Since earliest times people have longed to share stories. Why? Stories ignite the imagination, arouse emotion, and generate a sense of kinship, offering insight and wisdom that shape a people's culture and values. Stories are arguably the strongest force in human life.

Campfire Movie Night is an innovative program for youth that taps this power. Instead of a fire, we show a film – images of flickering light in a darkened space that draw viewers into a compelling narrative imbued with meaning and insight waiting to be unpacked.

Youth have a tremendous need to connect with their peers and with caring adults in an engaging, supportive environment. Somewhere they are able to talk about the losses and disruptions they have experienced, the challenges, fears, and barriers they face, the dreams that need validation and encouragement.

A movie screening and dialogue are an appealing way to create that experience. Youth get to see characters much like themselves in situations under stress – communicating, making choices, and experiencing the consequences of those choices, both positive and negative. A movie stirs emotions and brings them to the surface, opening the space for meaningful dialogue on sensitive, often highly charged issues youth are otherwise hesitant to talk about. The story can become an indelible source of inspiration or warning that youth internalize, providing future guidance, a new role model, or a positive new story for themselves. Youth learn and grow naturally, intuitively.

Campfire Movie Night is effective in community programs involving behavioral health issues – youth shelters, long-term detention, and juvenile justice programs. The program is easily adapted to educational settings as well.

A movie stirs emotions and brings them to the surface, opening the space for meaningful dialogue on sensitive, often highly charged issues youth are otherwise hesitant to talk about.