Looking back at 2019

Looking back at the past year’s columns is healthy for me. This allows me to think hard about the reason why a specific column was written. In turn, this allows me to consider if the subject is worthy of repeating, while using a different angle.

Yesterday we discussed survival. As stated, this topic will be the subject of at least one, but most likely at least two columns in 2020. The reason should be obvious: Learning about survival saves lives.

Sometimes the reason for a specific column subject will bleed over or complement another outdoor area. Camping is an example.

When the children in your life are considered to be old enough to learn how to build a fire, teach them the art. How old is old enough? Each set of parents should determine this detail.

Remember, we have 9- and 10-year-old hunters these days. If these youth are trusted to carry and use a high-power rifle or a shotgun responsibly, they should be trusted to responsibly build a fire correctly and appropriately.

A camping trip should help to advance the education of any youth in the art of making a fire. The parent, an educator in this case, should take the time to demonstrate, step by step, how to make a fire.

The next day, the youth is expected to build the fire alone, but under the watchful eye of the educator. The youth will continue to improve, in the fire-making department, until trusted to awake and build the fire alone and maintain the fire without assistance. When the parents and other campers climb out of the tents, a fire will welcome all.

Special instruction will be helpful when a nightly rain has dampened most, if not all fire-making material. Can the youth still kindle a fire? The instructor will conduct the lesson and make sure this part of the instruction is complete. Hint: Make sure dry tinder and other fire-making material is kept in a dry place, perhaps under a sleeping bag, before going to bed.

The important part of the in-camp fire-making classes will become apparent if this youth is ever in a survival situation. The youth and others with proper education will be better suited to build a fire and, therefore, survive.

Building the fire is one part of the equation, with maintaining the fire and knowing how and when to extinguish the fire being two more parts. Think about trusting a 9-year-old to be in charge of all fire-related activity in a camping situation. Then relax in the realization of this young girl taking care of herself if lost in the forest.

Next week: More of the year-end recap.