The part that I always see them falter on is preparation. They never seem to understand how much tinder and kindling they need. Yet they'll always manage to drag a huge trunk from a down tree half a mile for ther fire!

I like the competition idea, but beware of the "pile 'O leaves to burn the string" syndrome. Perhaps the rules need to be set so that the fire produces sustaining coals, which would even bring in proper fuel selection (hardwood vs. softwood) in to play.

This week I saw a Jambalaya contest on TV where the "young folk" competed in their own catagory using mini-dutch ovens, they appeared to be about 4" diameter. Perhaps the contest could involve baking a personal cobbler contest as well.