Magic ring

Description

Ruth A. Brown, the director of Camp Fire Girls in Seattle from 1919 through 1926, compiled the favorite poems of her Camp Fire Girls and campers at Camp Sealth. During the first summer of camp, which was held one what was then called Trimble Island, and now is known as Blake Island, the campers took their turns at tasks in camp. One major job was doing dishes. Someone would wash, rinse and dry. The young girls would recite poetry to pass the time. Over the years, long after a paid staff began doing dishes, and when camp moved to Vashon Island, the Magic Ring continued to grow. It was moved from the dish area and to the campfire. By the 1960's it was common for the Camp Fire Girls, and now boys and girls, to hold a Magic Ring ceremony. Sometimes a theme would be chosen, but in quiet inspiration, a poem would be said, a song would be sung, each offered spontaneously. We would sit in thought and then another poem would be read. What they were read from was each individuals collection of poetry and inspirational songs. The tradition was to write or type them, and place them in a 3 ring binder - half page size. Lucky are those who have a copy of Ruth Brown's hard bound book. There were reprints in 1936 and again in the 60's. Ruth Brown left Camp Fire to open her own camp in the San Juam Islands, Four Winds. She died in 1976 and is buried at her beloved Four Winds. Provided by Lorrie Scott

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