Campfire song progress on the ukulele (even if you’re “musically challenged”)

I’m working on a campfire song on the ukulele tonight.

I’m what you could call musically challenged… but I’m still doing it anyway. The mental image of playing by a camp fire at the waters edge is just too good.

What I’m learning right now

I’ve been messing around long enough that I’ve managed to narrow down something that sounds like the chord shapes for Vance Joy’s “Riptide.”

It’s not perfect. It’s not fast. It’s not “performance ready.” But my kids can identify the tune so that’s a win and good enough for me.

It’s real progress—and I am happy with that.

The next song I’m tackling “Stand By Me.” Ben E King.

That song has always been one of my favourites, and it feels like the kind of tune that belongs around a fire:

Simple

Familiar

Easy for people to sing along to

The kind of song that makes everyone feel like they’re part of it

Why I’m sharing this here

Because this is exactly what I want OutdoorKids to be about:

Trying something new even if you’re not “good” at it yet.

it’s ok to “Goof it”. Heck you might even get a laugh every now and again.

Learning skills slowly, in a way that feels fun and doable while building confidence through small wins is that is giving me the motivation to keep at it.

An other important element is creating moments outside that feel warm and connected.

You don’t need to be an expert to bring something meaningful to your group.

Sometimes it’s just:

A few chords, a crackly fire, kids roasting marshmallows and everyone singing the chorus together.

Quick question for the community

If you’ve got a go-to campfire song (or an easy ukulele song), drop it below.

Bonus points if it’s:

kid-friendly

easy to sing

and doesn’t require musical wizardry

I’ll keep practicing—and if I can get “Stand By Me” sounding halfway decent, I’ll post a quick update (or even a little clip) later.

—Patchy.