Stick Shelter Build

What you need

• Fallen sticks and branches (no breaking from live trees)
• A "ridge" — a downed log, a low fork between two trees, or a tightly-rigged guy line
• Optional: a tarp or emergency blanket for the final layer

How to play

1. 1.Pick a ridge: a fallen log, a fork between trees, or a low rigged line. The ridge becomes the spine of the shelter.
2. 2.Lean long sticks against the ridge at an angle to form a frame on each side. Cover the full length.
3. 3.Layer shorter sticks across the frame to fill gaps.
4. 4.Pile leaves, pine needles, or grass on top — at least one foot thick — for weatherproofing.
5. 5.Add a tarp on top if available for actual rain protection.
6. 6.Crawl in. Time how long it takes for everyone inside to feel warmer.

What success looks like

A kid can lie inside the shelter without seeing daylight through the roof.

Variations

• Race: two teams build side-by-side, judged on weather-readiness.
• Mini version: build a shelter big enough only for a stuffed animal.
• Survival add-on: place a flashlight inside and time how long the warmth holds.

Safety notes

• Only collect from the ground — never break branches off live trees.
• Avoid building under dead overhead branches ("widow makers").
• Disassemble the shelter before leaving the campsite. Leave no trace.