Pumpkin-Powered Survival Skills: Fun Family Activities

November 9, 2024

As we approach the end of the fall season, I wanted to share some exciting and educational activities you can do with your children using a common autumn staple: pumpkins! These activities are not only fun but also reinforce the survival skills we teach in our Adventures in Leadership program. And don't worry: if you don't have any pumpkins left, Giant is still selling some. And of course you can do many of these activities with squash.

Here are some pumpkin-based survival activities you can try at home. Each activity requires the use of a knife, so I defer to parents as to whether or not they want the child to use the knife or have the adult use it:

Pumpkin Water Filter: Transform a pumpkin into a natural water filtration system.
Pumpkin Canteen: Create a makeshift water container from a hollowed-out pumpkin.
Pumpkin Signal Mirror: Craft a reflective surface for signaling using pumpkin rind.
Pumpkin Seed Trail Markers: Use seeds to mark trails and practice navigation skills.
Pumpkin Tinder: Learn how dried pumpkin pulp can be used as a fire starter.

Here is how to do each activity:

1) Water Filter

Materials needed: A medium to large pumpkin, knife, spoon, activated charcoal (available at pet stores or aquarium supply shops), clean sand, small pebbles or gravel, cheesecloth or coffee filter, large container to catch filtered water.

Steps:

Prepare the pumpkin: Cut off the top, scoop out all seeds and pulp leaving a hollow shell, and clean the inside thoroughly.
Create drainage: Cut a small hole at the bottom for water to drain out.
Layer the filter materials: Place cheesecloth over the drainage hole, then add layers of gravel (2 inches), sand (2–3 inches), activated charcoal (1–2 inches), and a final layer of sand on top.
Test the filter: Place the pumpkin over a container and slowly pour water in. The first water may be cloudy — this is normal as the filter settles.
Observe and discuss: Gravel catches larger particles; sand removes finer particles; activated charcoal helps remove contaminants and improves taste.

Important safety note: This is a demonstration only. The filtered water is NOT safe to drink without further purification. However, it will remove dirt and particles, allowing you to simply boil it to make it safe to drink.

2) Pumpkin Canteen

Materials needed: A small or medium-sized pumpkin, knife (adult use only), spoon, marker, sandpaper (optional), beeswax or food-grade paraffin wax (optional), water for testing.

Clean the outside of the pumpkin thoroughly. Draw a 3–4 inch circle on top and carefully cut it out.
Scoop out all seeds and pulp, leaving the inside as clean as possible. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
Optionally waterproof the inside by coating with melted beeswax or food-grade paraffin wax. Let it cool completely.
Fill with water to test for leaks. Patch with additional wax if necessary.
Discuss how this method could be used in a survival situation and the importance of finding and storing clean water.

3) Pumpkin Signal Mirror

Materials needed: A pumpkin with a smooth, flat surface on its rind; a knife; sandpaper (various grits); polishing cloth; water.

Cut out a circular piece of rind about 3–4 inches in diameter from a flat area of the pumpkin.
Sand from coarse to fine grit, keeping the rind damp to prevent cracking.
Buff with a soft cloth until as shiny as possible.
Practice aiming the reflected sunlight at specific targets. In a survival situation, hold the mirror close to your eye and use your other hand to create a "V" shape, aiming through it at your target.
Set up a game where kids take turns being "lost" and using their mirrors to signal a "rescue team."

4) Pumpkin Seed Trail Markers

This is a simple exercise in which you walk through the woods marking your trail with the seeds. You can also play a game where you hide something and then use pumpkin seeds to guide friends to the hidden object.

5) Pumpkin Tinder

Materials needed: Dried pumpkin seeds; dried pumpkin fibers; a fire-safe container; matches or a fire striker; tinder; kindling; water or a fire extinguisher for safety.

Preparation: Clean seeds and stringy fibers from inside a pumpkin. Spread on a tray and let dry completely for several days. The drier they are, the better they'll work as fire starters. Set up a safe fire area away from trees and structures, surrounded by rocks or using a metal tray. Have water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

Review fire safety basics including stop, drop, and roll.
Place a small pile of dried pumpkin seeds in your fire-safe area and ignite with a match or fire striker. The natural oils in the seeds help them catch fire easily.
Create a small nest with dried pumpkin fibers, place under your tinder bundle, and demonstrate how the fibers catch a spark.
Once lit, add tinder then gradually add small kindling as the fire grows. Explain the fire triangle: heat, fuel, oxygen.
Demonstrate proper fire extinguishing techniques and ensure all embers are completely out before concluding.

Safety considerations: This activity must be closely supervised by adults at all times. Conduct in a controlled, outdoor environment. Have fire safety equipment readily available. Check local fire regulations and obtain any necessary permits before conducting this activity.