A crackling campfire provides all the heat needed to cook a complete meal outdoors. Campfire cooking allows kids to help with the meals while camping or enjoying nature. S'mores often come to mind at the mention of campfire cooking, but there are many other options for every meal. Get the kids involved in planning the campfire menu so it becomes their special project.
Safety
Safety precautions when cooking over an open flame prevent burns and other serious injuries. Setting campfire rules before you begin the fire establishes the expectations for the kids. Rules such as standing a certain distance from the fire, not playing or running near the fire, allowing an adult to put more wood on the fire and getting help from an adult when cooking keep the kids safe. Other safety precautions include keeping water near the fire in case it spreads, using hot pads to handle hot cooking equipment and choosing a proper location for the campfire.
Location
The location of the campfire plays a role in the safety of the activity. Existing fire pits offer the best location for campfire cooking so you do not have to dig up more earth. Established fire pits often have metal rings to keep the fire contained. An open area without overhanging branches is ideal to reduce the chances of the campfire spreading. A location without wind also prevents the spread of the fire.
Tools
A variety of campfire cooking tools are available at outdoor and sporting goods stores. The type of food you plan to cook influences the tools you will need. A metal cooking fork with a wood handle works as a basic cooking tool. A metal cooking basket with a handle allows you to cook burgers, fish and other food items that cannot go on a stick. A cooking tripod with a hanging grate turns a campfire into a grill.
Methods
The grilling fork and basket methods work well for kids because they can handle all of the cooking tasks themselves with adult supervision. The wooden handles on the forks prevent burns while the kids cook their food. Another option is to wrap the food in foil and place it directly on the coals. The kids help prepare and place the food in the foil. An adult should handle placing and removing the foil packets from the fire. A cast iron skillet can go directly on the coals as well.
Food Ideas
Many favorite kids' foods are possible over a campfire. Breakfast ideas include toast cooked in a basket and eggs cooked in muffin tins. One egg goes in each muffin cup with cheese, ham, bacon and vegetables sprinkled on top. The muffin tin goes on a grate above the campfire to cook. Lunch and dinner ideas for kids include hot dogs, hamburgers and foil pouches. The foil pouches typically include meat such as chicken and your child's choice of vegetables such as potatoes, onions, carrots and green beans. The foil is wrapped around the food and placed on the coals for about 15 to 20 minutes.
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