Youth Activity Archive

Note: Lasting Help is a service project that continues to benefit the community long after the original work is finished. This can be done by sharing knowledge or creating something permanent. This could be a structure or program that another organization will continue to do after the original set up is complete.

Activity Description: Create safe fire starters and write safety rules to use when teaching new campers how to safely build a fire under adult supervision.

Items Needed:

• Cardboard egg cartons
• Dryer lint
• Paper
• Pencils or markers
• Firewood and kindling
• Wax for an adult to melt and pour over the lint

Before the Meeting Starts:

1. Verify participant knowledge. (5–60 min)
   • All youth participating should have basic knowledge of campfire safety rules and be experienced in starting fires in the proper manner.
2. Secure adult volunteers to help. (5–60 min)
   • Close adult supervision is strictly required when youth teach campfire safety and fire building. The required adult-to-youth ratio depends on the age of the youth instructors. Youth who have basic knowledge but are not yet ready for hands-on fire building should act as active assistants to the adult leaders conducting the physical demonstration.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 85–150 min):

1. Create the safety rule handout. (10–30 min)
   • Write a list of basic campfire safety rules on the paper. Help them brainstorm rules like keeping a safe distance from the flames. Create a flyer that can be copied, or use a computer program to create the flyer.
2. Make fire starters. (15–30 min).
   • Youth can stuff dryer lint into empty cardboard egg carton cups.
   • An adult can pour melted wax over the lint to make them burn longer.
3. Hold a fire safety and building lesson with younger youth. (60-90 min)
   • Share the written safety rules with the new campers. Ensure they know all the basics before starting any hand on activities.
   • Try match lighting first. Each student can strike a match over a bucket of water to easily drop it in to extinguish the flame safely. Get them used to handling flame before starting the campfire building process.
   • Teach the students the three types of fuel and then show the new campers how to stack the kindling and firewood with the fire starters in fire safe locations. No fires should be lit until an adult verifies the build is correct and safe. An adult should closely supervise any fire starting and burning part of the lesson.

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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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