open · Team Building, Icebreaker · 30–45 min · 8-20 people · low energy

Campfire

Campfire leverages the power of storytelling to foster connection and shared understanding within a team. By using trigger words, participants share work-related experiences, revealing commonalities and building rapport.

When to use Campfire

Use this method to kick off a team-building session, onboard new employees, or create a safe space for sharing experiences and perspectives after a significant project or event.

What it solves

Siloed teams lacking shared context, difficulty building rapport in remote environments, lack of informal knowledge sharing.

How to run Campfire, step by step

  1. Before the session, brainstorm 10-20 positive or neutral trigger words related to work experiences (e.g., 'partnership,' 'first day'). Write each word on a sticky note. (15 minutes)
  2. Post the sticky notes in a visible location, creating a 'wall of words'. Provide participants with markers and extra sticky notes.
  3. Explain that the session is a workplace 'campfire' for sharing stories informally.
  4. Ask participants to review the 'wall of words' and recall a story associated with one of them. (3 minutes)
  5. Start the storytelling by removing a word from the wall, posting it nearby, and sharing your own story.
  6. Invite a volunteer to continue by selecting a word (either from the wall or a new word inspired by the previous story), posting it next to yours, and sharing their story. Instruct others to listen and jot down words/phrases that remind them of other stories.
  7. Repeat the process, creating a 'story thread' archive. Continue until the time is up.
  8. Before ending, ask participants to share any lessons learned or final thoughts.

Materials needed

  • Sticky notes
  • Markers
  • Whiteboard or virtual whiteboard
  • Timer

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participation by sharing your own stories and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
  • If the storytelling lulls, refer participants back to the 'wall of words' or suggest a 'wild card' story.
  • Be mindful of the tone and steer the conversation back to positive or neutral topics if it becomes too negative.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants being hesitant to share. - Start with a lighthearted story of your own to set the tone.
  • The conversation drifting into negativity. - Gently redirect the focus to positive or neutral aspects of the stories.
  • Dominant voices taking over. - Actively invite quieter participants to share their stories.

Variations

  • Use images instead of words as triggers.
  • Focus the storytelling on a specific theme or project.
  • Record the stories and create a podcast or internal newsletter.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a virtual whiteboard like Miro or Mural to create a shared 'wall of words' and a space for the 'story thread'. Participants can add their sticky notes virtually.

What it produces

A 'story thread' of sticky notes representing shared experiences and insights.

Origin

Inspired by Tell Me a Story: Narrative and Intelligence by Roger Schank and Gary Saul Morson — source

Build a session around Campfire

METODIC places Campfire inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

Generate a session with Campfire · Try METODIC free