Cook on a campfire

What can we use if we don't have tin foil, heatproof gloves, or long skewers?

If you don't have tin foil, cook the pre-cut vegetables in a small cast-iron pan or enamel mug over the hot coals, use thick oven mitts if you lack heatproof gloves, and replace wooden skewers with metal skewers or a long metal roasting fork for the marshmallow while an adult supervises.

What should we do if the foil packet burns or the vegetables are undercooked, or if the marshmallow catches fire?

If the foil packet is burning, move it with tongs to cooler coals or a grill, open it away from your face to check doneness and return it for a few more minutes if undercooked, and if the marshmallow flames up hold the skewer higher above the flames and slowly rotate until it browns.

How can we adapt the activity for younger kids, older children, and teens?

For toddlers let them help lay out materials and pass pre-cut vegetables, for younger kids (5–8) have them drizzle oil and fold the foil with close adult guidance, for older children (9–12) let them use tongs to position packets with supervision, and teens can manage timing, photograph the meal, and upload the photo to DIY.org.

How can we extend or personalize the campfire cooking to make it more fun or tasty?

Customize the foil packet by adding sliced cheese, herbs, or pre-cooked sausage, try a sweet foil packet with apple and cinnamon, experiment with different vegetables or marinades before sealing, or make s'mores after toasting marshmallows and then share the finished meal photo on DIY.org.