Outdoor Skills: Fire
For each level, learn all of the required information and complete the challenges. These activities can correspond for any age group.
Work these skills into your regular programming and outdoor activities. These outdoor skills are perfect for Guiding and Scouting groups, camp providers, teachers and anyone wanting to learn important outdoor skills. Incorporate these skills in your outdoor education programming today!
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All levels of the merit crests can be purchased from E-Patches & Crests.
Click photo for direct link and easy ordering.
LEVEL I
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Learn the fire triangle
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Learn different ways to put out a fire
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Learn campfire safety
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Learn about the different kinds of matches (safety matches and strike-anywhere matches), and how to care and store them safely
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Learn the difference between tinder, kindling and fuel wood
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Learn how to differentiate dry/dead wood versus green/live wood
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Learn how to setup or lay a TeePee or Log Cabin style fire
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Complete at least 2 of the following Skill Challenges
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Challenge I
Make an emergency fire-starter or an emergency tinder and match kit
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Challenge II
Use matches to light a fire using the TeePee or Log Cabin style fire.
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Challenge III
Practice extinguishing a fire with water or snow and stirring the ashes. Make sure your campfire is safe to leave.
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Helpful Links & Resources
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LEVEL II
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Complete Level I
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Learn the advantages and disadvantages of a least 4 different fire construction methods/fire-lays, and how to construct them
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Learn about fire starting with a flint and steel (magnesium and ferrocerium)
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Complete at least 2 of the following Skill Challenges
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Challenge I
Construct a fire style of your choice and ignite using only a flint and steel
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Challenge II
Construct and ignite a fire on top of snow or in rainy/wet conditions
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Challenge III
Construct and ignite a fire using a magnifier or reflector
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Helpful Links & Resources
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LEVEL III
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Complete Level I and Level II
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Learn about 2 different types of primitive fire-making drills: Bow, Hand, and Pump drill
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Learn how to ignite a fire using batteries and steel wool
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Learn the difference between conifer sap and resin, tar, and pitch; their uses and how to harvest
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Learn 3 different emergency fire starting items, such as: petroleum jelly, hand-sanitizer, chips, first aid or feminine hygiene products. What other items do you have that could be used to assist in fire starting?
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Complete at least 2 of the following Skill Challenges
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Challenge I
Construct and ignite a fire using a flint and steel or drill of your choice using only natural foraged materials
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Challenge II
Construct and ignite a fire using only a battery and steel wool
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Challenge III
Construct and ignite a fire using natural materials and conifer resin or another emergency fire flammable (petroleum jelly, hand-sanitiizer...)
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Helpful Links & Resources​
