Props List:
• Robe for Swami
• Towel or turban for Swami’s head
• Chair or cushion for Swami to sit on
• Three volunteers’ shoes
Cast List:
• The Great Swami – A mysterious, robe-clad figure who “predicts” fortunes in an exaggerated, humorous way.
• Swami Assistant – Acts as the interpreter for the Swami and engages with the audience.
• Three Volunteers – Audience members (preferably two campers and a good-natured counselor for the final joke).
Description:
The Great Swami, a self-proclaimed fortune teller, arrives to tell the fortunes of three volunteers using their shoes. The predictions start off strange but entertaining, with humorous and exaggerated outcomes. However, the skit takes an unexpected turn when the assistant calls attention to a biblical truth about fortune tellers. The final volunteer (a counselor) experiences an especially dramatic “fortune” as the Swami throws his shoes into the woods, sending him on a “long and painful journey.” The skit reinforces the idea that trusting in fortune-telling is both unwise and unbiblical while keeping the humor engaging and camp-appropriate.
Script:
(Scene opens with The Great Swami seated center stage in a meditative pose. He is dressed in robes with a towel or turban on his head. The Swami Assistant stands beside him.)
Swami Assistant:
“Introducing, from the high peaks of Walawalawalawala in the distant mountains of Tibet, the one, the only… The Great Swami!”
(Swami nods sagely, eyes closed.)
Swami Assistant:
“The Great Swami will now reveal the fortunes of three brave volunteers!”
(He selects three volunteers from the audience, ensuring the third is a counselor who will take the final joke in good spirits.)
First Fortune:
(The assistant brings forward the first volunteer.)
Swami Assistant:
“The Great Swami will now reveal your fortune!”
(Swami motions for the assistant, who leans in as Swami whispers dramatically.)
Swami Assistant:
“To tell your fortune, The Great Swami requires… your right shoe.”
(Volunteer hands over the shoe. The Swami takes a deep sniff, recoils in disgust, and nearly falls over.)
(Swami whispers again.)
Swami Assistant (announcing):
“The Great Swami says… ‘You will live in a land of beautiful women and camels that do not spit! This is very good news!’”
(Swami nods approvingly.)
Second Fortune:
(The assistant brings forward the second volunteer.)
Swami Assistant:
“The Great Swami will now reveal your fortune!”
(Swami whispers again.)
Swami Assistant:
“To tell your fortune, The Great Swami requires… your left shoe.”
(Volunteer hands over the shoe. The Swami sniffs deeply, then immediately gags and nearly vomits.)
(Swami dramatically composes himself and whispers again.)
Swami Assistant (solemnly):
“The Great Swami says… ‘The fleas of a thousand camels will infest your armpits! This is terrible news. I am so sorry.’”
(Swami shakes his head gravely.)
Third Fortune (Counselor’s Doom):
(The assistant brings the final volunteer—a counselor—forward.)
Swami Assistant:
“The Great Swami will now reveal your fortune!”
(Swami whispers again.)
Swami Assistant:
“To tell your fortune, The Great Swami requires… your right shoe.”
(Counselor hands over the shoe. The Swami sniffs it once… then again… then multiple times, growing more confused.)
(Swami motions the assistant over and whispers intensely.)
Swami Assistant (hesitant, confused):
“This is most unusual… The Great Swami, who knows all, says… he will also need your left shoe.”
(Swami snatches the second shoe and begins dramatically sniffing both shoes, one after the other, as if deciphering a great mystery.)
(After a long, exaggerated pause, The Great Swami suddenly stands up, looking completely enlightened. He turns to the assistant and whispers.)
Swami Assistant (shocked, to audience):
“The Great Swami… wishes to address you himself!”
(The Swami steps forward solemnly, looks the counselor in the eye, and then… dramatically declares:)
The Great Swami:
“You will go on a… long!” (Throws one shoe into the woods.)
“And painful!” (Throws the other shoe in the opposite direction.)
“Journey!”
(Counselor reacts appropriately—either chasing shoes, looking bewildered, or sighing in resignation.)
(Swami bows deeply as the assistant gestures grandly to the audience.)
Swami Assistant:
“The Great Swami has spoken! Farewell!”
(Lights out, skit ends with laughter.)