Good point Doug,

As part of the hands-on teaching I do with youth groups I get them each to strike a match and flick a lighter. These kids are usually 12 to 14 years old and many have never done it before. A few are very nervous to go through with it and have to be encouraged/reassured that doing so is OK; I think because they have been insulated from dealing with fire all their lives (e.g. don't play with matches). I then teach some of the more difficult ways to creat a spark/ember and the kids have the choice of what method they want to use to light their own campfire. Most pick the Bic lighter but some of the adventurous ones try a ferro rod or magnifying glass. We also have a detailed discussion on fire safety and responsibility.

I have not had a child yet that did not get a real feeling of accomplishment after toasting a marshmellow over their own fire.

Mike