Campfires - Scout Life magazine

Put out your campfire by pouring water on the embers until you can safely place your hand on the cold coals.

Heat from a campfire can char the ground, blacken rocks and sterilize soil.

You can arrange your firewood to get different results, depending on the weather and how you want to manage the fire.

You can create an effective fire starter, even with a wet piece of wood. Just grab your knife so you can make a “fuzz stick.”

We put five potential "firestarters" to the test. Guess if each item will start a fire, then play the corresponding video to see if you’re right!

What "fuel" can you use to start a campfire? Check out this list of firestarters and add your own ideas to the list.

You don’t need a camp stove to make a delicious camp meal. Just use a bed of hot coals.

Q: What is the most important backcountry skill all Scouts should know?

Watch our step-by-step video to learn how to start a fire using flint and steel, friction or a magnifying glass. No matches or lighter needed!

Q. My son wants a fire-starter. Which is the best and easiest?

Use these four simple steps to help you build a fire at your next campout.