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How to Make a Log Fort

Whether you are learning survival skills or you just want a place to play, a log fort is what you need. A log fort need not be complicated to be practical or elaborate to be fun. Most of the supplies needed are often close at hand, especially if you are in a wooded area. If you plan on using your fort building skills for shelter in the woods, practice building a fort at home a few times before you take off on your journey.

Things You'll Need

  • Large branch with a "Y" shape
  • Shovel
  • Sturdy tree branches
  • Twine or string
  • Long flexible tree branches or thick vines
  • Dry leaves
  • Mud
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Instructions

  1. Frame

    • 1

      Chose a location to construct the log fort. The location should be a level spot large enough to accommodate the size of your fort. Mark the selected location with a stick or a rock.

    • 2

      Locate a large and sturdy stick with a "Y" shape at one end. The stick needs to be about 1 foot taller than the decided height of the fort. Test to see if the stick is sturdy by dropping it on the ground. If the branch breaks, it is not tough enough.

    • 3

      Dig a 1-foot-deep hole in the center of the selected location. Put the Y-shaped stick in the hole. Pack the soil from the hole back into the hole around the stick. Stomp on the dirt to pack it down firmly. Make sure the stick won't wobble or move around. This is the center branch of the fort.

    • 4

      Find six sturdy tree branches, at least 3 feet longer than the desired height of the fort. Test the branches to make sure they are sturdy enough by dropping them to the ground.

    • 5

      Lean one of the six branches against the center branch. Arrange the branch so that its top fits neatly into the "Y" shape. The rest of the branch comes out at an angle. Repeat this process with the remaining five branches. Lean each one on an angle in a different direction. This should create a teepee-like shape.

    • 6

      Wrap a length of twine or string around the top of the teepee shape. Pull the twine or string tight and tie all of the branches together.

    Finishing

    • 7

      Find several flexible branches or vines to use for the walls of the fort. The branches or vines need to be long enough to fit around the frame of the fort.

    • 8

      Wrap one of the branches or vines around the base of the frame, weaving it in and out of the branches used to make the teepee shape. Pull the branch or vine tight, and tie its ends together with twine or string.

    • 9

      Repeat Step 2 all the way up the frame. Leave a hole in the side large enough for a door. The base should now have walls and a door.

    • 10

      Make a thick mixture of dry leaves and mud. Pack this mixture unto the walls of the fort, filling any cracks between branches and vines. Allow the leaves and mud mixture to dry. This mixture will keep the rain or snow out of the fort and help insulate it so it's warm in cold weather.


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