel Silverstein, this poem was later turned into a song. The light-hearted, catchy, and funny tune has made this song a favorite of kids across all age groups.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
12. My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
Originally a Scottish folk song, my Bonnie lies over the ocean is quite popular in the western parts of the world. Often sung as a campfire song for the boy scouts, this comes in many variations. The song’s repetitive chorus and slow pace make it relatively easy for everyone to sing along.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
13. Baby Shark
Baby shark is one of the most popular songs in recent times. Though the origins of this song are unknown, it has become a favorite amongst families. This song features a pleasant way of introducing various members of the shark family.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
14. Boom Chicka Boom
This high-energy song is an all-time favorite amongst kids. As the lyrics are easy to remember, children enjoy singing and dancing to this fun number!
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
15. The Green Grass Grew All-Around
Introduce the environment and nature to your kids with this Appalachian folk song. As the song progresses, it encourages kids to look around and explore nature.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
16. Oh My Darling, Clementine
Oh My Darling, Clementine was written by Percy Montrose in 1884. This American folk ballad has a catchy tune that is easy to remember. Children would enjoy singing this song at the campfire.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
17. The Wheels on the Bus
This popular children’s song was written by Verna Hills and first published in 1939. The kids will enjoy singing this song on a bus trip or around the campfire. Though written in English, it is quite popular in other regions as well.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
18. Baby Bumblebee
This song features the story of a boy who finds a bumblebee and gets excited to show the bumblebee to his mother. But unfortunately, he gets stung by it.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
19. I Met A Bear
I met a bear, tells us about the singer who comes face to face with a wild bear. The song narrates his escape from the angry bear.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
20. We’re Going On A Bear Hunt
Based on Micheal Rosen’s children’s book this song tells us the story of a group of siblings who are on a bear hunt. But when they finally come across one, they are terrified. What happens next? Find out by singing this peppy song!
Watch it here: www.youtube.com
Most of these popular songs have been a favorite of kids and adults alike. Camp songs help build the camping spirit, allow kids to loosen up and socialize with their peers. So, set up the mood and let the children pick their favorite songs to sing their hearts out.
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Sravani holds a post-graduate degree in Biotechnology. Being an avid reader, she keeps herself up to date with research. Her interest lies in teaching new things to children in creative ways. For MomJunction, she covers literature and information/ facts articles for kids. Sravani likes to unwind by teaching to her son, spending time with her family, binge-watching TV series and… more
