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White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA

The power of campfires

Campfire rentals have become increasingly popular at fall agritourism events. Some farms offer nearly 100 campfire sites for rent.

Research shows that campfires possess a unique power to draw people together, fostering connection, social bonding, storytelling, and a sense of community. A new study (journals.sagepub.com/ doi/ 10.1177/ 147470491401200509) in Evolutionary Psychology has confirmed that sitting by campfires brings down blood pressure and boosts relaxation, which helps foster social interactions.

Adding campfires to agritourism events can significantly enhance their appeal and reason to attend. There should be comfortable seating arranged in a circle, as physical symmetry signals equal status, thereby reducing the possibility of dominance by one person. This layout ensures everyone can see each other and the fire, fostering the democratic participation that makes campfires socially powerful. Also, keep the party size small, with no more than 12 people, so that everyone can see the flames. This also maximizes conversation equity, ensuring a fair conversation where everyone can contribute without feeling crowded out by a member of the group. Groups of 6 or fewer work well as this size maintains the personal connection essential to campfire bonding.

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