Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Youth safely light a teepee‑style campfire they prepared, learning how to start, tend, and extinguish a fire with adult supervision.

Items Needed:

• Prepared teepee fire structure (tinder, kindling, fuel)
• Matches or lighter (adult use only)
• Bucket of water
• Dirt or sand
• Fireproof gloves
• (Optional) Long match or fire starter stick
• (Optional) Campfire Safety Rules by GSUSA

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 25–30 min):

1. Review fire safety. (5–6 min)
   • Youth stand a safe distance away from the fire ring.
   • Go over rules such as staying behind the fire line, keeping hair and clothing back, and listening for adult instructions.
   • Show where the water, dirt, and safety tools are located.
2. Prepare the fire area. (3–4 min)
   • Check that the teepee fire is set up correctly with a small air gap.
   • Make sure the fire ring is clear of loose leaves or debris.
3. Light the tinder. (5–6 min)
   • An adult lights the tinder using a match or lighter. (Optional for older youth – the youth lights the tinder.)
   • Youth watch how the flame catches the tinder and begins to rise into the kindling.
   • Youth observe how air flow helps the fire grow.
4. Tend the fire safely. (5–7 min)
   • Youth take turns adding small pieces of kindling when the adult says it is safe.
   • Add fuel only after the fire is steady and burning well.
   • Keep movements slow and controlled.
5. (Optional or later in the day) Extinguish the fire completely. (5–7 min)
   • An adult pours water slowly over the fire until all hissing stops.
   • Youth help stir the ashes with a stick while more water is added.
   • Add dirt or sand if needed until the ashes are cool to the touch.
6. (Optional) Reflect on the experience. (5–7 min)
   • Youth discuss what helped the fire start, how they kept it safe, and why putting it out fully is important.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

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

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