About Campfires
In addition to being the name of our organization, Campfire is the name for our signature live storytelling events. Campfires are free one-hour events where audiences are guided through narratives and reflections by a Fellow who seeks to share their wisdom through story. Campfires are a warm and inviting place where all are welcome, the exact kind of place where great stories are told. See what a Campfire looks like here.
We call our storytelling event “Campfire” because for nearly 2 million years, campfires brought humans together—providing protection from danger, nourishing our most fundamental needs, and creating a space where bonds are built with nothing more than the warmth of the fire and the stories we share.
We hope to re-create this sort of space with our Campfires: a space where wisdom is lifted up and shared, where we discover meaning in the experiences of others, cultivate empathy that previously didn’t exist, find security we didn’t know we had, and feel real, human connection.
What to expect at a Campfire
Stories That Speak to Something Bigger
At Campfire, we teach people how to tell their stories and understand how much they matter. Storytellers combine elements of storytelling, public speaking, and facilitation to confidently share and openly engage in meaningful conversation. This combination of strategies helps each story create connections across the breadth of human experience.
A warmth we can bring back to the world
Campfires are a warm and inviting place where all are welcome, the exact kind of place where great stories are told. Spaces like this are critical, but today, they’re regrettably rare. So when the Campfire is over, we hope there’s a warm and unique feeling that outlasts the experience — a warmth audience members will bring back to the world.
The illumination of our own wisdom
At our Campfires storytellers and attendees take the time to reflect on the moments that have shaped us, distilling the wisdom, lessons, and insights we’ve learned from each. This fosters mutual self-discovery, by creating space for people to learn from their own stories and the stories of others.
What you
leave with
- Inspiration & Meaning
- Illumination & Wisdom
- Connection & Understanding
- A neighbor you now know, or know more deeply
how to join us
- ?Where do Campfires take place, and where can I park?
Campfires take place at Work & Leisure, an event space located at 3015 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103.
Campfires are usually held in the evening. Typically paid parking meters on Locust and surrounding areas are free after 7pm. Still, pay attention to signage and double check to avoid ticketing.
On the rare occasion there is a different time or location for a Campfire, it will be listed on the individual event page. Prioritize that information.
- ?Do I need to RSVP or get a ticket to attend a Campfire?
No RSVP is required to attend, but it is appreciated (RSVPs are located on the individual event pages). Getting a heads-up on how many people may attend helps us be prepared to create a great experience for you.
- ?Does it cost money?
No. Campfire attendance is free, and we plan to keep it that way. Accessibility is one of our core values, and we want anyone to be able to attend without barriers.
The Experience
- ?What is a Campfire experience like? How is this different from other storytelling events? How long is it?
Campfires are a place for reflection and stories on life and how we live it. During a Campfire, one storyteller (called a Campfire Fellow) takes center stage with an audience for just one hour. The storyteller guides the audience through their personal narrative, in a manner designed to address a Season Question. This question, chosen by the Fellows and voted on by the community, is a broad exploration of life and how we live it.
- ?What’s the goal?
That when the Campfire is over, there’s warmth and wisdom you can bring back to your world. Also to enjoy a well told story and one another’s company!
- ?Will someone just be talking for an hour straight? Will I have to share or tell stories?
Great question! It won’t be them just talking for an hour!
We teach an interactive and conversational speaking style so that the storyteller will include the audience in the experience and offer opportunities for reflection. . The storyteller is the main speaker, but there is an element of audience participation.
However, this participation is limited – and it can look like a hand raising or reflecting on a piece of paper to yourself. Participation is never required, and we never expect specific audience members to be willing to share aloud.
- ?Is Campfire the event or the organization?
Campfire is an organization and an event. Campfire (the organization) runs Campfires (the events).
- ?Is there food?
Food is not typically provided but there is a bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase.
- ?Can I bring kids?
Yes, children are allowed – but please note that this event is oriented towards adults and adult topics will be shared. There is also a bar where alcohol is available for purchase. Keep this in mind as you decide whether or not to have children attend.
what people are saying
Intimate, love-filled room that night. I’ve never experienced anything like it.
Campfire Event Attendee
From past CAMPFIRES
