In my limited experience, the most distracted, video-game-addicted kid on the planet will stare with rapt attention as you assemble tinder and make a fire with a ferro rod. I saw it just a week ago, when my nephew with confirmed ADD actually spent 20 consecutive minutes watching us light a bonfire and asking questions about tinder, wood, etc.

Small groups are easier to keep involved than larger ones. Glad to hear you broke them into groups of 12.

Hands on instruction helps enormously. The more they get to touch and work with new or unusual items, the more engaged they will be.

The lecture portion will probably be the toughest. Visual aids will be critical there, especially since it is apparently at the beginning. Don't get me wrong, that makes sense, but beware of them starting to zone out before you get to the "fun" stuff.

I think it's a wonderful thing to do, and I applaud you for it!

Frank2135