How do YOU start your campfire?

hedge wrote:

Halmfamily wrote:

Artum Snowbird wrote:
I pick up tiny shavings from the campfire area, light them, add bits of cut shavings and small kindling, then a bit larger and put a bigger piece on each side. By now, it's a nice kindling fire, and a few bigger pieces go in next.

If I can find a piece of pitch off a tree, that is fair too.

Like others that use fire starters.. for me, it's part of the ritual of camping. Also, it's a great skill to teach your little ones.

X2. This is the fun way to do it and as stated a great trait to teach your kids.

X3, any other method feels like cheating.

You can usually find dry tinder in the in the winter inside of hollow logs (poke a stick in there before you insert your hand. Sometimes critters will be inside).

Also practice making a fire with a flint and steel, and using a bow drill you make from sticks and wood. Shoelaces make the bowstring.

Successfully making a fire with a bow drill is not easy. First you have to find the appropriate sizes and shapes of wood, and assemble the parts. Then the technique requires practice, practice, and practice. Once your kids have it perfected, they can make a fire anytime without matches. About once per year make them do it again. A little refresher never hurts.