Club Reporter: Outdoor Living Bonfire

There are many fantastic projects in 4-H, one of my favourites is outdoor living. Glen Valley 4-H club had our first official outdoor living event. There were three learning activities to accomplish that day.

First we had to build our own fire and cook a complete meal on it. Second was to make a fire starter. Thirdly, we made an emergency backpack!

When we made our fires, we all had a little difficulty at first. Most of us had never made a fire by ourselves. We learned what kindling and branches work best for a fire, fire safety and the chemical reaction that makes the fire spit hard ashes. With that new knowledge and the help of our two amazing outdoor living leaders, we all had successful fires, and we cooked successful lunches.

One of our outdoor living leaders showed us how to make fire starters out of candle wax and an egg carton. Once it's made, you put it into the fire and light it. When you light it, the candle wax will melt and ignite the rest of the fire.

Our leader also taught us how to make a backpack out of old jeans! If you are out hiking, and you somehow lose your backpack, then that is a helpful solution. You just have to be comfortable walking around nature without pants. One of the best parts about it is that you can still use the pants for their intended purpose afterwards!

We ended the day with well deserved s’mores that were cooked on the big fire. Like the rest of the day, they were pleasantly enjoyable. Outdoor living is a wonderful project, and a great way to spend your afternoon.

Written by Alexandra B. Club Reporter for Glen Valley 4-H Club