Camp Skill – Teepee Fire Practice – 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):

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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
(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.