Learn practical campfire skills covering safe fire setup, fire lays, lighting, maintenance, cooking and responsible campfire use outdoors.
What Is Campfire Storytelling? Campfire storytelling is the art of telling stories to a group gathered around a campfire. Long before televisions, smartphones and radios, people shared stories around fires as a way to entertain, teach, remember events and pass knowledge between generations. For Scouts, storytelling around a campfire is a simple activity that can…
Activity Overview Difficulty: ModerateTime: 30–45 minutesLocation: Scout campsites and suitable outdoor fire areasBest for: Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders and experienced Cubs under close supervisionSkills: Fire lighting, flint-and-steel technique, tinder preparation, fire safety and campcraft Flint-and-steel fire lighting works by striking hardened steel against a suitable piece of flint to create small sparks. Unlike a ferrocerium…
Activity Overview Difficulty: ModerateTime: 20–30 minutesLocation: Scout campsites and suitable outdoor fire areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders and adult leadersSkills: Fire lighting, fire safety, preparation, observation and campcraft Lighting a fire with matches is a basic campcraft skill, but the preparation of the fire is more important than the match itself. Start with…
Activity Overview Difficulty: Easy–ModerateTime: 15–30 minutesLocation: Scout campsites and outdoor campsBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders and adult leadersSkills: Fire lighting, campcraft, observation, fire management and environmental responsibility A smoky campfire is usually caused by damp fuel, poor airflow, unsuitable fuel or a fire that isn’t burning hot enough. A well-built fire with dry,…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Never assume a campfire is completely extinguished just because you can’t see flames. Hot embers can remain hidden underneath ash and can sometimes reignite. If you’re finished with the fire, extinguish it properly rather than simply leaving it to go out. Only relight a fire if fires are permitted and conditions remain…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Never compromise fire safety just because you are struggling to light a fire. Only light fires where they are permitted, use an appropriate fire area, keep water or another suitable means of extinguishing the fire nearby, and follow local rules and landowner requirements. If conditions are unsafe — particularly during very dry,…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Kindling is designed to catch fire relatively easily, so it should always be handled with care. Only light fires where they are permitted and where conditions are suitable. Keep flammable materials away from unintended ignition sources, never leave a fire unattended, and make sure you have a safe way to extinguish it…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Tinder is designed to catch fire easily, which also means it can ignite very quickly and unexpectedly. Only practise fire lighting where fires are permitted and under appropriate supervision. Keep flammable materials away from unintended sources of ignition and always have a safe way to extinguish a fire. Never collect or burn…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Fire can be useful outdoors, but it can also cause serious burns, wildfires and environmental damage. Only light fires where they are permitted and where it is safe to do so. Follow local rules, campsite instructions and any fire restrictions. Keep fires small and controlled, have suitable means of extinguishing them available,…
Staying Warm Outdoors Staying warm is one of the most important skills you can learn when spending time outdoors. Whether you’re camping, hiking, taking part in a Scout activity or learning survival skills, keeping your body warm can make the difference between being comfortable and becoming dangerously cold. The good news is that staying warm…
