When I was a Boy Scout I guess it was a little different. This was only about 15 years ago. I really think that children are coddled to much anymore. I won’t rant about specifics. Let me tell you how I learned many skills while on scouting trips. Get the boys into the woods. Gather them around. Collect all of there tent pegs and fire starting material. Matches, lighters, flint and steal etc. Then give each boy five matches and something to strike them on.

Inform them that each of them will need to start there own individual fire or he will be one of the unlucky ones eating cold beans and franks that night. Suggest that they look for some good tent pegs while they are collecting tender and wood for the fire.

You may look like the bad guy to begin with but the kids that get it right will have a new sense of pride and accomplishment. The kids that didn’t get it will be eating cold beans but give them another chance the next day with 5 more matches. I know I didn’t miss the second time.

Cameron
Chicago IL