Teaching Kids Safety and Cleanup: By Summit 4×4 – Where Family Adventures Begin
Building a campfire is only half the skill. The real test of a responsible camper is knowing how to put it out the right way. Teaching kids the process of campfire Safety and Cleanup, this process not only keeps them safer in the outdoors but also builds the habit of leaving a campsite ready for the next traveler.
When it is time to put the fire out, let it burn down to white ash or small, glowing coals. This reduces the amount of heat you need to deal with. Pour water over the fire slowly and evenly until the hissing stops. Never dump water all at once, since it can cause splashing and spread hot embers. Use a stick or shovel to stir the ashes, exposing any remaining hot spots. Pour more water over these areas until they are completely cold.
Show kids how to check for leftover heat using the "hand hover" test. Have them hold their hand just above the ashes without touching. If they feel warmth, the fire is still alive and needs more water and stirring. Make sure they understand that a fire can still reignite from hidden embers long after it looks out.
If you are in a dispersed camping area and used a temporary fire ring, break it down after the fire is cold. Scatter the cool ashes over a wide area and return the ground to its natural state. This follows the "leave no trace" principle and keeps campsites clean for the next group.
End the process with a final inspection. Have kids look for any smoke, glowing coals, or leftover trash. Make it their responsibility to give the "all clear" before leaving camp.
Campfire Cleanup Checklist
☐ Fire burned down to coals or ash
☐ Water poured over the entire fire area
☐ Ashes stirred with a shovel or stick
☐ More water is added if the heat remains
☐ Hand test done above the ash for heat
☐ Fire ring disassembled (if allowed)
☐ Ashes scattered and pit filled in
☐ Site checked for leftover embers
☐ Trash cleaned up
☐ Fire safety lesson reinforced
Summit 4×4 Tip: Turn fire cleanup into a family drill. Assign the kids as final safety inspectors and let them be the ones to give the thumbs-up when the job is done. It builds pride and reinforces that the job is not over until the fire is stone cold.
