In the wilderness experience, I've learned to carry tampons as an essential item whenever venturing into the forest.
Unconventional Fire Starting Methods Discovered at Survival Camp
In the quaint town of Peine, an animal shelter staff was left speechless after finding an unexpected package at their doorstep - a box containing surprising tinder material for starting a fire [1]. Meanwhile, at the Survile Camp in Wense, instructor Stefan Winkler is teaching his students a series of creative fire starting methods using unconventional items.
One such method involves using a tampon as tinder. The cotton fibers within a tampon are highly flammable, making it easy to ignite with a spark or small flame [3]. Stefan demonstrates this technique by fluffing the cotton, increasing its surface area and making it easier to ignite.
Another surprising item used for fire starting is the metallic Kinder chocolate wrapper. By folding a small piece of the wrapper, it can be used as a conductor to create a spark or short circuit with a battery’s terminals, igniting the tampon tinder [1][3]. This method leverages the tampon as excellent tinder and the battery/wrapper combo as a makeshift ignition source.
In addition to these methods, the Survile Camp teaches participants how to filter water, build shelters, and even use a tampon and Kinder chocolate for survival purposes [5]. The camp emphasizes the importance of having the right tools and knowledge for survival in the wilderness.
A fire steel is an essential tool for making fire in the wilderness, as it can create sparks with pressure and a sharp edge and can last a lifetime [5]. Stefan Winkler, who operates the Survival Camp Wense, emphasizes that a fire steel always works, even when wet or submerged in water.
To start a fire with birch bark, one needs birch wood, birch bark, a knife, and a fire steel [3]. Birch tree is considered a top survival plant, and its bark can be used to start a fire due to its high resin content.
Stefan's fascination with nature and wilderness survival began in childhood and has been cultivated through books, personal experience, and military service [5]. The Survile Camp offers day and weekend courses to teach essential survival skills, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to expand their outdoor knowledge and skills.
| Item | Role in Fire Starting | |---------------------|----------------------------------| | Tampon | Fluffy, highly flammable tinder | | Kinder chocolate wrapper | Conductive metal to create spark/short circuit | | Battery | Source of electricity generating spark/heat | | Birch bark | High resin content for easy ignition | | Fire steel | Creates sparks for ignition |
These unconventional fire starting methods, along with traditional techniques, are being taught at the Survile Camp, providing participants with the skills they need to navigate and survive in the wilderness.
At the Survile Camp, Stefan Winkler teaches students to utilize a tampon as fluffy, highly flammable tinder for fire starting. Additionally, the metallic Kinder chocolate wrapper can serve as a conductor to create a spark or short circuit with a battery’s terminals, acting as a makeshift ignition source for the tampon tinder.
