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Description

Meets many of the "Backwoods Cooking" requirements: practise lighting a fire; then prepare one to cook a meal; finally extinguishing it safely.

Courtesy of the Scout Association:
https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/fire-star-ters/

Resources

Kindling (for example, small sticks)
Tinder (for example, cotton balls and petroleum jelly)
Firewood
Fire lighter (for example, matches or ferro rod)
Buckets
Wooden skewers
Marshmallows (optional)

Alternative: link to "Billy Can Beans"

Instructions

Get ready for fire

1. Choose an appropriate location for this activity; this could be a local campsite or outdoor area with the landowners' permission.
2. Everyone should understand all the safety tips and how to deal with burns or cuts before you start.
3. Split into small groups. Make sure everyone has enough space and a clear and safe area to light a fire.
4. Optional: the small groups can practise lighting a fire using matches / ferro rod and tinder. Ensure appropriate supervision and guidance.

Build a star fire

1. Collect six seasoned or dry logs approximately 7cm thick, and a collection of smaller dry sticks of different sizes and thickness. (Thinking about the sticks as ‘dog, cat and mouse tails’ for thicker, medium, and thin branches may help everyone visualise the task.)
2. Arrange the six large logs into a star shape that meets in the centre.
3. Use three smaller sticks to build a tripod over the centre of the logs.
4. Add more twigs about finger width around the tripod to make a wigwam shape.
5. Leave one side open and place your tinder and kindling in the space. Keep adding more twigs of different sizes around the outside, leaving a gap to light the tinder.

Light your star fire

1. Use a firelighter (such as a ferro rod) and remember that practice makes perfect.
2. As the six larger logs burn down, push them further into the centre. Keep extra logs ready in case you need to refuel.

Toast your new skills (optional)

- Gather round the fire you've built and celebrate your achievements by putting a marshmallow on a skewer and toasting it over the flames. (Make sure to soak skewers in water at least 30 minutes before using them to toast marshmallows.)
- Alternatively, combine with a meal activity, such as "Billy Can Beans".

Extinguish the fire

1. Stop adding wood and wait for the fire to burn down and turn to ash.
2. Pour water all over the fire.
3. Stir the ashes with the stick to ensure all the embers are put out.

Leave no trace

1. Tidy the fire area, returning it to the same condition it was in when you arrived.
2. Replace any turf you moved.

Tags

• cook
• fire

Badge Links

• Backwoods Cooking - Billy can
• Backwoods Cooking - Extinguish
• Backwoods Cooking - Light fire
• Backwoods Cooking - Prepare fire
• Backwoods Cooking - Stick