Got fire? You’ll love this easy damper on a stick recipe

What would a family camping trip be without cooking damper on a stick? It’s up there with other classic camping fare such as toasting marshmallows and cooking hot dogs and is just as fun and easy to make.

Try this classic damper on a stick recipe next time you go camping, or even just in your own backyard over your BBQ or fire-pit.

How to make damper on a stick

The kids will love helping with this simple recipe and waiting until their very own damper-stick is ready to load up with their favourite toppings while still warm.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup self-raising flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• pinch salt

Method:

1. Place flour in a mixing bowl and rub the butter through it with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add salt and sugar, then add and a little milk at a time until the mixture forms a dough.
3. Divide the dough into pieces slightly larger than a golf ball and roll each piece into a snake shape. Wind each piece of dough around a clean, dry stick.
4. Hold over the campfire to cook until golden brown. Allow to cool then eat with jam, golden syrup or butter.

Camping with kids tips and tricks

Trying your hand at camping with kids? These practical tips will help you along the way.

• Glow sticks are an excellent way to keep track of the kids at night and even the pets attached to their collar.
• Headlamps are an inexpensive way of ensuring everyone has their own light when it gets dark.
• Baby wipes are great way for cleaning dirty hands and feet before getting inside the tent and sleeping bags.
• Sort your gear in clear storage containers before you head away to help you stay organised at your campsite.
• Hand sanitiser is always useful, but did you know it’s a handy fire-starter too? As it is an alcohol-based accelerant, popping a little on your tinder will get your fire started super quick.
• Encourage your children to help set up the campsite by giving them tasks such as setting up the tables and chairs. This can be a little bit of learning time for the kids that’ll be well worth if as they get older and become more independent.
• Help your children to pack their own backpack. Their involvement in packing their own bag prior to the trip is a good way to get them interested in the upcoming adventure. Fill the pack with the essentials; water bottles, tissues, sunglasses, sunscreen and snacks! Also include a whistle, in case they wander too far.
• Invest in a sleeping bag liner. Popping one inside your child’s sleeping bag will not only help keep them insulated, they’re an easily washable accessory to whip out – usually full of dirt, sand and leaves – and put through the washing machine.
• Use this camping time as a great adventure for all. There will be lots of experiences and new sights for everyone to enjoy! Go on hikes during the day to see animals, cool plants and insects, and find little bits of nature to collect to bring back to the campsite.
• The Parks Australia website is an excellent guide to many of the best spots around for family camping. Many national parks provide discovery programs for children, usually operated by rangers during holiday periods.

This article originally appeared on Practical Parenting and has been republished with permission.