Fire, Food & Fun Let's GO! 2 - 12012 Park Thirty-five Circle Austin, TX 78753 1-800-733-0011 www.gsctx.org - Fire, Food & Fun Handbook
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Let's GO! 2 -
Fire, Food & Fun
12012 Park Thirty-five Circle
Austin, TX 78753
1-800-733-0011
www.gsctx.org
2
THE GIRL SCOUT PROMISE
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
THE GIRL SCOUT LAW
I will do my best to be
honest and fair
friendly and helpful
considerate and caring
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority
use resources wisely
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout
The “Let’s GO!” Training Plan in GSCTX
First Aider – All troop meeting and troop activities must have at least one adult volunteer in attendance that is first-aid/CPR certified.
Visit the adult training event calendar on the GSCTX website for scheduled CPR/FA trainings. For a list of approved CPR/FA approved
certifying organizations, please check Volunteer Essentials.
Let’s GO! 1, 2, 3 – Encompasses all three Let’s GO! Courses in one session. Covers the eight basic outdoor skills. This class is a skill-based
class so the participant must demonstrate the skills taught in the class. A recertification for Let’s GO! 1 will be required every three years
due to changes in forms, Volunteer Essentials, and Safety Activity Checkpoints.
Let’s GO! 1 - Out and About – Required for troops taking day trips to simple overnights (hotel, cabin camping with heat and indoor cooking
only – up to two nights). This class will cover required paperwork, safety-wise ratios, budget, places to go, things to do, etc. A
recertification will be required every three years due to changes in forms, Volunteer Essentials, and Safety Activity Checkpoints.
Let’s GO! 2 - Fire, Food and Fun – Required for troops that want to build a campfire to have s'mores at their simple overnight. This
course teaches fire safety, one pot menus, and outdoor fun things to do. This class is a skill-based class so the participant must
demonstrate the skills taught. Prerequisite – Let’s GO! 1 - Out and About.
Let’s GO! 3 - Outdoor Skills – Required for troops to expand their horizons and move out of buildings and into the outdoors. It is the
third step in the Let’s GO! training plan. Covers the eight basic outdoor skills. This class is a skill-based class so the participant must
demonstrate the skills taught in the course. Prerequisite – Let’s GO! 2 Fire, Food, and Fun.
Let’s GO! 1 - Recertification – Let’s GO! 1 – Out and About requires recertification every three years. The recertification will address any
changes in policy, safety, or forms. Recertification is not retaking the whole LG1 course again, but instead is an online updated mini course.
Let’s GO! - The Extra Mile – For extended travel. Required for troops traveling for more than two nights/three days, regional, national
and international. This class will discuss required paperwork, medical forms, budgets, insurance, money earning applications, and how to
plan an extended travel with the girls. This class is offered as an online course. Prerequisite - Let’s GO! 1 - Out and About.
Chaperone Course – Not a required council training. Additional material for leaders to offer any adults who work with the troop. This
course will cover the key points from Let’s GO! 1 - Out and About & Let’s GO! The Extra Mile to ensure that all adults understand the
importance of being a chaperone. Includes proper behavior and safety-wise requirements. Includes an online course or home-study
packet. There is no knowledge check; no certificate or card is sent; this training is not tracked in training records.
Advanced Outdoor Skills – This course will cover areas like backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, orienteering/compasses, climbing, spelunking.
When posted on GSCTX website the course will be listed as:
Example – for backpacking: Advanced Outdoor Skills – Backpacking
Note: In order to maintain Outdoor Training certification, you must take the Let’s GO! 1 - Recertification online refresher course every
three years.
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/2021
3
FIRE, FOOD & FUN COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Teach their girls fire safety
• Teach their girls stick and one pot meal methods of cooking in the Out-of-doors
• Build on dishwashing / sanitation techniques that were taught in Out and About
• Share ideas for skits, ceremonies, and songs with their troop.
FIRE, FOOD & FUN
Fire, Food & Fun is the second step in the Outdoor training
series. Volunteers who complete this course will be able to
teach girls the safety of building, lighting and maintaining fires;
cooking simple one pot meals and making s’mores. We
recognize that an overnight could be much improved with a
campfire or fire in the fireplace. GSCTX wants to make that an
attainable program goal for our troops/groups.
As you work your way through the manual, you will have the
opportunity to learn about the following topics:
• Fire safety
• Fire building techniques
• How to teach the girls about fire building and fire safety
• GSUSA’s Safety Activity Checkpoints
• Progression
• GSUSA’s Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting
• Simple meal preparation
• Dishes
• Skits, ceremonies, songs
GIRL SCOUT LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE (GSLE) 5 NATIONAL OUTCOMES
STRONG SENSE OF SELF
Girls have confidence in themselves and their abilities, and form identities
POSITIVE VALUES
Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others
CHALLENGE SEEKING
Girls take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from their mistakes
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
Girls develop and maintain relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts
constructively
COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING
Girls desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn out to identify problems in the
community, and create “action plans” to solve them
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/2021
4
Contents
SECTION 1: BEFORE THE FIRE ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
SECTION 2: FIRE SAFETY ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
FIRE RING SAFETY...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
PUTTING OUT THE FIRE: .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
SECTION 3: FIRE BUILDING ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
PREPARE THE SITE ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
WOOD ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
THREE KINDS OF FIRE MATERIAL ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10
FIRE LAYS..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
“A” FRAME FIRE LAY................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
LOG CABIN LAY ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
FIRE STARTERS ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
MATCHES .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
WET OR WINDY WEATHER ................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
SECTION 4: CAMPFIRE FOOD .................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
MEAL PREPARATION ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
STICK COOKING ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
ONE-POT COOKING ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
WASHING DISHES IN THE OUT-OF-DOORS .................................................................................................................................................. 16
ONE-PAGE COOKBOOK ..........................................................................................................................................................................................17
SECTION 5: FUN ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
SONGS......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
SKITS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
RUN-ONS .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
CONTESTS .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
CEREMONIES ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
THE PERFECT CAMPFIRE ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
EDIBLE FIRE ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
NOTES ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/2021
5
Progression Away from the Troop Meeting
PACK OUT
Plan and take
an outdoor
CAMP trip that lasts
OUT several days
Plan and
Minimizing
carry out a 1-
SLEEP Impact with
2 night
Meals
OUT campout
Plan and
carry out an Dutch Ovens Develop
overnight in wilderness
COOK a cabin or Box Ovens first aid skills
OUT backyard
Plan and Budget,
cook a Tents Propane schedule,
EXPLORE simple meal Stoves make
Knots
OUT outdoors arrangements
Strike
Learn to Participate in
Plan and Matches Budget, buy,
use and an
take short One Pot and pack
care for environmental
a short Meals food for
MOVE camping service
hike Stick campout
gear project
OUT Cooking
Learn and
Plan and Knives
Plan a practice Practice safe Practice
take a
healthy no- Dish new camp-site backpacking
MEET short walk
cook snack Washing outdoor set up skills
outside
OUT skills
Step
Do Practice Practice Practice all
outside Pack your Take more
activities to hand and proper Leave No
and look, own responsibility
LOOK explore in dish campsite Trace
listen, feel, daypack for planning
nature sanitation organization principles
OUT and smell
Wonder Plan and Inspire and
Share what Learn how Prepare Plan time Explore and
what the carry out teach others
was to stay safe menus and for fun protect the
world is an indoor about the
observed outdoors kaper charts activities outdoors
like outside sleepover outdoors
LG1 - Out and About LG2 - Fire LG3 - Outdoor Skills Advanced
6
SECTION 1: BEFORE THE FIRE
Campfires can be a wonderful bonding experience for girls of all ages during their outdoor experience. This is an
opportunity for girls to connect with each other, adults, and nature. This special time allows girls to discover their
talents and skills. And, to have fun together. Allow girls to take action and choose their own activities and ideas to
make this a memorable time for them.
Do You Need A Fire?
Ask your scouts to think about whether they need to have a fire. And if they do, what type of fire do they need?
Sometimes cooking on a wood fire might not be the best choice. It is easier to do Leave No Trace cooking on a
stove rather than on a wood campfire. Another choice is cooking on a charcoal fire. A propane or white gas stove
is economical and lightweight, provides fast, clean cooking, produces fewer emissions than a fire.
May You Have a Fire?
There are times, such as when the weather is very dry, that a campfire could be dangerous. At other times, there
might be a burn ban because of air quality concerns or because of a fragile environment. In fragile environments,
such as deserts and alpine meadows, fires leave scars for many years and deplete slow-growing wood supplies.
If you want to build a fire, ask local land managers about fire restrictions or closures and whether a campfire
permit is required in the area you plan to visit. Build fires only if they are allowed, there is plenty of wood, and fire
danger is low.
Know before you go
• What is the purpose for the fire? Cooking or campfire
• Use a fire appropriate for the activity and experience of the camper
• Provide prior instruction to the girls for building fires
• Build only the size fire you need
o A fire that is too big is unnecessary and wasteful of fuel
o As a fire burns above, it also heats below, sterilizing the dirt beneath it
o A fire that is too small might not provide enough heat to properly cook food
• What materials are available? Is there wood on site or must you bring it in?
• What are the weather conditions?
• What is the danger of fire in the area? Is there a burn ban or red flag warning?
• What are the local and state regulations for fires where you are planning to cook?
o If required, have a permit for the type of fire to be used
o Some locations may require a phone call the morning of the event (check for burn bans) where
fires will be made
• Prepare to take all garbage home; Do not burn garbage in the fire circle.
• Allow enough time for the fire to burn to coals, start the fire 30 min. before the cooks are ready to cook
• Bring fire starters
Fire safety and conservation go hand in hand. The trademark of a good camper is the use of a small cooking fire
no larger than the size of a pot or just large enough for the toasting forks to be used.
Teach your scouts fire safety from the beginning
and they will be fire safe in the future.
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/2021
7
SECTION 2: FIRE SAFETY
ABSOLUTES
• NEVER leave the fire unattended
• NEVER use gasoline or other accelerant to start a fire
• ALWAYS keep fire-fighting equipment on hand: water, loose earth or sand, shovel, rake
• ALWAYS provide supervision by a trained (has taken LG2) adult when the girls build the fire
REMEMBER
• Remove plastic basins, bottles, or cooking utensils from fire area; a proper fire bucket should
be metal, not plastic
• Remove pressurized canisters from fire area; never dispose of pressurized canisters in the fire
or place in direct sunlight or confine where the temperature is high
• Locate woodpile upwind
• Fire-fighting equipment must be placed in plain view, but not in the general traffic pattern
• Maintain discipline around the fire site - no playing, running, or rough-housing
• Avoid overcrowding around the fire
• Never reach over the fire and don’t pass things over it, remind the girls that fire burns up
• Watch for flying sparks and put them out immediately
• Don’t burn poison ivy, mountain laurel, or sumac, even the smoke may cause a severe reaction
• Be absolutely certain the fire is “dead out” before leaving the immediate area
• REMEMBER: you are a role model for your girls, anything they see you do, they think is ok
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
• Use insulated flame-resistant gloves to protect hands
• Long-handled metal tongs are useful for moving logs and controlling heat
• Be mindful of necklaces and dangly earrings, they can get hot and cause burns when they come
in contact with exposed skin
• Shoes should have closed toes, thick sole, and not be plastic
• Confine ponchos
• Tie back long hair
• Tuck in strings from hoods
• Do not wear loose clothing that might dangle into flames
• Do not wear fleece, nylon, or plastic garments
• Sunglasses or goggles aren’t essential but can prevent tearing
FIRE RING SAFETY
• Teach girls the importance of having a fire ring monitor
o The fire ring monitor limits the number of the individuals allowed around the fire ring
o Fire ring monitors are served their food by the cooks
• Number of girls around the fire ring varies, consider: size of the ring, maturity of the scouts, and
activities planned
• Fire ring sizes depend upon what the fire will be used for: cooking, ceremonies, backdrop for a skit
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/2021
8
FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST
BEFORE STARTING THE FIRE:
o Properly dressed
No ties, scarves, plastic or nylon clothing
Loose clothing needs to be tucked in
Long hair needs to be tied back
Shoes should have closed toes, thick sole, and not be plastic
o Firefighting equipment assembled
Rake or shovel
Metal bucket filled with water
Loose dirt
o Woodpile at least 5 feet from fire, placed where sparks won’t blow into it
BUILDING THE FIRE:
o Use an existing fire circle if possible
o Make sure the spot is free of debris and not beneath low hanging branches
o Use safe fire starters; NO paper, leaves, or flammable liquids
o NEVER leave the fire unattended
USING THE FIRE:
o Stay with the fire
o Stay outside the fire circle
o Don’t bend over the fire
o Don’t use feet to kick logs
o Never pour grease on the fire
o Use roasting sticks or forks with care; keep the food end close to the ground
o Use long-handled metal tongs and insulated gloves to adjust logs and control heat
o Suggest that one knee remain on the ground to maintain stability
o If clothing should catch fire, STOP, DROP to the ground, and ROLL! NEVER RUN!
PUTTING OUT THE FIRE:
o Let the fire die down
o If you must break the fire apart, use the following technique:
Separate the coals, knock the logs apart
Stir the embers with the rake or shovel
Sprinkle with water using as little water as possible
Continue to stir and sprinkle additional water on larger coals until embers are out
Sense, when you can place your hand 1” over all dead coals and count to 10,
you know the fire is out
o Do not dump large quantities of water on the fire; sprinkle lightly with water
Excess smoke chokes
Hot scalding steam burns
Flying sparks could start a fire
Drowning the fire makes future fire building difficult
o When you are through with the fire circle
Dispose of ashes using the rules of the camp
Pack out partially burned logs
Level fire circles so no pits catch water
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/2021
9
SECTION 3: FIRE BUILDING
PREPARE THE SITE
• Build campfires in designated area, avoid establishing a new fire site
• An established fire site should be away from
o Overhanging branches
o Steep slopes
o Rotted stumps or logs
o Dry grass, leaves, or pine needles
o Burnable material such as litter
• Clear an area of at least 10 ft. around the campfire ring
• Have nearby a metal bucket of water and a shovel or rake
THE WOODPILE
• Place wood near the fire circle, but not immediately adjacent, and upwind
• Have on hand 3 times the amount of wood that you think you’ll need
• Stack wood so that tinder, kindling, and fuel are in separate piles
• Wood should be broken or cut into 1-2-foot long lengths
• Cover the woodpile with a tarp to keep the wood dry
• Make sure you have a good-sized woodpile BEFORE you begin building the fire
• Keeping the wood covered is a good idea – the weather is not always predictable
WOOD
Wood burns well when: Wood does NOT burn well when:
• it snaps when broken • it is green and bends without breaking
• split wood burns well • it crumbles or is rotten
• the inside is drier than the outside it smokes and smolders
• air around it is free to circulate gives off little heat
• the ground is too damp
For long lasting, hot fire: For fast burning, easy fire:
Hardwood (oak, mesquite, apple, ash, maple, Softwood (hemlock, pines, etc.) is good for
etc.) burns slowly and yields coals that will starting fires or for quick, hot fires. It burns
last. It needs a good hot fire to get started and quickly and needs constant refueling. It does
then burns well for a long time. not leave good coals for cooking.
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202110
THREE KINDS OF FIRE MATERIAL
TINDER:
Tinder is small, no thicker than matches. It is used to start the fire because it burns as soon as it is touched with a
flame. Tinder must be dry. It snaps and breaks but does not bend. Use small twigs, pine needles, wood shavings,
dry bark from dead branches, wild grapevines, or dried weeds. Dead leaves are poor fire starters. Using paper as
tinder is not a good idea. It tends to “fly” as it burns. Never use poison ivy vines or mountain laurel.
KINDLING:
Kindling is dry wood, thin as a pencil or as thick as your thumb. Kindling should snap rather than bend. It should
snap and ignite quickly but burn long enough to ignite the fuel. Kindling includes dried twigs.
FUEL:
Fuel is larger wood that keeps the fire going. Fuel might be charcoal briquettes or dry seasoned wood.
TINDER KINDLING FUEL
“Tiny Tinder” “Finger Sized Kindling” “Big Fire Fuel”
Small pieces Medium pieces Big pieces
Smaller than your pinky About index finger size Size of your wrist
Dry wood Dry wood Dry wood
Twigs Small sticks ¼” – 1” thick Larger than 1” diameter
Pine needles
Wood shavings
GATHERING WOOD
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Most campgrounds do not allow gathering wood within their territory. Be sure to call ahead.
If they do, wood gathering can be made fun with the proper spirit and enthusiasm.
• Make it a game or a contest
• Everyone should pitch in and help
• Spread out and gather wood from a broad area to minimize impact on the enviroment
• Use only downed, dry wood
• Do not use old wood that crumbles when touched or appears brittle
• Watch out for insects, snakes, and other wildlife
BE POISON IVY AWARE!! Know how to identify poison ivy and teach your Girl Scouts to watch out for poison ivy
when collecting wood. Even in winter, do not burn any wood that is fuzzy – it could have poison ivy growing on it.
Transporting wood across county lines is illegal in Texas
If transporting wood is illegal in Texas, and most campgrounds don’t allow wood gathering, what
REFLECT
will your troop do to get wood?
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202111
FIRE LAYS
“A” FRAME FIRE LAY
BASE: Put down a base of 3 logs of small fuel, arranged like the letter “A”. The sides of the “A” can rest directly on
the floor of the fire pit. Rest the crossbar on top of the two side pieces. The opening of the “A” should be facing
into the breeze.
BUILD: Put small kindling leaning against the crossbar.
• If windy, keep it closely bunched and build outside the crossbar leaning in, like a shield.
• If winds are calm, open kindling and build inside the “A” and lean out, this will encourage airflow.
• Optional: You may first place a fire starter under the crossbar of the “A”.
Add tender under the crossbar, not so bunched up that is will suffocate any sparks.
LIGHT: Hold the match close to the fire lay when striking. Slant the match downward slightly, and away from
you, so it burns up. Insert the flame under the crossbar of the “A” (where there is air space) to ignite the tinder
or fire starter.
TEND: Carefully place additional tinder, then kindling, over the strongest part of the flame. Do not throw.
Throwing wood causes the fire to collapse and go out.
Place each piece of wood across flames, allowing a little air space between pieces. Make certain wood
catches before adding more. Placing too much wood on the fire at once suffocates the fire.
When the kindling is burning well add small fuel. Then, as the wood begins to burn, larger fuel to form the type
of fire you need for your activity.
Benefits of this fire lay?
Fires need
oxygen to burn.
LOG CABIN LAY
BASE: Start by making a small teepee in the center of your fire pit using thin fuel and kindling.
BUILD: Build a miniature log cabin of small or medium-sized fuel around the teepee. The size of wood you choose
will be determined by the size of the fire you wish to have.
LIGHT: Carefully reach in with a lit match to reach the tinder inside the middle.
TEND: Gradually lay the logs toward the center as you build the cabin. Remember to leave plenty of space for good
ventilation. In the end it will have the appearance of a pyramid.
Benefits of this fire lay?
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202112
FIRE STARTERS
Do not use liquid fire starters. It is extremely dangerous!
Work with your girls to make fire starters during one troop meeting; you can make enough to last for years.
SHREDDED BARK – Store dry tinder in a can with a lid or in a plastic baggie.
NEVER peel or cut bark off live trees!
FUZZ STICK - Make cuts in a small dry stick with a knife, leaving the shavings
attached.
PRE-PACKAGED FIRE STARTERS – While not made by the girls, these can be
purchased at various sporting goods stores.
EGG CARTON FIRE STARTERS – Use cardboard egg cartons filled with wood
shavings, charcoal briquettes, or sawdust. Cover with melted household paraffin
wax or candle wax.
At camp, break the sections apart and use one or two to help start your fire.
These work in wind and rain.
Caution: When melting paraffin wax, always use a double boiler over low
heat or set a can in a pan of hot water. NEVER melt wax over direct heat
since it can burst into flames very easily. NEVER pour melted paraffin down the
drain; let it harden in a container to use again.
COTTON BALL KISS – Work the petroleum jelly into the cotton with your fingers.
Store them in an empty film container or a Ziploc bag. The cotton balls with
petroleum jelly will hold a flame for several minutes.
PAPER TUBE TWIST– Using an empty paper tube from toilet paper or paper
towels, partially fill the tube with sawdust and pour melted paraffin into the
tube. Keep repeating until the tube is filled. Cut the tube into convenient pieces,
about 1-inch long. Wood chips, shavings, and sawdust work great too!
DORITOS OR FRITOS – Using a fresh package of chips, scatter around the fire
and light a match to the individual chips.
PINE CONE FIRESTARTERS – In a muffin tin, set out paper muffin wrappers and
set a pine cone into each wrapper. Melt wax and lightly pour over the pine
cones until the wax is about 1/4 – 1/2” deep in the paper wrapper. Let it cool.
TRENCH CANDLES – Place paraffin chips, wood shavings, pencil sharpener
shavings, or 1/2” lengths of candle stubs in pieces of waxed paper. Twist the
paper on both ends.
OR
Cut newspaper into 4” strips; roll up tight. Tie with twine or cotton string –
Nothing synthetic -- leaving about 2” of twine for dipping into melted paraffin
wax. Dip the whole thing into the wax and let it dry. Use the twine as a wick to
light.
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202113
MATCHES
Use wooden matches stored in a waterproof container.
Waterproof containers may include a baggie, film container, Tupperware with a
striker glued to the container, etc.
To waterproof matches, dip 2/3 of the match in melted paraffin or coat with nail
polish. [Paraffin should be carefully melted in a double boiler over a low heat.]
Allow to dry on double thickness of newspaper. Scratch paraffin off to use.
These are invaluable in wet weather.
When teaching girls to strike matches, hold your hand over theirs to guide them
through the process.
Children often have a fear of lighting a match since they have been told to “Stay
away from matches!”
Always strike away from you and on the “strike” surface on the matchbox.
EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE
Have a metal bucket of water/sand nearby to extinguish the fire. When possible, allow the fire to die down.
STIR - SPRINKLE – SENSE
Sir the fire by pushing larger pieces apart. Use ashes to suffocate the flames.
Sprinkle handfuls of water onto the hot ashes. Do not drown the fire! This may cause scalding steam to blast
upward that can burn. It can even split hot rocks and create clouds of embers that can injure.
Continue to stir the ashes, turn over charred pieces, and sprinkle again – until there are no hot spots.
Sense that the fire is out by holding your hand over the coals and ashes. Listen for crackling sounds. If you can
hold your hand 1” above for 1 minute and not have it be too hot, the fire is ready for you to leave it.
Surrounding rocks should be cool to the touch. There should be nothing glowing even when ashes are stirred.
Make certain the fire is completely out before leaving the site.
Do not clean out the fire circle right away, to avoid the
potential of restarting the fire from smoldering ashes.
Do not bury the fire. This method does not ensure the fire is
out. The fire can burn through the soil and relight.
Return the next day to clean the fire circle, leaving it as you
found it or better.
Fix any pits inside the fire ring or out where soil might have
been raked to prevent erosion and puddling when it rains.
WET OR WINDY WEATHER
Weather conditions can make fire building difficult. Use the following tips to assist.
• Lay aluminum foil on the bottom of a wet fire ring, build your fire on top, retrieve the foil when you are
finished and the fire is out
• Fire starters are especially helpful in inclement weather
• Place wet wood around the edges to begin drying; after a fire is burning well, wet wood can be added a few
pieces at a time
• Since the inside is always dryer than the outside, splitting wet wood may help the burning
• If you put up a tarp (rain fly) over the fire site, be certain the tarp is high enough and the fire is small enough
• A tarp can also be used as a windbreak
• Charcoal is helpful, especially when fuel is scarce, and often safer in wet or windy weather; however, Match
Light-type charcoals have an offensive odor when they are first lit, which can ruin food; if using these, be
sure to let your charcoal burn until the fumes have dispersed
• Covering your woodpile at night prevents dew from getting the wood moist
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202114
SECTION 4: CAMPFIRE FOOD
MEAL PREPARATION
Recommended Progression in Cooking
1. Stick Cookery
2. One-Pot Meals and Skillet Cooking
Tips for the Troop
1. Guide the girls to select meals that are quick and easy to prepare, but nutritious. Avoid dishes that
are complicated or involve long preparation or cooking time on the first outing. Avoid cooking at
every meal unless that’s your focus and the girls choose to do so – this would be a more advanced
overnight, not in the early stages of camping.
2. Let your first meal at camp be a nose-bag lunch. This will eliminate the need to start cooking soon
after you arrive.
3. It is not the responsibility or the expectation for the adults to cook meals for the girls. This sends the
wrong message to the girls and does not allow them to become resourceful and independent.
4. Prepare basic foods in advance – mix up a dry pancake batter, boil pasta, have girls bring
vegetables already chopped, etc.
5. Use canned vegetables rather than fresh, which take a long time to cook.
6. Using lean ground beef or turkey will cut down on extra grease.
7. When possible, cook meat at home and freeze; this helps keep the cooler chilled and cuts down on
cooking and cleanup time.
8. Freeze everything you can before the trip to avoid needing ice in the cooler.
9. Get rid of as much excess packaging of foods as possible to reduce trash.
10. Pack food by meals in a covered container or box, labeled with what meal it is for and what is
needed out of the cooler to complete the meal. This saves time searching through all the food stores
and will eliminate using the wrong items for the wrong meal and possibly ending up short an item for
a later meal.
11. Store food in your car, a shed, or some other secure place at night to keep it away from animals.
12. Plan a substantial breakfast. Cereal and milk are a good idea for the last morning when you are
preparing to leave, but not when a full morning of activities is planned.
13. Some girls need smaller amounts of food more often. Sometimes girls have bigger appetites in the
outdoors; other times they’re too excited to eat much in a strange setting.
14. Plan nutritious snacks. Avoid high sugar snacks. Girls should not bring their own.
15. Pack extra bread and peanut butter/jelly and granola bars for emergencies.
16. Verify that the girls have included enough food for adults in the food plan.
17. Once again, make sure to consider food allergies and ethnic needs of the participants. This
includes any additional adults who are accompanying the troop/group.
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202115
STICK COOKING
• Young girls get impatient holding sticks
• You can purchase dowels that are the correct size for what you need
• Soak them in a bucket of water prior to use
• You can also purchase pre-made marshmallow forks
• Be alert for flaming marshmallows, sugar burns are extremely painful and can
cause permanent scarring
• Caution girls about keeping the pointed end toward the ground
• Let fire die down to hot coals before stick cooking
• You can rotate the girls through and share cooking sticks if there is not room for
everyone – cuts back on the number of sticks cut so it can save some trees
• The size of the fire ring determines the number of girls cooking at any one time
S'MORES
Ingredients: Marshmallows, chocolate bars without nuts, graham crackers,
1 toasting stick/person
Directions: Make a sandwich of one piece of chocolate and 2 graham
crackers. Toast marshmallow to golden brown and insert into
sandwich between chocolate and graham cracker. Press gently
and eat.
Variations:
• Use peanut butter instead of chocolate – ROBINSON CRUSOES
• Use slices of apples instead of crackers – APPLE S’MORES
• Use chocolate-covered crackers, but no chocolate bars
• Use chocolate icing instead of chocolate bars
• Use some of the different flavored graham crackers
• Use different types of chocolate bars; Peppermint Patties or
Reese’s PB Cups are excellent!
ONE-POT COOKING
• Rub liquid or bar soap on the outside only of the pot or skillet when
cooking over a fire, but leave the top inch of the pot free of soap to
avoid it getting into the pot and ruining the food (except for cast iron)
• Stabilize the grate before the fire is lit, then remove grate and light fire
• When fire is burning as required, replace grate
• Warn the girls that the handle can get VERY hot, only grab it with tongs
or gloves
• Be alert for a grease fire, place the lid on top of the pot and remove it
from the flames to put out the fire, you will need to begin again once
the fire is out
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202116
ONE-POT MEAL
This is a great beginning to all kinds of recipes, listed below or be creative and allow the girls to experiment with
different ingredients. Put the following into one pot:
• 3 pounds browned hamburger
• 1 package dehydrated onions (or freshly chopped) What would you
• 1 package dehydrated sweet peppers (or fresh) put in your one
pot meal?
• 2 cans condensed tomato soup
• salt and pepper to taste
Then add one of the following:
• 4 cans of spaghetti
• 4 cans Pork and Beans
• 3 cans corn and ½ pound diced cheese
• 1 large package of Minute Rice, cooked separately
• 1 large package of spaghetti, cooked separately; sprinkle with cheese
• 1 large package of elbow or other macaroni, cooked separately
• 4 cans condensed vegetable soup and 2 cans kidney beans
• 4 cans red kidney beans and chili powder to taste (to make Chili)
WASHING DISHES IN THE OUT-OF-DOORS
1. Scrape all food off dishes into the trash
2. Wash in hot soapy water - use detergent sparingly
3. Rinse in warm water - keep free of suds
4. Disinfect by rinsing in warm water with a capful of bleach added
5. Drain dishes on towel to air dry so that the swish bag is not all wet from the dishes (it can mildew if
it stays too wet) - then put dishes back in swish bags on clothesline using a clothespin or slip knot
HELPFUL TIPS:
• Rub liquid detergent on outside of anything to be placed on fire (except for cast iron),
including dishwater cans
• Be sure to have warmed enough water for dishwashing before you eat
• Let cooking utensils soak in water while eating to loosen food particles for easier clean up
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202117
ONE-PAGE COOKBOOK
Campfire Lasagna Bags of Gold
Mix everything together: 3 cans Tomato Soup. Follow the directions on the can
12-oz. jar spaghetti sauce, to prepare.
12-oz. jar water, 1 pound cheese – cheddar or Velveeta work well
12-oz. bag thin noodles (type which cooks in 10 2 – 3 cans canned biscuits
minutes),
While heating the soup, cut the cheese into small
8-oz. shredded mozzarella cheese,
cubes, about ¼ inch. Open biscuits. Take a biscuit
1 ½ lbs. ricotta cheese.
and flatten it out. Place one cube of cheese in the
Cook until noodles are al dente (just done and not
center of the flattened biscuit. Wrap the dough
mushy). Serves 6-7
around the cheese and pinch to seal it as tightly as
possible. Place each dumpling into the warm soup.
One Pot Stew Cook until biscuits are done. Serves 12
Combine a variety of cans of soup in one pot adding
about ½ the water the soups normally call for. This
Breakfast Burritos
works best with soups that are not a cream variety.
1 package tortillas
Cook until soup is hot.
1 dozen eggs
1 pound ground sausage
Taco Soup
1 green pepper, diced
1 pound of ground hamburger or turkey (pre-cooked
1 package shredded cheddar cheese
makes it even easier)
1 packet of taco seasoning (season hamburger with
Pre-cook the sausage with the green peppers and
this)
store in a container. Crack eggs and bring in separate
1 can of black beans (Or hominy)
container. When ready to cook, use fry pan on grill,
1 can of pinto beans
scramble the eggs, and add sausage mixture. Cook
1 can of ranch style beans
well. Warm up tortillas on grill just until soft. Fill up
1 can of beef broth
tortilla with eggs, sausage, and cheese, and roll up.
One packet of Ranch dressing seasoning (season soup
Serves 10
with this)
1 can of water
Calamity
6 eggs
After the meat has been cooked and seasoned
1 bag hash browns
with the taco seasoning dump all the other
1 onion
ingredients in a pot and heat to boiling.
1 lb bacon
Serve over tortilla chips with cheese and sour cream
10 ounces cheese
Chop bacon and onion and fry them. Add hash
Dough Boys
browns and brown. Add eggs and cook until just
2 cans refrigerated biscuits
about done. Add cheese. Serves 6 – 8
1 stick butter
Cinnamon-Sugar mixture
Veggie and Sausage Kabobs
Assorted Jams
Sausage (Mild Italian or Kielbasa)
Cherry Tomatoes
Pre-heat the cooking stick. Shape the biscuit into a
Zucchini & whatever veggies you want
long snake-like form. Wrap around the cooking dowel
1 TBS Olive Oil
or stick. Slowly brown the biscuit over the coals.
Seasonings (i.e. Ms. Dash)
When it easily slips off the stick, it is done. Put butter
Cut up all the veggies and sausages, smaller pieces
and desired filling inside. Carefully eat, without losing
cook faster. In a bowl, toss the veggies and tomatoes
the filling! Serves 16
with the olive oil and seasoning. Line on a skewer and
cook over the flame.
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202118
SECTION 5: FUN
SONGS
Grey Squirrel Rise Up, O Flame
Grey squirrel, (one paw comes up--put arm with floppy hand in front) (can be sung as a round)
Grey squirrel, (next paw comes up)
Swish your bushy tail. (Guess what you wiggle here!) Rise up, O Flame
Grey squirrel, (one paw comes up--put arm with floppy hand in front) By thy light glowing
Grey squirrel, (next paw comes up) Show to us beauty,
Swish your bushy tail. (Guess what you wiggle here!) Vision and Joy
Wrinkle up your funny nose, (wrinkle your nose)
Put a nut between your toes. (bend down and touch the ground)
Grey squirrel, (one paw comes up--put arm with floppy hand in front)
Grey squirrel, (next paw comes up)
Swish your bushy tail. (Guess what you wiggle here!)
Oh I Wish I Were A Little Bar of Soap Kookaburra
(to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It") Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,
Merry merry king of the bush is he,
Oh I wish I were a little bar of soap Laugh, kookaburra, laugh, kookaburra,
Oh I wish I were a little bar of soap Gay your life must be!
Oh I'd slippy and I'd slidey
over everybody's hiney Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,
Oh I wish I were a little bar of soap Eating all the gumdrops he can see,
Stop, kookaburra, stop, kookaburra,
Oh I wish I were a little mosquito Leave some there for me!
Oh I wish I were a little mosquito
Oh I'd bitty and I'd bitey Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,
under everybody's nighty Counting all the monkeys he can see,
Oh I wish I were a little mosquito Stop, kookaburra, stop, kookaburra,
That's not a monkey, that's me!
Oh I wish I were a little bitty orange
Oh I wish I were a little bitty orange Doodly Doo (or Wadily acha)
Oh I'd go squirty squirty squirty Please sing to me that sweet melody
over everybody's shirtey called the doodly doo, the doodly doo.
Oh I wish I were a little bitty orange I like the rest, but the part I like best
Oh I wish I were a little bottle of pop Is the doodly do, the doodly do.
Oh I wish I were a little bottle of pop
Oh I'd go down with a slurp (chorus) Simplest thing, there isn’t much to it
and come up with a burp All you got to do is doodly doo it.
Oh I wish I were a little bottle of pop I love it so, wherever I go
It’s doodly, doodly doo!
Oh I wish I were a little radio
Oh I wish I were a little radio Come on and...
Oh -- I'd go CLICK! Wadily acha, wadily acha, wadily oh, wadily oh!
Wadily acha, wadily acha, wadily oh, wadily oh!
(Repeat chorus)
TAPS (Actions)
Pat knees twice, clap twice, cha-cha hands twice during the odd
Day is done, Gone the sun
verses. Any line with “Doodly Do” touch your left hand on your nose
From the hills, From the lake, From the sky while touching your shoulder with right, then switch directions.
All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh Speed up the actions when you get to the line: Come on and …
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202119
SKITS
THE CANDY STORE:
Start the skit and then say, “Oh, it would be better if someone helped us make a counter for our candy store.” Find
a stick about 3 feet long and choose a person to hold each end to create the “counter”. One person stands behind
the counter and is the store owner. Other people come and ask for various types of candy. The owner replies he is
all out, the truck will come tomorrow, none of those are left, etc. This goes on until the last customer finally says,
“Well what DO you have in this candy store?” Indicating the two “counter” holders, the owner replies, “All I have left
is these two suckers on a stick.” (NOTE: Have the two “suckers” in on the skit.)
THE FORTUNE TELLER:
Explain that there is a fortune teller who can tell the future by looking at a person’s shoe. Girls remove one shoe and
the fortune teller makes a different prediction for each of them. For her last customer she says, “I foresee you are
going on a long trip to recover lost property” and with that throws the shoe into the audience.
BUBBLE GUM SKIT:
• 1st camper walks out to the chair, takes his gum out of his mouth, places it on the back of the chair, and
then walks off.
• 2nd camper walks out to the chair, leans his hand on the back, finds the gum on his hand, and totally
disgusted wipes it on the seat of the chair and walks off.
• 3rd camper walks up to the chair and sits down. He realizes with great disgust that the gum is stuck to his
bum. Disgusted, he peels it off, throws it to the ground, and walks off.
• 4th camper walks out to the chair, then realizes he's got gum stuck to his shoe. With great disgust he peels
it off, sticks it to the back of the chair, and walks off.
• 1st camper comes back, walks up to the chair, peels it off, sticks it in his mouth and walks on.
RUN-ONS
THEY’RE AFTER ME:
Camper A runs frantically on stage and says, “They’re after me! They’re after me!”
Camper B: “Who’s after you?
Camper A: “The squirrels - they think I’m nuts!”
ELEPHANT REPELLANT:
Camper A enters, spraying from a can.
Camper B, “What are you doing?”
Camper A, “Spraying for elephants.”
Camper B, “Why, there aren’t any elephants within ten thousand miles of here!”
Camper A, “Well, it does a pretty good job then, doesn’t it?”
CONTESTS
BOILING WATER:
Teams must build a fire, heat a 6 lbs., 10 oz. can of water and cook one strand of spaghetti until it is flexible enough
to be tied in a square knot.
STRING BURNING:
Teams start with two sticks and a string across their fire ring. The first team to build their fire and burn through the
string wins.
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202120
CEREMONIES
THE FOUR WINDS (Lighting the Fire):
The fire is already laid. Master of Ceremonies raises her hand with the “quiet sign”.
Runners with lighted torches (or candles) come from the four points of the compass to light the campfire.
NORTH WIND: I bring the cold that builds endurance.
SOUTH WIND: I bring the warmth of friendship.
EAST WIND: I bring the light of day.
WEST WIND: I bring the night sky, the moon and stars.
CAMPFIRE MEMORY ASHES:
[A favorite campfire tradition is to collect a small amount of ashes from each campfire and then to add those
ashes at the beginning of the next campfire. Girls enjoy keeping a list of all of the campfire ashes that are mingled
together.]
We carry our memories with us in these ashes from other campfires. In the colors of the flames we see
singing, laughter and friendships. We remember happy times and the joy of being out-of-doors.
The RED FLAME reminds us of all our friendships.
The YELLOW FLAME reminds us of sunshine.
The BLUE FLAME reminds us of all our Girl Scout memories.
The GREEN FLAME reminds us of our future which continues to grow.
May the joining of the dead fires with these leaping flames symbolize once more the unbroken chain that binds
Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world.
WISH STICKS:
Each person brings a twig to the campfire. Holding it tightly in her hand, she makes a silent wish and adds her twig
to the fie. Each girl returns quietly to her seat.
- OR -
Before the campfire, each girl finds a large stick. She must scrape off enough bark so that she can write a wish on
it, using a magic marker. Or she can write the wish on a small piece of paper and tie it to the stick. The sticks are
added to the fire during the evening. As the sticks burn, their wishes are going into the air and will come true.
THE PERFECT CAMPFIRE
At the beginning of the campfire, the flames are high, and the
energy should match. This is the time for laughs and high energy
songs.
As the fire dies down and the coals are warm, this is the time for
slower songs and friendly stories.
When the flames are low and embers glowing, it is the perfect time
for reflection, messages, and getting ready for bed.
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202121
EDIBLE FIRE
This is an excellent way to teach younger girls how to make a decent campfire. It gives them a chance to work
with items that replicate the experience at a meeting prior to being outdoors. Following is a list of possible
ingredients. Use what your girls will like!
The key is to build it like you’re actually building a fire. Don’t skip the safety steps!
Pretend that you’re checking the Clear the area of forest duff. Add a water bucket and
campsite. Go through the BEFORE shovel/rake. Create a fire circle
STARTING THE FIRE checklist. Have with a clear space around it. This is
every girl check their clothing and the “No Rough Housing area.”
tie back their hair.
Check for wind direction. Make a teepee or lean-to of tinder Light the tinder with a match and
Into the wind, make an “A” frame inside the logs. Lean the tinder up add sparks. Be sure to light
of logs. against the crossbar. Add a properly by going under the
firestarter under the crossbar. crossbar.
Tend the fire, add additional flame. When a small fire is started add Completed Edible Fire!!
kindling and fuel, leaving room for When ready to eat, break apart
air to flow. Place fuel gently on the with the shovel “sprinkle with
fire. water” and enjoy.
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/202122
While the scouts are constructing the fire, you can be talking with the girls about where do you find the wood,
what are good materials for tinder, don't cut down trees, don't use rotting wood, what makes a good fire
site, not using green sticks for the fire, etc.
With a real fire, when done, the fire bucket would be used to put out the fire and the rake or shovel would be used
to stir it up until cold to the touch. However, in this case just eat the fire and drink from the fire bucket and leave a
clean fire area!
ALTERNATE INGREDIENTS
Camp Site/Safety Circle – wax paper, paper towel, napkin, graham cracker, large cookie, lettuce leaf
Forest Duff – mini-chocolate chips, sliced almonds, granola, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut
Fire Ring – large marshmallows, peanuts, corn pops cereal, peanut M&Ms
Tinder – Crumbled shredded wheat, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce or carrots, chow mein noodles
Kindling – potato sticks, thin pieces of green pepper, pretzel sticks
Fuel, Logs – pretzel logs, tootsie rolls, carrot sticks, bread sticks, celery sticks, cheese puffs, candy canes
Charcoal – raisins, chocolate chips
Match stick – licorice stick, candy corn stuck on a toothpick, thin pretzel stick
Fire starter – Hershey’s kiss, gum drops, Dots
Fire – candy corn, red string licorice, red hots, red sprinkles, chopped tomatoes, chopped red pepper, bacon bits
Water bucket – small paper cup, Rolo, Reese’s PB Mini Cups (check for peanut allergies first)
Water – juice, salad dressing, water
Shovel – teaspoon, gumdrop on a pretzel stick
Rake – fork, your fingers
Skewers – toothpick
Marshmallows – mini marshmallows on tiny pretzel stick
Facilitator Tips
Let’s Go! 2 – Fire, Food & Fun Handbook rev: 01/2021NOTES
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