While attending a Survival Camp, I've learned a valuable lesson - I'll always carry tampons with me before venturing into the forest.
In the heart of Germany, at Stefan Winkler's Survival Camp in Wense, wilderness enthusiasts are learning essential survival skills. Located in Peine, Stefan Winkler, an experienced survivalist, runs the camp and imparts his knowledge gained through books, personal experiences, and military service [2].
One of the key skills taught at the camp is fire-making. Stefan demonstrates three simple methods for starting a fire, one of which is an unconventional approach using a tampon, a battery, and a Kinder chocolate wrapper [1].
Tampons, known for their pure cotton composition, make excellent tinder for fires. By fluffing the cotton from a tampon, one increases its surface area, making it easier to ignite. The Kinder chocolate wrapper, lined with a thin layer of metal foil, can be used as a conductor or spark starter. When the ends of the foil touch both terminals of a battery (commonly a 9V battery), it creates a short circuit that heats the foil rapidly and can ignite the tampon tinder when placed correctly [1].
To execute this method, carefully use strips of the metallic Kinder wrapper to connect both battery terminals, allowing the foil to heat until it sparks or glows. Placing the tampon close to the heated foil will catch fire [1]. It's important to note that this method requires care to avoid burns or battery damage.
In addition to this unique fire-starting technique, Stefan emphasizes the reliability of a ferro rod, a tool that produces sparks when rubbed with a sharp edge, for making fire in various conditions [2]. Creating sparks with a fire steel and setting the birch bark on fire is essential for keeping the fire going.
Birch trees, considered top survival plants, are also a focus at the camp. Birch bark can be used to start a fire with a knife, fire steel, and birch wood. Scraping off small pieces of birch bark and piling them up is crucial for starting a fire with birch bark [2]. Adding more birch bark and eventually some birch wood helps to keep the fire going.
The Survival Camp offers day and weekend courses to teach these essential wilderness survival skills. Participants can expect quick success in learning these skills, ensuring they are well-equipped for their wilderness adventures [3].
References: [1] [Link to the source for the unconventional fire-starting method] [2] [Link to the source for Stefan Winkler's Survival Camp and the survival skills taught] [3] [Link to the source for the Survival Camp's courses and quick success in learning]
During Stefan Winkler's Survival Camp sessions, he demonstrates an unusual yet efficient method for starting a fire using a tampon, a Kinder chocolate wrapper, and a battery. Coupled with his emphasis on the practicality of a ferro rod for fire-making, he also teaches the importance of birch bark in outdoor-living and home-and-garden settings as a reliable fire starter.
