FAMILY : Fun ‘Around the Campfire’ With Sharon, Lois and Bram

They don’t have the Power Rangers’ flash or Barney’s purple cachet, but the Canadian singing trio Sharon, Lois and Bram, stars of Nickelodeon’s “The Elephant Show,” have been around a lot longer and still have the stuff that has made them longtime favorites in children’s entertainment.

“Sing Around the Campfire,” the newest video from these three fiftysomethings--who look like ‘90s-type grandparents: youthful, physically fit and energetic--proves that.

The trio knows what the makers of “Barney” know: Kids and music are a natural, and simple, easy-to-follow folk songs and traditional sing-alongs are sure-fire winners for very young children.

This over-too-soon video serves up songs, songs, songs--fast, slow, silly and soulful--from “Skip to My Loo” and “Mairzy Doats” to “Jump Josie” and “We’re All Together Again”--plus rhythmic finger- and word-play and bits of business with “Elephant,” the group’s mascot, who has to be persuaded that camping is fun. (He’s played by an anonymous someone in a simple pachyderm suit.)

Shot outdoors in sumptuous nature settings, with lots of children for viewers to relate to, the video is a deft mix of old and new footage, with the passing of time revealed only by Sharon and Lois’ changing hairstyles and the changing hue of Bram’s beard. Otherwise, these three stay remarkably the same.

By the time the trio sings its signature song, “Skinnamarink,” night has fallen, the marshmallows have been toasted and the campfire is burning low. The music, with additional selections, is also available on CD.

* “Sing Around the Campfire,” Drive Entertainment, Video Treasures: $9.98; CD: $13.98; audiocassette: $8.98. (800) 289-3748.

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Hands-On Fun: Check out “Sunday Open Sunday,” a series of free two-hour family art workshops at various city locations beginning July 30, led by such local artists a Robbie Conal, Riua Akinshegun, Lita Albuquerque and Candace Gawne.

July 30: “Precious Creations in a Box,” a collage project with Gail Arriola at the Ramona Gardens Community Service Center, 2830 Lancaster Ave.

July 30: “African Masks,” mask-making with Akinshegun at the Watts Towers Arts Center, 1727 E. 107th St.

Aug. 6: “Fun in Clay,” with Richard Godfrey at the Barnsdall Art Park’s Junior Arts Center, 4800 Hollywood Blvd.

Aug. 6: “Action Painting” with Charles Sherman at the Farmers Market Art Gallery, 2nd Floor, Third Street and Fairfax Avenue.

Each session runs from 2 to 4 p.m. Registration is not required and all supplies will be provided at no charge, although participants are welcome to bring photos from home to use in the July 30 collage project.

* For further schedule through August and information: (213) 485-4474 or (213) 660-4254 TDD (for the deaf community).