Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
The Play
by
Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead
A Theatrical Adaptation Based on the Award-Winning Children’s Books
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? and Growing Up With a Bucket Full of Happiness
by Carol McCloud
Please note:
This script is the intellectual property of the playwright. It is not to be photocopied or used in production. If you are
interested in purchasing additional copies or would like to produce/direct the play, please visit the official web site
for the play: www.bucketfillingplay.com.
Do not photocopy or use in production.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? was presented by Gifford Family Theatre in Syracuse, New
York in July, 2011. It was directed by Steve Braddock. Zachary Dorsey and Shawn Forster
served as dramaturg and production dramaturg, respectively. The cast was as follows:
Cast
Trey: Brandon Dyer
Mrs. Willette: Susan Barbour
Bucket Filling Fairy: Moe Harrington
Professor Smarty Pants III: Michael Barbour
The Students: Fiona Barbour, Shawn Forster, Alex Gherardi, Kim Pompo, Beth Ann Schmidt
The St. Lawrence University production of Have You Filled a Bucket Today? was subsequently
presented in Canton, New York in December, 2011. It was directed by the playwright.
Performances took place at St. Lawrence and at Banford Elementary School in the Canton
Central School District. Following the SLU production, the script was revised (with the
assistance of dramaturg Zachary Dorsey) into the final version. During that process, the play's
setting was changed from classroom to summer camp. The character of Mrs. Willette was
replaced by camp counselor Mimi, and the student characters were replaced by campers.
Do not photocopy or use in production.
Cast (9 characters, 5 females & 4 males- flexible)
Trey: a 4th grade student (and skit characters Aidan and Tommy)- smart, energetic, playful, and
sometimes naughty
Mimi: a 20-something camp counselor- enthusiastic, compassionate, and nurturing, with a bright
smile and a pleasant voice
Professor Smarty Pants: a 40 or 50-something science professor (male)- intellectual and
narcissistic
Bucket Filling Fairy: a fairy who speaks in rhyme- dramatic and bubbly
The Campers:
Christina (and skit characters Paloma; Kimberly; Mom; Lucy)
Madeline (and skit characters Lexie; Catherine; Carina; Rhonda; Addy)
Josie (and skit characters Lizzy; Elena; Tanya)
Jasper (and skit characters Abuelito; Nathan; Kurt; Mikey; Ben; Alexander)
Trevor (and skit characters Andrew; Mr. Muench; Reagan; Elijah; Shawn; Gregg)
A note about cast size: If you would like to include more actors, feel free to cast more than 5 to
play the Campers and various skit characters. If you need to cast fewer actors, feel free to use
fewer than 5. In addition, you may change the gender of one or more of the Campers.
A note about the skit characters: Not every character has a name. Therefore, the actors playing
the Campers may actually play more roles than are listed above.
A note about casting the Campers: It is important that every child is able to relate to at least one
character in the play. As such, at least one character should be played by an actor of color.
Some are well-dressed while others are dressed shabbily. In addition, one of the girls might
wear a football jersey while one of the boys might wear pink. Perhaps one student wears
glasses. Age is not important, as long as the actors can play children (as well as adults, in some
cases) convincingly. See additional stage directions for specifics.
Setting: Day 2 of Strawberry Hill Summer Camp; the present
The set is a simple unit set, and technical requirements are minimal. UC is a park pavilion of
sorts, with a semi-circle of wooden benches and Adirondack chairs of various colors and sizes.
The seats are angled slightly, facing out to the audience. Plants and trees should suggest an
outdoor location. If you have the resources, a pergola or awning over the seating would be
ideal. If not, decorate the area with trellises etc. A large banner hangs on the US wall; it states:
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Welcome to Strawberry Hill Summer Camp!
We are Bucket Fillers!
A cafeteria table with attached benches (or a table with chairs) is SL (or DL if the magical
bucket blocks it at SL). DR are four blocks, one of which is an “L” block. Scattered around the
stage are colorful trunks or boxes where costume pieces and props are placed so that the actors
never have to leave the stage; they simply grab the item from one of the trunks and move to the
skit, returning it to the trunk when they’re done. There are no full costume changes.
Lights up on the pavilion. The Campers are seated on the benches and chairs. While they are
all dressed in shorts, tee shirts, and sneakers, they look like individuals, like a diverse group of
children; some wear trendy clothes and accessories, some wear hand-me-downs, and others
wear more athletic attire. One might wear a Strawberry Hill Summer Camp tee shirt or hat.
The atmosphere is lively while the Campers wait for their counselor to arrive. Jasper is sitting
where Trey wants to sit. Trey enters just a moment after the lights go up. He is a smart,
energetic, playful, and sometimes naughty 4th grader.
Trey: Get out of my seat, Jasper. (He pushes Jasper. Jasper falls to the ground.)
Their Camp Counselor, Mimi, enters, with a copy of the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
in hand, just in time to see Trey push Jasper. She is energetic, compassionate, and nurturing
with a bright smile and a pleasant voice. She wears shorts and a bright tee shirt with
Strawberry Hill Summer Camp on the front and a strawberry and Counselor on the back. She
sees the potential in all of her Campers, including Trey.
Mimi: Trey! Did I see you push Jasper?
Trey: Yeah.
Mimi: Jasper, are you ok? (She helps him up.)
Jasper: I’m fine.
Mimi: You can sit there, Jasper. Trey will find another seat. (Trey and Jasper both sit down.)
Mimi: Trey, please apologize to your friend.
Trey: Sorry, Jasper.
Mimi: Now, Trey, you know you’ll be doing dishes again today, right?
Trey: Oh, man. Again? Kitchen duty is gross! (A couple of Campers giggle.) Do I have to?
Mimi: Yes you do. Campers, let’s remind Trey; when you don’t follow the counselor’s wishes--
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Campers: --you have to do the dishes. (A couple of Campers giggle.)
Mimi: Right. And if it happens again, you’ll lose swim time. Remember, Campers- when you
break a camp rule you-Campers: --don’t go in the pool. (A couple of Campers groan at this awful punishment.)
Mimi: You got it. Now, Trey, didn’t we talk about this kind of behavior yesterday? (referencing
the book) Do you remember the book I showed you?
Trey: Oh yeah! The one about the bucket!
Mimi: Yes. Remember the deal we made? If I shared the book with you before sharing it with
the rest of the Campers, in return you would be my special assistant and help me introduce this
year’s camp theme to everyone else.
Trey: Oh yeah, I remember! (second-guessing himself) But… I keep messing up. I don’t know if
I could be the special assistant.
Mimi: I know you can. (leaning into him) Here we go. Follow my lead. (crossing to the
Campers) Campers, I have an important announcement to make. Drum roll please. (The kids tap
on their knees.) I have an invisible bucket inside me.
Campers: What?/I don’t see it./ Come on!/A bucket?
Trevor: That’s kinda creepy.
The Campers laugh at this.
Mimi: All right, all right. Very funny. Now you can’t see the bucket, but it’s there. Really. And
guess what: you have an invisible bucket too.
Campers: No way, Mimi!/Really?/I do?
Trevor: I have an invisible bucket too? Now that’s really creepy.
Mimi: Come on, Trevor. Listen up, Campers. This year’s Strawberry Hill Camp theme is
bucket filling. The concept comes from this book (holding it up to the class), Have You Filled A
Bucket Today? First, everyone has a bucket. Your family, friends, and neighbors all have a
bucket. Our Camp Director Mrs. Willette (emphasis on the second syllable) has a bucket too.
Trey gets up from his seat and looks at Mimi and his classmates.
Trey: Freeze! (He claps his hands as he says this. They freeze. He looks around, astonished at
his “power.”) Woah! That really worked! I guess I am the special assistant! (He waves his
hand in front of Christina’s face, to make sure she’s really frozen.) This is so cool!
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Trey crosses DC to approach the audience.
Trey: Okay, so, this is how I learned about bucket filling. Mimi read the book to me yesterday,
on the first day of camp, when I got in trouble. And guess what. Bucket filling is pretty cool. I
know I mess up sometimes, but I’m gonna try to be a bucket filler. But wait; she hasn’t gotten to
bucket fillers yet, has she? Wanna hear more? Check it out. (He heads toward his seat and then
turns back toward the audience.) And you’d better pay attention because there’s going to be a
test. (pause) I’m serious.
Trey returns to his seat and claps his hands. The classroom comes alive again.
Mimi: Your bucket has one purpose only, to hold your good thoughts and feelings about
yourself. You feel happy and good when your bucket is full, and you feel sad and lonely when
your bucket is empty.
Josie: Mimi, when your bucket is full, is it like having good self-esteem?
Mimi: Yeah, I guess it is, Josie. When your bucket is full, you feel good about yourself, and
therefore you have strong self-esteem.
Madeline: So when your bucket is empty you have low self-esteem?
Mimi: Exactly, Madeline.
Trey gets up.
Trey: Freeze! (Again he claps his hands; again they freeze.)
Trey approaches the audience again.
Trey: So, are you with us so far? Wanna know more about bucket filling? Well, a bucket filler
is a loving, caring person who says or does nice things. Everyone likes people who are bucket
fillers because they make other people feel special and happy. And happiness is important for
lots of reasons. But don’t take my word for it; let’s ask an expert. Professor? (He looks around
for him.) Professor? Can you please come out here and tell my new friends what happens to
people when they feel happy? Um, Professor? Sir?
Professor Pants stands up from where he was sitting in the audience and joins Trey on stage. If
he needs to move through a crowded aisle, he should say “Excuse me, pardon me” as he does so.
The Professor is intellectual and narcissistic. He sincerely enjoys molding young minds but also
loves to talk about himself. He is dressed as a stereotypical nerd, complete with a bow tie and
black glasses with tape in the middle. He carries a notepad and a large, cartoonish pencil.
Perhaps he speaks in a British accent.
Prof. Pants: My apologies. I didn’t hear you at first. I was taking copious notes. (He continues
writing.)
Do not photocopy or use in production.
Trey: (with a smile) It looks like you’re still taking co-pi-ous (not sure how to pronounce the
term) notes.
Prof. Pants: (He continues writing for a moment and then looks up at Trey.) Hmmm? Oh, yes.
Forgive me. I’m on the brink of a scientific discovery, you see. The results will be earthshattering. (He jumps up onto one of the blocks.) I’ll be world-famous. My colleagues will be
green with envy. Everyone will want to be me. They’ll start to dress like me. They’ll wear
glasses like mine. (Pause.) I’ll be cloned! (He jumps down.) Now, what were you inquiring
about?
Trey: About happiness. Why is it important for us to feel happy, Mr. Pants?
Prof. Pants: That’s Professor Pants, to you, young man. Or you could call me Sir. Or Dr. S.
Pants III (read as“the third”). It’s your choice. But whatever you do, don’t call me by my given
name, Dr. Smarty Pants. People always giggle when they call me Dr. Smarty Pants. (Trey smiles
and tries not to laugh.) Such low-brow humor.
Trey: Um, happiness, sir?
Prof. Pants: Ah, yes, back to your inquiry. (As he continues, he moves around DS, ‘taking the
stage,’ and speaks quickly. He is in his element now.) “Since Aristotle, happiness has been
thought of as consisting of two aspects: hedonia (hih-doan-ia), or pleasure, and eudaimonia (yoodih-moan-ia), or a life well-lived. More modern formulations include the corresponding
psychological ingredients of--”* (Note: the end of the thought is “pleasure and meaning.”)
Trey (interrupting him) Excuse me, Professor. (to the audience) Are you following this? No?
Me either. (to the Prof.) Well, thank you, Professor. That was… interesting. But I think we’re a
bit confused. Could you please tell us about the benefits of happiness, besides, well, just feeling
happy?
Prof. Pants: Ah, yes. That is a very good question, Trey. Let’s see… Dr. Bekhet and colleagues
assert that “happiness can be seen as a multidimensional positive inner experience that is vital
and important in maintaining health, boosting immune system, and motivating human
behaviors.” **
Trey: (to the audience) I think he means that being happy is a good thing. (to Prof. Pants) Right?
Prof. Pants: Yes… if you want to put it in layman’s terms for your (cough, cough) esteemed
colleagues out there. (He references the audience, then turns to Trey.) Will that be all? (He
begins to exit after Trey says “thank you.”)
Trey: Yes, thank you for your time, Dr. Smarty Pants. (He giggles. Professor Pants turns around
and gives him a look.)
Prof. Pants: (to the audience, referring to the giggling) See what I mean?
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Trey: Uh, I mean, thanks, Professor.
Prof. Pants: It was my pleasure, Trey. Or my hedonia. (He laughs at his own joke.) Just a little
academic humor. Now I must return to my work. It’s revolutionary, you know. My discovery
will be deemed a critical turning point in science, a watershed moment. (He pauses and smiles.)
Oh, that’s good. A watershed moment. I’d better write that down. (He writes in his notepad as
he exits the stage.)
Trey: See ya later, Professor. (to the audience with a smile) He’s such a Smarty Pants, isn’t he?
So… if it’s good to be happy, and bucket fillers make people happy, then you probably want to
know exactly how to be a bucket filler, right? (He walks over to Mimi and claps.) Mimi, should
we show them?
Mimi breaks her freeze as Trey says her name.
Mimi: (to Trey) I think that’s a good idea. Campers- we’re going to need your help. (She turns
to them and they’re still frozen, so she looks at Trey. He claps and they break their freeze.)
You’re going to learn more about bucket filling by performing some skits.
Campers: Awesome./I love skits./Last year’s skits were the best!
Mimi: I had a feeling you’d like this idea. The skits will take place in various locations: school,
home, and camp. I need you to be the actors. You’ll all play a variety of characters. Are you up
to the challenge?
Campers: Yeah./Cool.
Trevor: (standing up, dramatically) I’m a great actor!
Mimi: (with a laugh) That’s wonderful, Trevor. Camp is a great opportunity to explore your
talents.
Trevor sits down.
Trey: (to the audience) I may even join in on the upcoming action, just when you least expect it.
But first, I have to get my friends ready for the skits. (turning back to the Campers) Hey, guys,
it’s time for the Bucket Fillers March. (He claps and they begin the march.)
Mimi: Bear with us, audience; there’s a method to our madness.
The Campers stand up in unison and march around the classroom in a line, as magical
instrumental music plays. As they march, Trey and Mimi go to opposite ends of the stage to
prepare to watch the skits. At the end of the march, the Campers end up in a huddle together.
They put their hands in the center of the huddle and then raise their arms up quickly and
enthusiastically as they shout “Go, Bucket Fillers!” (with the same spirit of a sports team yelling
“Go team!”). The Campers walk to their skit positions just before their first lines or as they say
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their lines (see specific stage directions). When they’re not in a skit, the Campers should pay
attention to the scene, staying in character without pulling focus. There should be a lighting
change and instrumental music as one skit ends and the next begins.
Trey claps and the skit begins.
Lighting change/music.
Skit #1
Jasper puts on a robe and sits on the wooden L block with his feet up on another block.
Christina enters his room, carrying a magazine, a deck of cards, and a decorative tin filled with
cookies.
Christina: Hi, ‘buelito (the affectionate form of abuelo, the Spanish word for grandfather). I’m
sorry that you had to have surgery. I brought you a golf magazine, cards, and some cookies. I
made the cookies myself. (She sets them down on top of the L block.)
Jasper: That was really thoughtful, Paloma. Gracias.
Christina: You’re welcome. How are you feeling?
Jasper: I’m doing better today. (with a smile) But I won’t be golfing any time soon. Do you
want to keep me company for a little while?
Christina: Sure. I already did all my homework.
Jasper: Good girl. How’s school going?
Christina: Great. I have mostly As and Bs. Science is my favorite subject. But Art is my
hardest. I’m not a very good artist.
Jasper: Just stick with it and do your best. That’s all anyone can ask of you. So, how about
playing some cards?
Christina: Okay. (She gets the cards.) I’ll deal. (She sits down next to him and begins to shuffle
the cards.)
Jasper: Remember when I taught you how to shuffle the cards when you were little?
Christina: Yeah. That was cool.
Jasper: Only four years old and shuffling like a pro.
Christina: No one could believe I knew how to do it.
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Jasper: I would say, “That’s my girl!”
Christina: (smiling, as she remembers) I totally remember that.
Jasper: Thanks for coming over, Paloma. You always know how to cheer me up, mija (mee-ha,
which means ‘my girl’ in Spanish).
He puts his arm around her.
Lighting change/music.
Christina returns to the classroom. Jasper puts his robe away and enters the next scene.
Skit #2
Madeline sits alone on one of the trunks. Jasper walks by and stops to talk to her.
Jasper: Hi, Lexie.
Madeline: Hey, Nathan.
Jasper: Are you okay? You look upset.
Madeline: I’m just having a bad day.
Jasper: (sitting down next to her) Why? What’s up?
Madeline: I missed the bus so my mom had to drive me to school, and I was late to Music.
When I walked in everyone stared at me. It was so embarrassing. And I left my English project
and my lunch at home.
Jasper: That does sound like a bad day. I’m sorry.
Madeline: It’s okay.
Jasper: I have some extra money; do you want to borrow it so you can buy lunch?
Madeline: That would be awesome. Thanks.
Jasper: Sure. Come with me to my locker and I’ll get the money.
Madeline: Perfect. Thanks, Nathan.
Jasper: No prob. I know you’d do the same for me.
Lighting change/music.
Do not photocopy or use in production.
Madeline and Jasper walk together toward the classroom, where Jasper remains.
Skit #3
Madeline continues walking until she reaches the next skit location, where she runs into Trevor
in the hallway. He walks with a crutch. He wears a hat (ideally with the name of a camp that’s
popular in your area) and carries a tackle box and a fishing pole in one arm; he drops the pole
just as Madeline says “hi” to him.
Madeline: Hi, Andrew. (She picks up the fishing pole and hands it to him.)
Trevor: Hey, Catherine. Thanks.
Madeline: You’re welcome. I heard that you got hurt. What happened?
Trevor: I sprained my ankle during the relay race.
Madeline: Ouch.
Trevor: Luckily I twisted it near the end of the race, so (very proud of himself) my cabin still
came in second place.
Madeline: Wow. That’s impressive.
Trevor: It feels a lot better now. I just have to get used to this annoying crutch.
Madeline: Are you going down to the lake right now?
Trevor: Yeah. Fishing is about the only outdoor activity I can do right now.
Madeline: I can carry these (pointing to the pole and tackle box) for you if you want.
Trevor: Thanks. That’d be great. (She grabs them and they start walking together.)
Lighting change/music.
Madeline gets rid of the tackle box and fishing pole, picks up a cafeteria tray, and heads to the
cafeteria. Jasper and Christina grab their bagged lunches as well as Josie’s, and also head to
the cafeteria. Madeline, Jasper, and Christina sit down at a table and begin eating. Trevor puts
his hat away and picks up a tie. He puts the tie on and continues on to the next skit.
Skit #4
Josie sits on a trunk (not the one used previously), pen in hand, finishing a thank-you card.
Trevor enters.
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Josie: Hi, Mr. Muench (Minch). This is for you. (She stands up and gives him a card.)
Trevor: What’s this?
Josie: Just a note. You can read it now if you want.
Trevor: All right. “Dear Mr. Muench, Thanks for being a great teacher. I love being in your
class. Thanks for being funny and for holding the review session before the last test. History
isn’t my best subject but I will try really hard to be a good student.” Thank you, Lizzy. That
was very thoughtful of you.
Josie: I mean it. You actually make history kinda fun.
Trevor: (with a smile) Well, I’m glad you approve. I know you’ve been working hard, and I’ll
help you however I can. I’ll hold review sessions before every test. Just come to them and
you’ll do just fine.
Josie: Ok, I will.
Trevor: Thanks again. I can’t remember the last time a student gave me a thank you card.
Josie: You’re welcome.
Lighting change/music.
Josie goes to the cafeteria and sits down with the group. Trevor takes off his tie, grabs his
bagged lunch, and also heads to the cafeteria.
Skit #5
The children in the cafeteria eat their lunch. Trey enters in a wheelchair, his lunch on his lap,
and joins them. Trevor enters and looks around for a place to sit. Perhaps he has a Southern
accent.
Trey: Isn’t that the new kid?
Christina: Yeah. I think his name is Reagan.
Jasper: Should we ask him to sit with us?
Christina: Yeah. (waving at him) Hey, Reagan. Do you wanna eat with us?
Trevor: (walking to them and sitting down at some point during this line) Sure. Thanks. I didn’t
know where to sit. This is my first day at this school. I just moved here from Texas (Feel free to
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substitute for another state if you’re in Texas.). My mom and dad are in the military so we move
around a lot.
Jasper: Cool. I’ve always wanted to go to Texas (Feel free to substitute for another state).
Trevor: It’s pretty cool but I like it here too. Do you guys want some of my cookies?
Group: Yeah./Sure./Ok./Thanks. (He places his cookies in the center of the table and they share.)
Christina: I’m Kimberly but everyone calls me Bim-- (with a smile) long story. This is Carina.
Madeline: Hi. Welcome to (your state).
Trevor: Thanks.
Josie: I’m Elena.
Trey: I’m Aidan.
Jasper: Hey. I’m Kurt. Welcome to Banford Elementary (Feel free to substitute for another
school.), man! (He “fist bumps” him.)
Trevor: Thanks. It’s nice to meet you guys. So what do y’all do for fun around here?
Christina: Elena, Aidan, and I are in glee club. We get to sing at some pretty cool places.
Trevor: Cool. Maybe I’ll join. I’ve been told that I have a pretty good voice. It drives the girls
crazy. (He smiles. They laugh/smile.)
Jasper: (giving him a high five or another fist bump) Sweet. Well, if you’re not too busy (with a
smile) with the ladies, maybe you can come with me to try out for basketball next week.
Trevor: Definitely. I played basketball at my old school.
Jasper: Cool. Just stick with us, Reagan. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about
this place. Including how to stay on Coach Zullo’s (zoo- lo) good side. Trust me, you do not
want to make him mad.
Trey: Seriously.
They all laugh.
Lighting change/music.
Trevor, Madeline, and Josie return to the classroom, taking everyone’s lunches with them.
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Trey pushes the wheelchair off stage and then crosses DS to address the audience.
Trey: Wow, acting is fun! It’s kinda cool to be one of the bucket fillers. Let’s check out another
scene.
He returns to the spot where he had been watching the skits.
Skit #6
Jasper and Christina enter the next scene, where she sits on the L block, reading, and he sits on
the floor near her feet, playing a video game. He speaks to her as he plays the game, not looking
at her.
Jasper: Mom?
Christina: Hmm?
Jasper: I know I don’t always say thank you for everything you do for me. But I appreciate it.
And, um, I’m lucky to have you.
Christina: Thanks, Mikey. What made you say all that?
Jasper: I don’t know. (He looks up at her.) I guess I was just thinking it. I know you do a lot for
me, more than some kids’ parents do. Like that time you canceled that trip with your friends so
you could take me to the skateboarding competition. And when you learned as much as you
could about hockey so you could buy me all the right equipment and help me get better at it.
Even though you don’t really even like sports. (with a smile) Which is crazy, by the way.
Christina: Well, that was a very nice thing to say. Thanks, honey. You know something? I’m
lucky to have you too. I love you more than any mom could love her kid. (She leans down over
him and kisses him on the forehead.)
Jasper: Okay, now you’re pushing it. I’m outta here.
Christina playfully swats at Jasper’s head.
Lighting change/music.
They walk back to the classroom and head to their seats.
Trey: (just as they’re about to sit down) Freeze! (He claps. All Campers freeze.)
Trey and Mimi come DC and address the audience.
Mimi: There you have it. The characters in those scenes filled people’s buckets by saying and
doing nice things. And by filling others’ buckets, they filled their own buckets too!
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Trey: (sing-song-y) Oh, bucket fillers! (He claps and they break their freeze.) Great job! Let’s
give them a round of applause. (He and Mimi lead the audience in clapping for the bucket
fillers.)
Trey: (to the audience) See that? We just filled their buckets by applauding for them! I guess
it’s easy to be a bucket filler; it doesn’t take much time and it doesn’t cost any money. And I
learned something from the skits; when it comes to bucket filling, people tend to pay it forward.
Professor Smarty Pants appears instantly, with his notepad and pencil, surprising everyone
(perhaps by entering through a trap door).
Prof. Pants: Paying it forward is a third-party beneficiary concept that involves doing something
good for someone in response to a good deed done on your behalf or a gift you received,
according to www.wisegeek.com. How delightful, a web site named for me! Wise… geek, get
it? (He laughs.) Anyhow, a book titled Pay it Forward, penned by Catherine Ryan Hyde, was
adapted into a film of the same name in the year 2000. The young fellow in the movie is a lot
like me, a revolutionary of sorts, someone who is poised to set the world on fire. (He pauses.)
But I digress.
Mimi: Wait a minute, Professor. I thought you were a scientist.
Trey: Yeah, how do you know so much about novels and movies?
Prof. Pants: Well, Trey, I’m a Dr., a PhD. You could say that I’m a Dr. (pausing and removing
his glasses dramatically) of the mind. One might assert that I am an expert on all topics. Many
professors are, you know. Just ask them and they’ll tell you.
Trey: Well, thank you, Dr.
Prof. Pants: Don’t mention it. Well, you can if you like. Just be sure to give me proper credit.
(He laughs and exits.)
Trey and Mimi: Bye, Professor.
Mimi: Now, where were we? Ah, yes… bucket filling tends to be contagious. Someone does
something nice for you and then you are inspired to do something nice for someone else.
Unfortunately, now we have to talk about something that isn’t so nice.
Trey: Bucket dipping? Ugh. Do we have to? (He sits down and slouches his shoulders.)
Mimi: I’m afraid so. No one really likes to talk about bucket dipping because it’s very
unpleasant, but we should, just briefly, so we know what it is and how to recognize it.
Trey: (reluctantly) Okay.
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Mimi: Campers- I’m going to ask you to perform skits about bucket filling and bucket dipping.
Are you up for it?
Campers: Yeah./Sure./Of course.
Mimi: We’ve already seen some examples of bucket filling. And I think everyone will be able to
recognize bucket dipping as soon as they see it. Now please give your attention to my special
assistant. Trey?
Trey: Okay. So bucket dipping is when you dip into someone’s bucket and take out some good
feelings. Like when you make fun of someone, when you say or do mean things, or even when
you ignore someone.
Christina: A bully dips other people’s buckets.
Mimi: Exactly, Christina. And nobody wants to be thought of as a bully. Right, Trey?
Trey: Right. Many bullies have empty buckets. They think they can fill their own bucket by
dipping into someone else’s but that will never work.
Mimi: Excellent point. Good for you, Trey. (quietly, just to him) I told you you could do this!
(He smiles.) Campers, do you think the audience is ready for the test?
Campers: Yeah./I think so./Let’s find out.
Trey: (to the audience) Okay, here’s the plan. We’re going to show the audience-- (Note: the
end of the thought is “a skit and have them decide if it’s an example of bucket filling or bucket
dipping.”)
Magical instrumental music plays- a different tune than the one used for the bucket fillers’
march- and Bucket Filling Fairy enters. She is an attractive, average-sized woman (not model
skinny!). She wears a sparkly, brightly-colored dress (anything but pastel pink!) with built-in
pockets, a belt, and wings. She wears silver boots and a headband with two spoons attached. A
sparkly bucket filled with confetti hangs from her belt. BFF looks like a fairy, not a princess (see
www.bucketfillingplay.com for an image). She’s very dramatic and bubbly, delivering every line
with great energy and flair, and in rhyme. Her appearance should be magical. If you have the
technical capabilities, BFF could descend from the ceiling in some kind of bucket or on a swing.
If you do not, she can enter on a scooter or in a wagon or in some other visually interesting way.
Just make her appearance as magical as possible, and have her appear as soon as Trey says her
name.
BFF: Heeelllooo everyone, here I am. Sorry I’m late; there was a traffic jam.
Trey: (confused) You’re not late.
Mimi: (confused) Yeah, we didn’t call you.
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BFF: I know you’re surprised to see me by the look on your face; so now that I’m here, I will
state my case. (shaking Trey’s hand enthusiastically) Bucket Filling Fairy is my name, and
bucket filling is my game. Friends call me BFF, and you can too; I’m delighted to be here with
all of you. Gee oh gee, boy oh boy, filling buckets brings so much joy! (She grabs some confetti
from her bucket and throws it up in the air.)
Mimi: (starting to understand BFF’s presence) Well, BFF, we were just talking about bucket
filling.
BFF: Ahhh, that’s why I’m here, that must be the reason; I help kids with bucket filling season
after season.
Trey: Wow, BFF, you’re a good rhymer.
BFF: Well, thank you, young man. How nice of you to say. I’d be happy to teach you the secret
rhyming way. (in a stage whisper) If you ever find yourself feeling kinda tragical, just start
rhyming and you’ll feel kinda magical! (back to regular volume) Now where is my spoon?
Where could it be? Oh, magic spoon, please appear on 1, 2, 3!
The spoon magically appears. It should be decorated with glitter, ribbons, gems etc. If you have
the technical capabilities, it can descend from the ceiling. If you do not, a stage hand can throw
it to her from off stage. BFF uses the spoon as a wand of sorts.
BFF: Now what was I saying before I called for the spoon? I think I’ve forgotten; it must be a
full moon (She winks at the audience.).
Trey: You were telling us about how much you like filling buckets.
BFF: Oh yes, indeed, of course you’re right; filling buckets keeps me happy both day and night.
(She uses her spoon to throw confetti up in the air again. She looks up in the air as it falls, and
some of it gets in her mouth. Perhaps some lands on the Campers as well.) Oh, gee, I was trying
to be formal, but this really isn’t normal. I tasted the colored confetti, and, wonder of wonders, it
tastes like spaghetti!
Trey: (to the audience) She is so cool! I love this year’s camp theme!
Mimi: Well, you see, Bucket Filling Fairy, if you’re willing to help us, we’d need you to fill and
dip buckets.
BFF: Ohhh, I never dip buckets; that would be a curse; dipping buckets is just the worst. (She
pouts.)
Mimi: I know, bucket dipping is awful. But would you be willing to make an exception? See,
we’re trying to teach (she acknowledges the audience) our new friends about the differences
between bucket filling and bucket dipping. We would like to show them a scene and have them
decide which it is.
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BFF: I think I understand; I’m pretty sure I do; in order to teach them I have to dip buckets too?
Trey: Exactly.
BFF: Well, it’s bucket filling about which I like preaching, but I’ll show you bucket dipping, for
the sake of teaching. (She pauses and thinks for a moment and then whispers to Trey and Mimi.)
Uh oh, we have a problem; yes, I’m afraid so; invisible buckets don’t really exist, you know?
Trey: Of course we know that. (with a smile, not confrontational at all) But then again, you don’t
really exist.
BFF gasps and runs to the audience for support. Perhaps she puts her head on the knees of an
audience member and cries.
Trey: Uh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.
BFF: (collecting herself) What you said was really poo-poo. (Trey mouths “poo-poo?” to the
audience.) But I know you didn’t mean it, so I forgive you. (She throws confetti all over him.
Most of it gets in his face, though that wasn’t her intention.)
Trey: (spitting out the confetti that got in his mouth) It does taste like spaghetti! Thanks, BFF…
I think. Now what was I saying? Oh, yeah. We know invisible buckets are just a metaphor for
our feelings-Mimi: --And we know that our feelings and thoughts are real, and important.
Trey: Definitely. You see, BFF, we thought that seeing a real bucket would help us to clarify the
concept of bucket filling and dipping. I think the audience knows that you aren’t re- (She starts
to turn her back on him again, so he gently touches her shoulder.) I mean the big, magical
bucket isn’t real. (She faces him again.) I guess we’re asking them to suspend their disbelief.
Prof. Pants appears from another unexpected location, with his notepad and pencil.
Prof. Pants: Did someone say suspension of disbelief? This term was coined by Samuel Taylor
Coleridge in 1817. Suspension of disbelief is a willingness to suspend one’s critical faculties and
believe the unbelievable, like this fairy… creature, for instance. (BFF gasps.)
Trey: Dr. Pants! Where did you come from? You’re always right around the corner, aren’t you?
Prof. Pants: Well, Trey, I can work anywhere. All I need is my brain, a writing utensil, and a
notepad. And my smart Phone. (He takes his cell phone out of his pocket and shows it to the
audience).
BFF: You know tons about the humanities and the arts; you sure do have an awful lot of smarts.
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Prof. Pants: Well, you see, I’m a Dr., a PhD. You could say that I’m a Dr. (pausing and
removing his glasses dramatically) of the mind.
Mimi: Well, thanks, Dr. Pants.
Prof. Pants: You’re quite welcome. This is my way of giving back, of paying it forward if you
will. (He laughs.) But I’m afraid I can’t stay; I’m giving a lecture on the cognitive and affective
(ah-ffective) benefits and pitfalls of being the foremost expert on every topic known to
humankind. Ta-ta, everyone. (Trey mouths “ta-ta?” to the audience.)
BFF: It’s been a delight to meet you. So long for now; I’ll say goodbye with a wave and a bow.
(She waves and bows.)
Prof. Pants bows in return and then exits.
Trey: Wow. Dr. Pants knows about everything. I bet he’s read a ton of books. (to BFF) So, will
you help us, BFF?
BFF: Oh sure, of course I will; helping new friends is always a thrill. (She gestures to the
audience with her spoon and winks at them.)
Trey: (to the audience) Ok, everyone. Remember how I told you there was going to be a test?
Well, here it comes. We’re going to show you a scene-Mimi: --And at the end of the scene, Trey will yell “Freeze!” And, BFF- you can wave your
magic spoon.
BFF: Sure! 1,2,3, here I go; I’ll wave my spoon just like so. (She demonstrates.)
Mimi: Now, if you believe the scene is an example of bucket filling, when Trey says “Bucket…”
you yell “Filling!” and applaud.
Trey: Like this. Try it with us. Bucket… (Trey, BFF, and the Campers answer “Filling”
enthusiastically, along with the audience.)
Mimi: Great job. Now if you believe the scene is an example of bucket dipping, when Trey says
“Bucket…” you yell “Dipping!”
Trey: Ok. Ready? Let’s all do it together now. Bucket… (Trey, BFF, and the Campers answer
“Dipping,” along with the audience.)
Mimi: Well done! Now remember to wait until Trey asks you to vote before you shout your
decision. If you promise to wait until the signal, give me a thumbs up. (She pauses as they do.)
Wonderful.
Trey: Now let’s bring out the Campers-- I mean actors.
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BFF: Wait. We need the metaphorical bucket on stage, to show that filling buckets is all the
rage. Now where are the Campers? Where could they be? (Since they’re right behind her, Trey
turns her around to see them. They all laugh. BFF then uses her spoon to address them.) Ah!
Please bring in the bucket on 1, 2, 3!
The Campers stand up in unison. Jasper and Madeline march off stage to get the large, threedimensional bucket, and return quickly with it. The bucket should be on wheels and should
swivel in order to give the illusion of being tipped over. Christina, Josie, and Trevor march in a
circle around the desks. As they march, magical instrumental music plays, and Trey and BFF go
to opposite ends of the stage to watch the skits. Mimi sits in the audience to watch them. The
Campers walk to their skit positions just before their first lines or as they say their lines (see
specific stage directions). When they’re not in a skit, the Campers should pay attention to the
scene, staying in character without pulling focus. There should be a lighting change and/or
instrumental music as one skit ends and the next begins.
BFF: Thank you, my friends, what a lovely display. It’s time for some acting; take your cue
from Trey.
Trey claps and the skit begins.
Lighting change/music.
Skit #7
Christina and Josie sit on the blocks DR, which represent an outdoor location, i.e. the
playground or the steps in front of the school. They are dressed in expensive, trendy clothing
and accessories, whatever is popular at the moment. Their hair is perfectly styled. Christina
files her nails. Madeline enters wearing outdated, unflattering clothing. Her hair is messy. She
sits on the ground, takes out a sketch pad, and begins drawing.
Josie: Do you still want to go shopping later?
Christina: Definitely. Your dad said he could bring us to the mall, right?
Josie: Yep.
Christina: Cool. I’m gonna get a new bathing suit for my trip.
Josie: You’re so lucky that you get to go to Florida all the time.
Christina: Maybe my mom and stepdad will let you come with us some time.
Josie: Are you serious? That would be awesome.
Christina: (overlapping with the end of Josie’s last line, no longer paying attention to what she’s
saying) Oh look, there’s Rhonda.
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Josie: What is she wearing?
Christina: That is hideous.
Madeline starts to hear their comments about her, though she tries not to show it.
Josie: Yeah, that’s bad even for her.
Christina: Just when you think her fashion sense could not get any worse, here she is wearing the
ugliest outfit I have ever seen.
Josie: Seriously. Where does she even find those clothes?
Christina: I don’t know… 1998?
Josie: Good one. (They laugh.)
Josie takes out her cell phone and takes a picture of Madeline, who looks up for a moment but
then goes back to drawing.
Christina: What are you doing? You’re not supposed to have your phone on at school.
Josie: We’re outside; what’s the big deal? I’m posting the picture. It’ll only take a minute. (She
focuses on her phone.) We’ll have everyone vote on how ugly her outfit is on a scale from 1 to
10. There. Done. Pretty soon the whole school will be laughing about the way Rhonda dresses.
Christina: You can get in a lot of trouble for that. Remember what Mrs. Myers said about cyber
bullying?
Josie: Whatever. We’re just having fun. Don’t worry about it.
Madeline looks at them for a moment, picks up her sketch pad, and starts to run off SL.
Josie: Jeesh. What’s with her?
Trey: Freeze! (He claps. All Campers freeze.) Ok, audience. Put your thinking caps on now
because it’s time to vote. Here we go. (BFF waves her spoon.) Bucket… (He waits for their
response.) You’re right! That was definitely bucket dipping. Ugh.
NOTE: Throughout this section, should the audience not shout their vote or vote incorrectly,
Trey should ad lib encouraging lines until the audience shouts the appropriate response.
BFF: Oh me, oh my, this is not a good start; bucket dipping makes me feel sad in my heart.
Some people bully with their words or their tone; cyber-bullies use a computer or phone. No
matter where it happens it hurts so, so bad; oh why do people make others feel sad? (She tips the
large bucket about halfway, just to give the idea of the bucket being tipped over.)
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Trey: I can’t stand bullying. I hope there isn’t any bucket dipping in this next scene. Here we
go. (He claps and they break their freeze.)
Lighting change/music.
Skit #8
Madeline, Josie, and Trevor enter together and sit at the cafeteria table. Madeline takes out a
yearbook, and they all sit down to look at it together. Christina enters in her wheelchair and
moves close to them.
Trevor: Look at that one. That’s hilarious.
Madeline/Josie: I know./ That was such a fun day.
Christina: Hey. What are you guys looking at?
They briefly look up but choose to ignore her. They continue looking at the yearbook.
Josie: Look at Mr. Sims. He’s the best.
Trevor: Coolest teacher ever.
Christina: Is that the yearbook? I didn’t know they were on sale already.
Trevor: (to Madeline and Josie, sarcastically) Did you guys hear something?
Josie: Nope. Did you?
Madeline: No, I didn’t hear a thing.
They continue to look at the yearbook and ignore her.
Christina: Can I look at it with you?
Madeline: (to her friends, still ignoring Christina) Check out this one. Bobbie and Carmen look
great. Let’s go show it to them. (They start to exit with the yearbook, leaving Christina all
alone.)
Trey: Freeze! (He claps. All Campers freeze.)
Trey: (to the audience) Okay. The test continues. It’s time to vote again. Ready? (BFF waves
her spoon.) Bucket… (He waits for their response.) Nice job, audience; you’re right.
Unfortunately.
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BFF: (to the audience) I’m glad to see that you’re all learning, but bucket dipping makes my
stomach start churning. (She tips the large bucket, about halfway, just to give the idea of the
bucket being tipped over.)
Trey: It makes me feel kinda sick too, BFF. I’m really hoping for some bucket filling now. (He
claps and they break their freeze.)
Christina pushes the wheelchair off stage. She, Madeline, and Josie walk back to the classroom
together. Trevor heads to the L blocks with a notebook, textbook, and pencil in hand. Jasper
grabs his backpack and heads to the next scene as well.
Lighting change/music.
Skit #9
Trevor sits down on the L block and starts his homework. Jasper enters and approaches Trevor.
Jasper: Hey, Elijah. What’s up?
Trevor: Not much. What’s up with you?
Jasper: I just got out of rehearsal. You gonna come to the musical next week?
Trevor: Yeah, definitely. I wouldn’t miss a chance to see you in costume!
Jasper: Very funny. What’re you working on?
Trevor: Math homework. It’s taking me forever because I’m horrible at math. And I have to
start doing better in this class because it’s bringing my whole average down.
Jasper: I can help you if you want. I’m pretty good at math.
Trevor: Really?
Jasper: Yeah, it’s no big deal. I kinda like fractions.
Trevor: Well, I could definitely use the help. Thanks, Ben.
Jasper: No prob. (He sits down on the block next to him and they begin working silently.)
Trey: Freeze! (He claps. All Campers freeze.) Ok, audience, I’m excited to hear your answer to
this one. (BFF waves her spoon.) Bucket… (He waits for their response.) Great. Now that’s
more like it. Finally, a bucket filler!
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BFF: Oh, I love to see a bucket get filled; it’s so much better than seeing one spilled. (As she
says this line, she fills the large bucket with confetti, using the spoon and confetti from her own
bucket. Magical instrumental music plays as she does so.)
Trey: I agree! Now here’s another scene for you. (He claps and they break their freeze.)
Jasper, Trevor, and Josie head to the next skit.
Lighting change/music.
Skit #10
Josie and Jasper throw a baseball back and forth between them on the playground. Trevor
enters and tries to join them.
Trevor: Hey, guys. (to Neil) I think you’re in the cabin next to mine. I’m Shawn.
Jasper: Hey.
Shawn: Can I play with you guys?
Josie: Sorry. We’re already playing.
Jasper: Sorry, man.
Trevor: Come on, guys. You can play that with three people.
Jasper: I have an idea, Tanya. Let’s play monkey in the middle.
Josie: Yeah. Good idea. (to Trevor) You can be the monkey, Shawn. (She and Jasper smile.)
Trevor: Okay.
They begin playing. Jasper and Josie laugh at Trevor as he runs all over the place, trying to get
the ball. They make sure that he never gets it.
Trevor: This isn’t fun. Let’s play something else.
Josie: (They continue playing.) Sorry. This is the only thing you can play with us.
Jasper: That’s the deal. Take it or leave it.
Trevor: Never mind. I’ll find something else to do.
Jasper: Good. We didn’t want to play with you anyway.
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Trey: Freeze! (He claps. All Campers freeze.) All right, everyone. Think about it for a second.
(BFF waves her spoon.) And now tell me- Bucket … (He waits for their response.) Right. Ugh.
BFF: You sure do seem to know your stuff, but watching kids dip buckets is really tough. (She
tips the large bucket, about halfway, just to give the idea of the bucket being tipped over.)
Trey: It really is. Mimi, I have a confession to make. (He crosses to where she’s sitting in the
audience.) I did something like that yesterday. I dipped a kid’s bucket. I feel really bad about it
now. The next time I see him I’m gonna apologize to him and ask him if he wants to play with
me and the guys in my cabin.
Mimi: (still seated in the audience) Good for you, Trey. You know, we all make mistakes some
times. What’s important is that we apologize and make a better choice the next time.
Trey: Yeah. I’m going to be a bucket filler next time. You know what? I’m gonna be a bucket
filler right now. Check this out. (He claps and they break their freeze.)
Jasper and Josie return to the classroom. Trevor walks across the stage and sits down. Trey,
Christina, and Madeline walk over to him and sit down with him.
Lighting change/music.
Skit #11
Trey: Hey. We saw what happened.
Christina: Try to forget about it.
Trey: Yeah, hang out with us.
Trevor: Thanks, Trey. Thanks, Lucy.
Madeline: They act like such bullies, don’t they?
Trevor: Yeah. I can’t believe I have to deal with bullies at camp after dealing with bullies at
school all year.
Christina: I know. Why do they act like that?
Trey: Maybe they’re trying to make the other kids laugh.
Christina: But they don’t seem funny; they just seem mean.
Trey: (This is personal for him.) I know. Maybe they’re insecure. Maybe they pick on other
kids because they don’t want anyone to pick on them.
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Trevor: I never really thought of it that way.
Madeline: Well you have nothing to worry about, Shawn. You have lots of friends who care
about you.
Trevor: Thanks, Addy. You guys made me feel better.
Christina: Good. Forget about what happened. Let’s go check out the obstacle course!
Trevor: Okay, cool.
They all stand up and begin walking. Trey steps out of the action and back into his narrator
role.
Trey: Freeze! (He claps. All Campers freeze.) Wow. That was pretty awesome. Ok, here we go.
(BFF waves her spoon.) Bucket… (He waits for their response.) Yes! Now that’s what I’m
talkin’ about!
BFF: Good job, everyone; nicely done; filling buckets is so much fun. (As she says this line, she
fills the large bucket with confetti, using the spoon and confetti from her own bucket. Magical
instrumental music plays as she does so.)
Trey: Get ready, audience. Here comes another one. (He claps and they break their freeze.)
Christina, Trevor, Jasper and Madeline head to the next skit.
Lighting change/music.
Skit #12
Christina and Madeline get on their school bus, represented by blocks. Jasper enters next and
sits across the aisle from them. Trevor enters and sits behind Jasper, reading. All four have
books or backpacks with them.
Christina: So are you going to the party?
Madeline: Yeah. Of course. It’s gonna be the best party of the year.
Christina: Yeah, Beth’s parties are always the best. What are you gonna wear?
Madeline: Probably my new green shirt and jeans.
Christina: Oh, I love that shirt.
Jasper: (leaning into the aisle, stuttering on the words did and party) Hey. Did you say you’re
going to Beth’s (pause) party?
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Christina: (sarcastically) What? I didn’t catch that.
Jasper: (stuttering on the word you) Are you-Madeline: (interrupting him, deliberately stuttering on the words wants and party) I think he said
he wants to go to the party with you. (Madeline and Christina laugh.)
Trevor: (leaning across the aisle to give Madeline a high five) Good one!
Jasper turns away from them and moves closer to the “window.”
Trey: Freeze! (He claps. All Campers freeze.) All right. I bet you know the answer to this one.
(BFF waves her spoon.) Bucket… (He waits for their response.) I hate to say it, but you’re
correct; that was another example of bucket dipping. It’s awful, isn’t it?
BFF: Oh, indeed it is, my sweet friend; when oh when will the bucket dipping end? (She tips the
large bucket, about halfway, just to give the idea of the bucket being tipped over.)
Trey: Okay, it’s time for the last skit. I’m hoping for some bucket fillers. (He claps and they
break their freeze.)
Christina and Madeline return to the classroom. Trevor and Jasper head to the next skit.
Trey: Let’s see if I can help things along. (He crosses his fingers for luck.)
Lighting change/music.
Skit #13
Trey and Trevor walk across the stage with lacrosse sticks. Jasper enters and begins to follow
behind them.
Jasper: Gregg, wait up. Where are you going?
Trevor: To play lacrosse with the guys.
Jasper: Can I come too?
Trevor: I don’t think so. I told you, you’re too young to hang out with us.
Jasper: Please?
Trevor: No. You were a total pain last time.
Jasper: I promise I won’t be this time.
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Trevor: I don’t know.
Trey: (to Trevor) It’s ok. I have a younger brother too so I know how it is. Let’s take him with
us. He’ll be fine.
Jasper: (eagerly) Thanks, Tommy. I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.
Trevor: You don’t think the others guys will mind?
Trey: Nah, they’re cool.
Trevor: Ok, Alexander, you can come. Here, you can carry my stick.
Jasper: Yeah, baby! (His hand in a fist, he brings his arm down in a “yes!” gesture.) Thanks,
guys!
Trey steps out of the action and back into his narrator role.
Trey: Freeze! (He claps. All Campers freeze.) Hey, that was fun! Okay, everyone, your test is
almost over. I just need one more answer from you. (BFF waves her spoon.) Bucket… (He
waits for their response.) That’s right. It was fun to play Tommy because it feels great to fill
someone’s bucket.
BFF: Yes, Trey, making people happy can be so thrilling. Now do you see that buckets are for
filling? (As she says this line, she fills the large bucket with confetti, using the spoon and confetti
from her own bucket. Magical instrumental music plays as she does so.)
Trey: Yeah, I do. I really get it now. It’s much better to fill buckets than to dip buckets. Well,
that was the last skit, everyone. Now it’s time to get rid of the bucket. We have to get back to
camp. (He claps and they break their freeze.)
Trevor and Jasper push the bucket off stage and then walk back to the classroom together,
joining Christina, Josie, and Madeline.
Mimi gets up from her seat in the audience and joins BFF and Trey DC.
Mimi: Thank you, Campers. Those skits were terrific. And congratulations, audience. You
aced the test!
Trey: Yeah, good job, audience. (He gives high fives to audience members in the front row.)
You’re a smart crowd. Even Professor Pants would be impressed.
Mimi: Now, Trey, please return to your seat. We’re not quite done with our bucket filling
theme.
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Trey and Mimi return to the classroom, joining the Campers there. As Trey turns to go US to the
classroom, BFF takes a pouch of rhyming dust out of her pocket and sprinkles the invisible dust
in Trey’s hair. She smiles at the audience conspiratorially and then crosses far R and looks
toward the classroom. The Campers chat with each other.
Mimi: Campers? May I have your attention please? I want you to know that we won’t tolerate
bucket dipping at Strawberry Hill Camp. If someone is bullying you, please tell me or another
counselor right away. We need to put a stop to it. And remember that bullying doesn’t always
happen face to face.
Madeline: You mean like cyber-bullying?
Mimi: Yes. I think of cyber-bullying as long-handled dipping, like dipping from a long
distance. It's actually easier to be mean to someone behind their back. Does anyone know where
cyber bullying or long-handled dipping happens?
Jasper: Yeah. It happens on the computer.
Mimi: Right. Cyber bullying happens online, like on social networking sites. It also happens on
cell phones. We’re going to need to work together to make sure all the bullying and put-downs
stop.
Trey: Yeah. We can ask an adult for help or we can get some friends together and help the kid
being bullied. I used to just watch and do nothing if I saw someone dip another kid’s bucket, but
now I know that that’s not right. When we do nothing about it, we are allowing the bullying to
continue.
Mimi: Excellent point, Trey. Next week we’ll talk more about how you Campers can work
together to stand up to a bully. For now, please tell me what you have learned about bucket
dipping so far.
Trevor: That bullies dip other people’s buckets.
Mimi: Right. Good for you, Trevor.
Trevor smiles; he’s proud of himself.
Christina: Also, people who dip usually have empty buckets. They might think that they can fill
their own buckets by dipping others’ buckets, but that doesn’t work.
Mimi: Exactly, Christina. That understanding will help you to appreciate this next part: You
know how you all have an invisible bucket? Well, you also have an invisible lid for your bucket.
Trevor: Come on, Mimi! (looking down at his stomach and pointing) How much more invisible
stuff do I have in there?
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Mimi: Listen up, Trevor, and I’ll explain. We all know that dipping can hurt, but you don’t have
to let it empty your bucket. You can guard and protect the good thoughts and feelings inside
your bucket with your lid. Your lid helps you understand that when other people are mean, they
are the ones who have the problem, not you. When you stop and think about their empty buckets
and understand why they’re dipping, you’re using your lid.
Jasper: (thinking it through) So we should stop, think, and understand?
Mimi: Yes. It’s as simple as that, Jasper.
Josie: Is my lid always on my bucket?
Mimi: Great question. No, it’s not. If your lid is always on, your bucket won’t ever get filled.
Your lid is meant to be temporary protection for your bucket; you should only use it when you
feel your bucket starting to get dipped.
Josie: I think I get it. The lid helps us to understand people who dip and it also helps us to
protect our buckets so they don’t become empty.
Mimi: That’s right, Josie. Campers, I think you’ve learned a lot about our camp theme.
Trey: Definitely. We’re all learning that bucket filling is fun, but our work here today isn’t quite
done. Hey, that rhymed! I think BFF is rubbing off on me. (He smiles.)
Mimi: Trey’s right. We’re not done yet. I want you to really commit to being bucket fillers this
summer, and beyond. We’re going to kick off our bucket filling mission right now! (handing out
notebooks and pencils) Please write down something you’ve said or done to fill someone’s
bucket at camp so far. Then write down something you’d like to do to fill someone’s bucket in
the next couple of days. Think of it as your bucket filling goal. Would anyone like to give us
some examples to get us started?
Madeline: We could be respectful and quiet when Mrs. Willette talks to all of the campers after
dinner.
Mimi: Excellent example, Madeline. Any others?
Jasper: Yeah, we could invite another camper to play with us during free time.
Mimi: Great idea. We have time for one more.
Christina: We could write a letter to our parents.
Mimi: I’m sure that would be appreciated, Christina. Wonderful examples, Campers. Now get
to it.
The Campers begin writing.
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Trey: (raising his hand enthusiastically) Ooh! Ooh!
Mimi: Yes, Trey? Do you have a question?
Trey: Mimi, I have something that I’d like to ask: could we please include the audience in this
task? (He looks confused about the fact that he just rhymed again.)
Trevor: Dude, you rhymed again!
Trey: I know! But I wasn’t trying to. (He looks confused. Then he remembers what he was
asking Mimi.) So, can we include them, Mimi?
Mimi: Absolutely. We’ll have the audience take a piece of paper on their way out today, and
they can write down their bucket filling goals later, just as you’re doing now. BFF, will you
encourage the audience to join us in our mission?
BFF: Oh yes, Mimi, I’d be happy to assist; this is a mission they just can’t resist. We all want to
follow that old golden rule. You have to admit that being kind is pretty cool. (to the audience)
Now friends, I believe in you and I thought you should know it; I know you’ve learned well, so I
want you to show it. After the test you took, you’re on a roll; when you leave here today, write
your bucket filling goal.
Professor Pants appears with his notebook and pencil, seemingly from out of nowhere.
Prof. Pants: Did someone say goal? (to the Campers) Studies show that one is more likely to
achieve a goal if one has written down said goal. This is no surprise as most synaptic responses
originate in the retinas of the eyes.
Mimi: Would you care to elaborate, Professor?
Prof. Pants: (walking toward Trey) Well, this scientific fact suggests that the visual is very
important. Indeed, most of us are visual learners. As such, if you put your goal to paper and
review it on a regular basis, you’ll be more likely to achieve it. Go ahead, young intellectuals;
work your retinas and work your brains!
Mimi: Thank you, Professor Pants. We appreciate your sharing your wisdom with us.
Prof. Pants: Well, that’s what I do, Mimi; I’m a Dr., a PhD. You could say that I’m a Dr.
(pausing and removing his glasses dramatically) of the mind.
Trey: See ya later, Professor.
Prof. Pants nods to Trey and begins to exit.
Trevor: I think he already told us that.
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Madeline: Yeah. Why does he keep repeating himself?
Prof. Pants stops (but doesn’t turn around) when he realizes that the Campers are talking about
him.
Jasper: I’m sick of him going on and on and on. I give the Professor two thumbs down. (He
uses the thumbs down gesture. The Professor adjusts his bow tie as he thinks about how to
respond.) Who’s with me?
Josie: I am! (using the thumbs down gesture) Thumbs down for Mr. Smarty Pants.
Trevor: I didn’t mean that we should be rude to him. I just wondered why he told us the same
thing again.
Prof. Pants: (turning around) Well, you see, children-Trevor: (cutting him off) Excuse me, Professor. May I say something? (Prof. Pants gestures for
him to go ahead.) Jasper and Josie, I think you guys owe Professor Pants an apology.
Christina: Yeah. You kinda dipped his bucket. I think you hurt his feelings.
Prof. Pants: Well done, Trevor and Christina, well done. (Trevor and Christina high five each
other.) You’ve demonstrated great empathy for me. Evidently Trey, the adults, and the, uh, uh,
fairy creature, have proven that your camp theme is invaluable.
Mimi: Josie, Jasper, do you have something to say to Dr. Pants?
Jasper: Yeah, I guess we do. I’m sorry, Professor. I didn’t mean to be rude. I was just, um,
trying to be funny. I’m sorry if I dipped your bucket.
Mimi: Do you have anything to add, Josie?
Josie: Yeah. I’m sorry too. Thanks for teaching us so many new things today.
Prof. Pants: Don’t mention it. Well, you can if you like. Just be sure to give me proper credit.
(He laughs. Josie and Jasper smile. Prof. Pants exits.)
Mimi: Thank you, Professor Pants. And thank you for apologizing, Jasper and Josie. Please
pass your papers forward, everyone.
Mimi and BFF collect the papers and place them in BFF’s bucket.
BFF: (looking through the papers) Just look at these ideas; they come straight from the heart. I
must say that this is a very good start. You all know that bucket dipping distresses me, but
bucket filling like this really impresses me.
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BFF sits down on the edge of the stage or on a block to read the papers.
Mimi: Thanks, everyone. I hope you’ll all achieve the bucket filling goals you’ve written about.
Our next step is to institute a bucket filling goal box starting next week. It’ll be located in the
Lodge. You can write down bucket filling goals like you just did, and put them in the box.
Christina: Could we maybe put them in a bucket instead of a box?
Madeline: Yeah, cool symbolism.
Mimi: Great idea, Christina. Sure we can. Now you’re all going to love this next part. Each
week I’m going to choose a Bucket Filling Camper of the Week. The winner will be given a
certificate and a prize, and will have his or her photo hung in the Lodge, on the Bucket Filling
Hall of Fame.
Campers: Cool./Great idea./Awesome.
BFF: Oh, I love the Bucket Filling Hall of Fame; it’s way better than the Bucket Dipping Wall of
Shame.
Trevor: Good one, BFF! (He gives her a high five.)
Mimi: Campers, I’m not done yet! During the last week of camp the counselors will choose
Strawberry Hill’s Bucket Filler of the Year. The winner will be announced after the banquet and
will be able to serve as an Assistant Counselor next summer. (The Campers react,
enthusiastically.) Now it’s time to wrap things up. BFF, would like to lead us in the Campers’
Rhyme?
BFF: (as she gets up and walks DC) I’d be honored to, I’ll have you know; this is my favorite
part of the show. It’s time for us to complete our theme; gather ‘round, everyone, we’ll work as
a team. (She gestures to the Campers and Mimi to join her DC. The Campers sit on the floor in
pairs or groups of three. Mimi stands.) As for Professor Pants, where could he be? Please
return, sir; there’s more show to see. (They all face the direction of his last exit to look for him.)
When I asked folks to join me, I was talking to you, too. Now put down your pencil and try
something new.
Prof. Pants: (He enters from the opposite direction and faces the backs of their heads. When he
speaks, everyone jumps and screams.) Well, all right, but I can’t stay for long. I must proceed to
the university bookstore where I’ll be signing copies of my latest publication: Professor S. Pants
III: The Man, The Myth, (pausing and removing his glasses dramatically) The Legend.
Trey: (to the audience) Now that’s a catchy title. (to Prof. Pants) Thanks for your help today,
Professor.
Prof. Pants: Not at all, Trey. (They shake hands.)
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Trey: Audience members, you’ll participate too. Don’t worry now; it’ll be easy to do. Wait a
minute. I just rhymed again. BFF- why does this keep happening?
BFF: I should probably confess; oh, yes I must; when you weren’t looking, I (hesitantly, not
knowing how he’ll respond) sprinkled you with rhyming dust.
Trey: Rhyming dust? Is that really true? Will I always speak in rhyme, just like you? (He
smiles. He’s enjoying this.)
BFF: Oh no, you’ll rhyme and rhyme, just from time to time. I’ll reverse the spell before I leave;
(to the audience) I have so many tricks up my sleeve.
Trey: Wow, I can’t believe it! I don’t know what to say. I never knew that people could talk this
way. It keeps happening! (wondering what he’ll say next) Hey, audience members, rhyming is
neat. Talking in rhyme just can’t be beat! (with a smile, to BFF) Seriously? (to the audience)
This is pretty awesome! BFF- How come I only rhyme sometimes?
BFF: That’s because I didn’t sprinkle you with very much dust; I didn’t make it permanent; that
wouldn’t be just. Oh, I hope you’re not mad about what I’ve done; I just thought that rhyming
with you would be fun.
Trey: Oh, I love rhyming, BFF, especially with you. So don’t worry about it, it’s all-righty-roo.
(to the audience) All-righty-roo? Is this for real? (He smiles. BFF puts her arm around him.)
Mimi: I have a confession too. I needed some help with this summer’s theme, so I asked our
camp founder to help. (looking out, at no one in particular) Mr. Dorsey- Will you step forward
please?
The Campers look for him in the audience. Prof. Pants takes a big step DS and takes off his
glasses. Everyone reacts to this surprise, including Trey.
Campers: No way!/That’s Mr. Dorsey?/What?
Trevor: I knew it!
Campers: Yeah right, Trevor./No you didn’t.
Mimi: Thanks for your help, Mr. Dorsey.
Prof. Pants: (in his own voice) It was my pleasure. I have something in common with Trevor; I
enjoy acting too! And I love Strawberry Hill Camp and want all of my campers to be bucket
fillers. Thanks for letting me join in on the fun, Mimi.
Mimi: You’re very welcome.
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BFF: (to the audience) Now it’s time to recognize Trey, for helping to teach us the bucket filling
way. (to Trey) For being a super assistant, you deserve a prize; (as she grabs a cape from one of
the trunks) I have a feeling it’s just the right size.
BFF reveals the cape and puts it on Trey. It is red, blue, and yellow with the letters SBF.
Trey: Wow! Thank you, BFF; this is so cool! (turning to face Mimi) I swear I won’t break
another camp rule. (He runs around the stage with his arms out in front of him, like Superman.)
Mimi: Well, I’m glad to hear that, Trey. We’re all proud of you. You’ve learned a great deal
and you’ve changed for the better.
Trey: (jumping up on one of the trunks) I have learned from the scenes here today; when dealing
with others there is only one way. (to the audience and the Campers) Be kind to each and every
single person you meet; help them, include them, offer them a seat. When you see someone
bullying, don’t sit there all quiet; stand up to the bully; you just have to try it. We should all help
each other; I’m sure you agree. Make the right choice; take it from me. Filling buckets is the
very best thing you can do; it makes others feel good and makes you feel good too.
BFF: (putting her arm around him) Oh, Trey, teaming up with you has been such a pleasure.
Good campers like you are truly a treasure. All right now, it’s time to get back on task; I think
there was something we wanted to ask. Hmm. (to audience) Ah, yes, will you participate, pretty,
pretty please? Just repeat after me; it’ll be a breeze.
Trey: (to the audience) Yeah, say the rhyme with us. You know it’ll be a thrill. Now give me a
thumbs up, to show that you will. (He waits for them to do so.) Great. (to everyone on stage
except BFF) Come on, guys, we need your help too. Grab what you need; you know what to do.
(They get their maracas and stand in a line across the stage, facing the audience. BFF is in the
center of the line.) All right, everyone, here we go. It’s time for us to show what we-BFF: (interrupting him and completing the rhyme) --No! Wait. There’s one more thing I need to
do; we need everyone to rhyme like me and you. Now, my dears, (retrieving the rhyming dust
from her pocket) here’s the magic that you need; with a little rhyming dust you’ll be rhyming
indeed. (She sprinkles invisible rhyming dust on the audience and the cast.)
Trey: She’ll say a line and then you repeat it, okay? Our rhyme will sum up what we’ve learned
here today. I’ll do it with you; (referencing the Campers and the adults) my friends will too
(They nod.); it’s always fun to try something new.
BFF: And now it’s time to bring our sweet message home; please help us recite the Bucket
Fillers Poem. (If you would like to set the poem to original music for the actors to sing, feel free
to use this alternate rhyme: I promise you that it won’t take long; please join us in singing the
Bucket Fillers Song.)
Trey: Take it away, BFF!
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BFF uses her magic spoon for emphasis as she leads everyone in the rhyme. Everyone on stage
except BFF marches in place as they speak the rhyme. They should only march and use their
instruments when they’re repeating the rhyme, not when BFF is teaching it. The music should
add to the rhyme, not detract from it. Note: In order to speak the rhyme easily in unison, be sure
to emphasize the words underlined below.
BFF: When I fill someone’s bucket, I make them feel great.
Trey and the others lead the audience in repeating this line.
BFF: We all know that love is much better than hate.
Trey and the others lead the audience in repeating this line.
BFF: When I fill someone’s bucket, I fill mine up too.
Trey and the others lead the audience in repeating this line.
BFF: It makes me feel happier when I am blue.
Trey and the others lead the audience in repeating this line. After this line they stop marching
and stand in place.
BFF: So be kind, help others, and show your appreciation;
Trey and the others lead the audience in repeating this line.
BFF: Before you know it, we’ll be a bucket filling nation!
Trey and the others lead the audience in repeating this line. During the repeated line, they all
raise their maracas in the air on the word bucket and punctuate the end of the poem/song by
shaking their maracas.
BLACKOUT.
*Kringelbach, Morten L., and Kent C. Berridge. “Towards a Functional Neuroanatomy of
Pleasure and Happiness.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences. 13.11 (2009): 479-87.
**Bekhet, Abir K., Jaclene A. Zauszniewski, and Wagdy E. Nakhla. “Happiness: Theoretical
and Empirical Considerations.” Nursing Forum 43.1 (2008): 12-23.
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A Note from the Playwright
It has been a joy to bring such a special book to the stage. First and foremost, I’d like to thank
Carol McCloud for trusting me with her story. Special thanks are due to the following early
readers of the play for their valuable insights and support: Chris Clarke, Ana Estevez, Kim
Gardinier Wadsworth, Gregg Halstead, Lisa Hix Mc Gork, Tonya Kuper, and Andrea Nouryeh.
I am indebted to my dramaturgs, Zachary Dorsey and Shawn Forster, for their contributions and
so much laughter. I am also grateful to Steve Braddock for believing in the play from the start,
and Ryan McNeil for making the web site a reality. I send much love and appreciation to my
saint of a Mom, my first and best teacher; my accountant Dad, one of my most enthusiastic
supporters; and Kim and Kurt, the inspiration behind the Strawberry Hill setting and the best
people to grow up with.
I would like to dedicate this play to the boys in my life. To my sons, Trey and Trevor: Your
sweetness and humor and curiosity and “drama” live in these pages. May you always be bucket
fillers, and may your buckets be filled to overflowing. And to my husband, Gregg: Thank you
for encouraging me to follow this dream. Your love and support mean everything to me.
-A.M.G.H.
Acknowledgements
Permission for this adaptation was obtained from Carol McCloud and Bucket Fillers, Inc.
In the 1960s, Dr. Donald O. Clifton (1924-2003) first created the "Dipper and Bucket" story that
has now been passed along for decades. Dr. Clifton later went on to co-author the #1 New York
Times best seller How Full Is Your Bucket? and was named the Father of Strengths Psychology.
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