Camp Skill – Teepee Fire Building – Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Youth practice building a pretend campfire by placing tinder, kindling, and fuel in the correct order.

Items Needed:

Tinder (dry leaves, wood shavings, or small twigs)
Kindling (dry sticks about as wide as a thumb)
Fuel (larger dry pieces of wood)
(Optional) Campfire Safety Rules by GSUSA

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–30 min):

Place the tinder. (5–7 min)
- Youth put a handful of tinder in the center of a safe spot like a pretend fire pit or tray.
- Explain that tinder lights easily and helps the fire begin.
Add the kindling. (5–8 min)
- Youth lean thumb‑sized sticks around the tinder to form a teepee shape.
- Remind them that kindling helps the fire grow.
Set up the fuel. (5–8 min)
- Youth add a second layer with thicker sticks around the teepee shape.
- Fuel keeps the fire burning for a longer time.
Leave room for air. (5–6 min)
- Youth make a small gap facing the wind to help air flow through the teepee.
- Explain that fires need air to keep going.
(Optional) Practice and review. (7–8 min)
- Youth walk through the full setup again without lighting a fire.
- Discuss what each part does:
  - Tinder starts the fire
  - Kindling builds it up
  - Fuel keeps it going
- Remind youth that real campfires should always be built with an adult nearby.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

Alternative Instructions: Build a Teepee Fire by GSUSA
Video: Introduction to Fire Building by GSUSA

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Click Here -> See what GSUSA Requirements could be met

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Daisy Buddy Camper badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Brownie Cabin Camper badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Brownie Eco Friend badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Junior Camper badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Junior Eco Camper badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Cadette Primitive Camper badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Cadette Trailblazing badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Cadette Eco Trekker badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Senior Adventure Camper badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Ambassador Survival Camper badge requirements.

Click Here -> See what Scouting America Requirements could be met

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed: Read the Scout Law AND show how you can be friendly.

Fulfills Step 1 of Tiger Let’s Camp Tiger requirements.
Fulfills Step 1 of Wolf Let’s Camp Wolf requirements.
Fulfills part of Steps 6 & 7 of Webelos Let’s Camp Webelos requirements.
Fulfills part of Step 6 of Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer requirements.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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Updated on January 2, 2026, by:

Tia Kennard

Click Here -> To see information References:

Disclaimer: The information published on Youth Activity Archive and The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.

Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. “Build a Teepee Fire.” My.girlscouts.org, 2017, my.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-vtk/meeting-aids/How-to-Build-a-Teepee-Fire.pdf. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.
Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. “Introduction to Fire Building.” Youtube.com, 12 May 2017, youtu.be/IuFC6jWBmGg?si=SpTuem2xuCaK2k4c. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.
Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. “Volunteer Toolkit Explore.” Girlscouts.org, my.girlscouts.org/content/girlscouts-vtk/en/vtk.explore.html. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.