Fire provides warmth, comfort, and the ability to cook.
The most common mistakes made by those attempting to make a fire are the choosing of poor tinder and the failure to shield precious matches from the wind when striking. Waterproofing matches before going camping is the best idea I think for a Young Marine. Stick matches can be dipped in finger nail polish and stored in a waterproof container. Anything that can start a fire is dangerous and should be treated in a respectful way. Place your timber in a small pile resembling a teepee with the driest pieces at the bottom.