Build a Campfire

There’s something special about gathering around a real campfire—watching the flames flicker, sharing stories, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying time outdoors. Building a campfire together can be a brilliant bonding experience and a great way to teach children about responsibility, safety, and the natural world.

This activity works best in a garden fire pit, a campsite, or a designated outdoor area where fires are allowed. Always supervise children closely and talk them through every step of the process.

Materials Needed

• Dry sticks, twigs, and kindling (e.g. newspaper)
• Larger logs or split wood
• Fire pit or safe fire circle
• Matches or firelighters
• Optional: marshmallows, skewers, foil-wrapped snacks

Tools Needed

• Fireproof gloves or tongs (for adult use)
• Bucket of water or sand (for extinguishing)

Steps

1. Choose a Safe Spot
   Use a designated fire pit or build a fire circle with stones in a clear, flat area.
2. Gather Materials
   Collect dry twigs for kindling, medium sticks, and larger logs. Avoid green or damp wood.
3. Build the Fire
   Arrange kindling in a pyramid or teepee shape. Layer slightly larger sticks around it, with logs added once the fire is established.
4. Light the Fire
   An adult should light the fire using matches or a firelighter. Keep your body back and hands safe.
5. Enjoy and Maintain
   Keep the fire at a manageable size. Toast snacks, tell stories, and enjoy—but never leave it unattended.
6. Extinguish Properly
   Use water or sand to fully douse the fire. Stir the ashes to ensure all embers are out.

Variations

• Campfire Cooking: Wrap bananas in foil with chocolate, or toast bread on sticks.
• Storytelling Circle: Take turns telling funny, spooky, or made-up stories.
• Nature Firecraft: Teach children how to identify safe tinder and kindling in the wild.
• Fire-Free Option: If you can’t light a real fire, use battery-powered candles for indoor storytelling.

Safety Tips

• Always supervise children closely around fire—never leave it unattended.
• Remove any potential trip hazards from near the fire.
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby at all times.
• Use long sticks or skewers for cooking, and teach children not to touch the firewood or flames.
• Only build fires in appropriate areas (never on dry grass or near buildings).
• Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the area.