Safe Fire Starting Skills Outdoors
Learn to build and light a campfire safely — gathering tinder, kindling, and fuel, and practicing fire safety in a fire pit or safe outdoor area.
What You'll Need
- 1Fire pit or cleared fire area
- 2Matches or lighter (adult controlled)
- 3Tinder (dry grass, bark, paper)
- 4Kindling (thin sticks)
- 5Fuel wood (thicker branches)
- 6Bucket of water for safety
What You'll Need
A fire pit, fire ring, or cleared area of dirt with nothing flammable within 10 feet
Matches or a lighter (kept with the adult at all times)
Tinder — dry grass, bark shavings, dryer lint, or crumpled paper
Kindling — pencil-thin dry sticks, about a double handful
Fuel wood — wrist-thick dry branches
A bucket of water nearby for safety
How to Play
Start with safety. Clear the fire area. Remove all dry leaves and debris for at least 5 feet in every direction. Place a full bucket of water within arm's reach. The adult controls matches at all times.
Go on a gathering mission together. Collect tinder, kindling, and fuel in three separate piles. Everything must be dry — snap test your sticks. If they snap cleanly, they're dry. If they bend, they're too green.
Build the tinder bundle first. Place it in the center of your fire pit. Make it loose and fluffy — fire needs air circulation. Tightly packed material smothers before it burns.
Lean kindling sticks against the tinder in a teepee shape. Leave gaps between sticks for airflow. This is the most important step — get this right and the fire will take.
Light the tinder at the base. Once it catches, blow gently at the base to feed oxygen. Watch the flame climb from tinder to kindling. This transition is the critical moment.
As kindling catches solidly, add fuel sticks one at a time. Lay them on gently. Never dump a pile of wood — you'll smother the fire. Build gradually from small to large.
Tips
Fire-building is a sequence: tinder lights kindling, kindling lights fuel. Skip a step and it fails. That sequencing discipline transfers to every multi-step project your child will face.
Dry is everything. Morning dew, recent rain, or green wood will make fire-starting nearly impossible. Collect materials from under tree cover where they stay driest.
This is a supervised activity. The adult lights the match and controls access to fire-starting tools. Your child does the building, gathering, and problem-solving.
Always fully extinguish the fire when done: pour water, stir the ashes, pour more water, feel with your hand (carefully) for heat. "If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 45 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: fire pit or cleared fire area, matches or lighter (adult controlled), tinder (dry grass, bark, paper), kindling (thin sticks), fuel wood (thicker branches), and 1 more item.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Does this need to be done outdoors?
This activity is best done outdoors where kids have space to move and explore.
How difficult is this activity?
This is a more challenging activity that may require advance preparation, special materials, or closer supervision. The extra effort is worth it for the learning experience!
Ratings & Reviews
Sign in to leave a rating or review.
Add to Your Weekly Plan
Schedule this activity into your family's week. It takes about 45 min.
Free account required to save plans
Explore More
Love this activity?
Create a free account and add it to your weekly planner. Discover hundreds more activities matched to your child's age.