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Storytelling Going back to the roots of books By Kristen SchottPublished: July, 2010

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This weekend, I'm making a brief visit at my much-loved camp in Big Bear. It's a place I hold dear to my heart, and it's a summer tradition I have had a hard time parting with. I attended Camp Conrad-Chinnock, a getaway for diabetic children – and their families – as a child, then, as a teenager and early 20-something, I spent most of my summers as a counselor or the crafts director. I love it, and I wish I could go up for more than a day and a half. Unfortunately, I'm now an adult and I don't get that luxury, so I'm heading up for a quick visit. While I'm there, I hope to take part in what has become one of my favorite parts of camp – besides the lifelong friends I've met – and that's campfire. It's a time when stories come to life right before your eyes – in the way stories originally were meant to be told. In front of an audience. Camp counselors perform skits, songs – and sometimes things get messy, which always makes the kiddies giggle with joy – and at the end of the night, it's always time for a few classic tales. They're ones that I'd prefer never to see written out (which is odd, considering my love of books). There is a story about a woman who travels to a far-away land, a wonderful tale about a hummingbird that makes stars and another about a beautiful rose. And there's a song – "One Tin Soldier" – that tells such a wonderful story, but it's always the best when it's sung out loud, by the campers and staff. It's a great tradition, and it allows children and their families to laugh, cry and believe in the tales that are presented to them. If you have a chance this summer, have a "campfire" with your kids. Gather up the family, find a fire pit (there's quite a few at the beach, but you'll want to get there early), grab some marshmallows and when you're settled, create a story. Tell a tale. Bring one to life with your voice, with your imagination. Or, tell one from your childhood. One that's stuck with you over the years. I hope you have a chance to share in the beauty of storytelling in its original form. Kristen Schott is OC Family's children's book editor. Be sure to check out "Storytime," my video book reviews, for more fun facts about stories you and your kiddies must read. Believe in the power of books! Want a book-signing treat? The craze continues 'Stella is a Star!' Why Bree? Another book-into-a-movie moment A Book and A Buck Bedtime books Are you ready for 'Toy Story 3'? Keep young ones reading with this program A book about meeting in the middle Read with this innovative app Why do kids have all the fun? Get a look at Walter Diemer's invention Created for children, by children Ever heard of Dustpan, Texas? Looking back at the genre that started it all Do you know a 'Tiny Art Director'? 'How to Draw With Drew' Summer books Author spotlight: Henry Winkler Borders launches Double Dog Dare Reading Challenge 'Zack the Prairie Dog' Oh, what a kid-book world Young adult and children's lit in 1 place Earth Day is coming! Author spotlight: Rhonda Fischer 'That Cat Can't Stay' Calling all book lovers 'Where the Mild Things Are' by Maurice Send-up That dog's gettin' old 'Prentice Hall: The American Experience' Pick up this springtime counting book One whimsical story Anaheim Public Library launches book donation campaign Gosh, I love Spoonfuls of Stories 'Are You My Mother?' Poetry for kiddies Books aplenty in O.C. Vocab – it's not a nightmare anymore 'What reading can do for your kiddies' A look back Book with no words 'Pickle Things' Book vs. Kindle A world of magic awaits Hearts and hugs? 'Rita and Whatsit' Colds and books More 'Twilight'? 'Princess and the Frog' Where do you read? Are they really 'Indestructible'? Book journals 'Weezer Changes the World' 'All Kinds of Families'

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