Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Outdoor Activities โ Lighting The Camp Fire Notes
Physical & Health Education โ Outdoor Activities
Subtopic: Lighting the Camp Fire ๐ฅ
These notes are for learners (age 11) in Kenya. They explain how to plan, build and safely light a small camp fire while camping with adult supervision. Always follow your teacher, camp leader or local rules.
- Understand the materials needed for a safe camp fire.
- Follow steps to build a small, controlled fire (tinder โ kindling โ logs).
- Learn safety rules and how to put the fire out properly.
A. Materials and equipment โ
- Matches or lighter (use with adult supervision) ๐ฅ
- Tinder: dry grass, dry bark, or cotton wool (not wet) ๐พ
- Kindling: small dry sticks (thumb-thickness) ๐ชต
- Fuel logs: larger pieces of wood
- Water bucket and shovel or sand (to put out fire) ๐ชฃ๐ชจ
- Clear fire ring or existing fire pit (if available)
B. Safety first โ important rules โ ๏ธ
- Always have an adult (teacher or camp leader) present. Never light a fire alone.
- Choose a safe place: away from tents, trees, overhanging branches and dry grass.
- Do not use petrol, paraffin or other accelerants โ they are dangerous.
- Keep water, sand or a bucket close by at all times.
- Keep the fire small and controlled โ you do not need a big fire to cook or stay warm.
- Check local rules: many places in Kenya (parks, forests) ban campfires โ ask the ranger or teacher.
C. Clear the area โ prepare the site ๐งน
- Find a flat spot with no leaves, grass or branches within 3 metres.
- Use a fire ring (rocks) or an existing pit. Clear soil down to bare earth in a circle about 1 metre wide.
- Make a wind check: stand so smoke blows away from tents and people.
D. Build a small fire โ simple layouts
Common small layouts you can use (ask your teacher which is best):
Teepee (good for quick start)
Place tinder in the centre. Lean kindling sticks around the tinder like a cone. Light the tinder; the flames rise and catch the kindling.
Visual: ๐ฅ โ โ โ (sticks leaning)
Log-cabin (good for longer burn)
Make a small square with kindling, place tinder in the middle and light. Add larger logs crosswise as it grows.
Visual: ๐ฅ โซ โซ (stacked logs)
E. Step-by-step to light the fire (with an adult) ๐ฅ
- Prepare the site and have water/sand ready.
- Put tinder in the centre and build kindling around it (teepee or log-cabin).
- Adult lights the tinder using a match or lighter. Light one side so wind helps the flame move through.
- Gently add more kindling as the fire grows, then add larger logs gradually.
- Keep a safe distance and do not run or play near the fire.
F. Putting out the fire โ stop, douse, stir, repeat โ
Never leave a fire unattended. To extinguish:
- Allow the fire to burn down to ash and small embers.
- Pour water slowly over the fire while stirring the ashes with a stick or shovel.
- Stir and pour again until no steam and the ashes are cold to the touch. (If no water, use sand but still stir to make sure cool.)
- Feel the area carefully (adult only) to ensure it is cool.
Never leave until the fire is fully cold.
G. First aid for small burns (if someone gets burned) ๐ฉน
- Cool the burn under running clean water for 10โ20 minutes (adult help needed).
- Cover with a clean, non-fluffy cloth or sterile dressing.
- Do not put creams, butter or oils on the burn โ seek teacher or clinic help.
- Seek medical help for worse burns or if unsure.
H. Respect the environment โ Kenyan context ๐ฐ๐ช
- Do not cut live trees; use only dead wood on the ground or firewood supplied by the camp.
- In many protected areas (national parks, forests) campfires are not allowed โ ask rangers or camp staff.
- During very dry seasons there is a high risk of wildfires โ follow local advice and avoid fires if warned.
- Adult present โ
- Water/sand ready โ
- Site cleared โ
- Local permission checked โ
I. Short quiz (for revision)
- Name the three stages of fuel in a camp fire. (Answer: tinder, kindling, logs)
- What should you have nearby to put out the fire? (Answer: water or sand and a shovel)
- Why must you never use petrol to start a camp fire? (Answer: it is very dangerous and can cause explosions)