Help 75 Students Become Earth Keepers

This quarter, the Earth Keeper students at Gravelly Hill Middle School took on the challenge of mastering the art of fire with weekly tasks provided by our counselors.

Learning new survival skills is an aspect of afterschool we haven't been able to explore until this semester. Luckily, a science teacher from Gravelly Hill Middle School helped us facilitate a safe environment for students to learn how to build fires. These programs are only possible because of generous donations from people like you, and we are so grateful for your support! Together, we are able to provide these students with valuable skill-building opportunities. 

We instruct students on the fundamental components of a fire: oxygen, heat, and fuel. When gathering the fuel, students are required to find three different sizes of sticks: small (pinky-sized) or ideally pencil lead-sized, medium (two-finger width), and large (logs). Each size contributes to gradually building up the fire, preventing the heat from struggling to ignite the fuel. Lastly, a slow and low airflow helps to intensify the fire. 

The students' first challenge was to start a fire using only one match. They had to collect sticks and build a structure, which they would tear down and rebuild repeatedly. The goal was to find more effective ways to allow air to travel so that the fire wouldn't go out immediately and waste their one match. 

The student's second challenge was to try to ignite a fire with wet materials. It is harder to get a fire started with wet material, and it usually results in a smokier fire. Typically, we give a clue to help the students find the most suitable wet material for building a fire.  We taught them that the wood has to make a snapping noise. If it doesn't, it may be too inundated with water and won't ignite as easily.

The students' final task was to place a fire tray under a structure constructed with two sticks, a rope, and a bag of marshmallows tied to the rope. Their challenge was to figure out how to burn the rope in order to bring the marshmallows down to enjoy some tasty s'mores.

Thank you for making this woodland adventure possible! Learning survival skills fosters confidence and self-reliance in children, teaching them to take care of themselves in the great outdoors. It is great for adults' confidence and fun, too - give it a try! We're grateful for your continued support as we incorporate more survival-based education into our afterschool programming.