This is part of my "Camping Skills" series. Others posts in the series are listed at the bottom.

There's something instinctive and primitive about building a campfire. Whether it is in the backcountry next to an alpine lake, a campground or even in your own backyard, sitting around a fire and staring into the flames brings the tribe (or family) together.

Follow up:

Throw in some s'mores and you have the perfect evening.

Here's how to safely build a campfire.

1. Choose an area that is flat and away from trees or overhanging branches. Mineral soil is the best surface, so areas near rivers or lakes work well. Otherwise, clear away the duff and other burnable material as best possible. (If you are backpacking there may be certain areas where fires are and are not allowed. In a campground, you'll likely need to use a designated fire pit. For the backyard we use a firebowl to keep from setting the house on fire.)
2. Use rocks to create a small circle and clear the area around the pit of duff and twigs for at least 10 feet.
3. Gather:
* Tinder - dry pine needles, shredded bark, or wood shavings.
* Kindling – dead twigs, small dry branches, no thicker than a pencil.
* Fuel – wood larger than kindling and about the size of your arm.
4. Place the tinder in the middle of the firepit and arrange the kindling around it like a tepee.
5. Light the tinder with a match or lighter.
6. Once the kindling catches fire start adding the fuel in a tepee shape. Be sure to allow plenty of space between the wood, since fire needs oxygen to burn.
7. Continue adding wood to the tepee as earlier logs burn out.

Don't forget to put your fire all the way out when you are done. The best way to do this is to douse it heavily with water, stir it and douse it again. You should be able to stick you hand in the pit when you are done, but I don't recommend trying that.

Need more skills?
How to Tie Knots
Bear Hang How-to
Build a Campfire
How to Cross a River

Want more information about camping with kids? This book--Camp Out! The Ultimate Kids' Guide is a great resource whether you're planning an over night in the backyard or a weekend in the wilderness. Kids learn about gear, choosing a campsite, building a tarp tent, how to keep a nature journal, how to explore the nighttime sky and a whole lot more. It is primarily for kids age 7 and older. Check it out.

Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids' Guide by Lynn Brunelle