Many years ago, the scuba industry used glow sticks for all kinds of activities. Around 2002, or sooner, word started to spread about using alternatives that may be less harmful to the environment. Glow sticks can't be recycled because of the chemical cocktail that produces the glow. Phenol is the by-product of said cocktail. Phenol is poisonous, but there's a very small quantity in the glow sticks. People break 'em open and rub it on their skin intentionally, and I haven't noticed anyone dropping dead from it, but still.
We switched to tank marker lights for a substitute in our diving endeavors. Small, about ten bucks, battery operated and some resemble a glow stick, like these:
http://www.diversdirect.com/scuba-diving/laser-stik-marker-light-constant/
Or, these. Shorter, less Star Wars appeal:
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=ITorchBuddySignalLight
I used to have a couple glow sticks around for emergencies, but I find that between camping gear, work tools, the kitchen drawer and the trucks' glove boxes, I pretty much always have at least two flashlights on hand no matter where I am. So, I haven't bought a glow stick in 8 or nine years. Lots of batteries, though.
I like the flicker LED idea.
Do what you gotta do. Happy camping!