Creating Fire and Shelter

The following pages will give you some tips on making fire and building a shelter

A-Frame Shelter

The A- Frame shelter is a great form of shelter. In general, the grass roof will stay dryer than the roof made from branches because it is denser and there are more fibers for the rain to follow down to the ground.

Lean-to shelter

The lean-to shelter is probably the simplest and fastest shelter to construct. You need a horizontal branch which can be tied between two trees or supported by two branches.

Heating with Rocks

Heat rocks for at least an hour. While the rocks are heating dig a hole in your shelter either in the center or under where you will be sleeping. If the rocks are in the center of your shelter they can remain exposed.

Starting a Fire

Char cloth is a natural fiber that has been chemically altered by heating in the absence of oxygen. A piece of cotton, jute or cattail fluff is placed in a tin with a small hole in the top. It is then thrown in a fire. Smoke will escape from the hole in the tin. When the material stops smoking it is finished.

Making Fire with a pop can

The bottom of a coke can or beer can is convex like a lens. It will focus the light to a point like a magnifying lens and create a fire. The can is not shiny enough to give a true focal point so it must be polished. The chocolate makes a great polish.

Fire with Ice

A piece of ice in your hand and using the heat from your hand, melt the piece of ice into a lens shape. You now have a magnifying glass.