The Kids Campfire Book

Dave Jenkinson is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba and the author of the “Portraits” section of Emergency Librarian.

The same creative duo who produced The Kids Cottage Book are back with
another excellent volume chock-full of child-centred activities. The
authors adopt a chronological format, commencing with the construction
and lighting of the campfire and concluding with a sing-along and the
campfire’s dousing. In between, they introduce such child-focused
activities as making firestarters, cooking gadgets and utensils,
campfire furniture, smudge pots, and reflector ovens. Sections on
cooking supply recipes for such easy-to-make kid-friendly fare as Orange
Rind Muffins, Campfire Pizzas, and Bannock Dogs, as well as desserts in
the form of Smores and Banana Boats.

The book’s black-and-white illustrations provide an entertaining and
informative reinforcement of the text’s instructions. About a quarter
of the book is devoted to some two-dozen campfire songs, including
rounds, echo-and-answer songs, and action songs (complete with lyrics,
music, guitar chords, and directions for constructing four simple rhythm
instruments). To round out the evening, the authors suggest a number of
other activities, including moth watching, stargazing, games, skits, and
ghost stories.

Definitely a home purchase, The Kids Campfire Book should also become
part of the outdoor-education collections of public and middle-school
libraries. Highly recommended.