Campfire Group: “Releasing the Old Self”

Hyunjin Lee
Oct 24, 2025
3 min read

Length: 1.5 hours (adaptable 60–120 min)

Group size: 10–15 participants

For Facilitators

The Campfire Group is a symbolic, experiential session designed to help participants release old stories, identities, or patterns that no longer serve them—and to begin imagining who they are becoming.

Fire has long been a universal symbol of transformation, renewal, and purification. Around a campfire, we connect with something ancient: the warmth of community and the courage to let go.

1. Welcome & Warm-Up (10–15 minutes)

Begin by inviting participants into a reflective space:

“Welcome everyone. Today we’re going to do something special. We’re going to use this little campfire to help us release parts of our old self that no longer serve us—and start imagining who we want to become. Fire has always been a symbol of transformation, warmth, and new beginnings.”

Icebreaker Idea: Pass around a small object (like a stone from your campfire set). When the stone reaches someone, invite them to share their name and one strength they’ve used to get through hard times. This short sharing builds trust and reminds participants that strength already lives within them.

2. Framing the Activity (5 minutes)

Ground the exercise in narrative and symbolic meaning.

“In therapy, we talk about stories. Narrative therapy teaches us that we all carry stories about ourselves. Some of these stories keep us stuck, and some of them set us free.”

Introduce the idea of writing a letter to the ‘Old Self’—the parts weighed down by pain, guilt, addiction, or old patterns. Let participants know they’ll later release these letters into the fire as a symbolic act of letting go.

3. Writing the Letter to the Old Self (20–25 minutes)

Invite reflection through writing:

“Take some time to write a letter to your old self. Be as honest as you want—this is just for you. You might write about what you’re ready to leave behind, what lies or burdens you no longer want to carry, what pain took from you, or what you want to forgive yourself for.”

Encourage a quiet, reflective atmosphere. Soft instrumental music can help participants stay present. After about 15 minutes, gently remind them to begin closing their letters.

4. Burning Ritual: Releasing the Old Self (20–30 minutes)

Transition into the symbolic release.

“Now, one by one, you’ll have the chance to come to the campfire. You can read part of your letter if you wish—or keep it private. Afterward, you’ll fold or tear the paper and place it in the fire. This is not just paper you’re letting go of—it’s pieces of your old story that no longer define you.”

As each letter burns, the group softly snaps or says together, “Released.”This shared word helps create a ritual of community support and acknowledgment.

5. Reflection & Renewal (15–20 minutes)

Shift from release to renewal:

“Now that we’ve released the old, let’s think about the new. On a fresh page, write a letter to your ‘New Self.’ Who are you becoming? What do you want to embrace? What kind of story do you want to live moving forward?”

Encourage participants to keep this letter—a tangible reminder of their growth and commitment. Invite a few volunteers to share reflections if they feel moved to.

6. Closing Circle (10 minutes)

End with a grounding ritual of hope and intention:

“Before we end, let’s do a closing ritual. When it’s your turn, say one word you want to carry forward from today—like hope, peace, strength, or freedom—and imagine tossing that spark into the fire.”

After everyone shares, close with a blessing or affirmation:

“Thank you for your honesty and courage today. Just like fire burns away what is no longer needed, you’ve released parts of your old story. And just like fire gives warmth and light, your new story can guide you forward.”

🌿 Facilitator Reflection

This session can be especially powerful in recovery groups, faith-based counseling, trauma healing circles, or personal growth workshops. It reminds participants that letting go is not about erasing the past—it’s about releasing what no longer defines us so that something new can emerge.