How to make campfire scary ghost stories more engaging?

Use different voices for different characters. For example, make your voice low and raspy for a spooky monster. This will immediately draw the kids in.

Use suspense. For example, don't reveal the monster right away. Build up the tension by describing strange noises or small, unexplained events first.

They can use sound effects. For example, if there's a part in the story about a howling wind, one kid can make a whooshing sound. It makes the story feel more real.

Make the setting vivid. Describe the campfire itself, how the flames are dancing and casting shadows. Then start building the world of the ghost story. Talk about the cold wind blowing through the trees in the story, the creaking of old doors if there are any in the plot. The more details you add to both the real campfire setting and the fictional story setting, the more engaged the kids will be.

Build up the suspense. Don't reveal the scary part right away. Describe the setting, the characters' feelings, and slowly introduce the element of fear. For instance, start by talking about how peaceful the forest seems at first, then gradually introduce the strange noises and the sense of unease.

Use spooky voices. When you tell the story, change your voice to a low, raspy tone for the scary parts. It immediately grabs the attention of the listeners.

Create vivid characters in your stories. Give them names, personalities and backstories. This makes the audience care more about what happens to them. Use sound effects if possible, like snapping a twig to mimic a spooky noise in the story. And end your story with a cliffhanger or a really unexpected twist to leave your audience thinking about it long after the campfire is out.

Add some interactive elements. Pause during the story and ask the kids what they think will happen next. Or, if the story has a mystery, let them try to solve it as you go along. You can also have them act out parts of the story. For instance, if there's a scene where the character is running away from the ghost, have the kids run in place. This makes them more involved in the story - telling process.

Use lots of sound effects. For example, if you're telling a story about a werewolf, make growling noises. And for the funny part, like when the werewolf slips on a banana peel (yes, in the middle of the forest), make a big 'whoosh' sound as it slides. Also, act out the parts. Wave your hands like the werewolf's paws or hunch over like an old witch.

Use different voices for the characters. For example, if you're telling a story about a gruff bear, use a deep, growly voice. This makes the story come alive for the kids. Also, add some sound effects like snapping twigs for when an animal is walking in the forest or a whooshing sound when a magic spell is cast.