How to Put Up a Teepee
Shelter is a basic human necessity, and humans have a stunning variety of ways to create it. Introducing children to structures like igloos, teepees and lean-tos not only gives them an understanding of other cultures, it may one day save their lives. The principles embodied in these structures, ranging from lightweight and portable to warm and dry, are critical elements for anyone who may find themselves outdoors without a roof over their heads. You can quickly to create a teepee using lightweight materials. Kids love the exercise and you'll be surprised to discover just how many important things they learn by creating it.
Things You'll Need
- One or more people over the age of 10 to help you Four 8-foot bamboo poles Heavy twine or thin rope Duct tape Six 72-inch by 80-inch cargo blankets. 3-foot ladder Sharp craft knife
Instructions
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Creating a Teepee
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1
Use the twine to tie a loop around the four posts about 6 feet up. The loop should be lose enough to slip slightly. Use a piece of duct tape to tape the loop in place on one of the posts. This just keeps the twine correctly positioned while still allowing the posts to move.
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2
Stand the four posts straight up. Pull the bottom of each post out to create a pyramid shape. Move the legs until they are far enough apart to define a living space.
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3
Use the duct tape to tape the top of the posts into position while your helper holds them in place. This will create a sturdy, strong skeleton for your teepee.
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4
Poke holes in the cargo blankets. Put twine through the holes to tie the blanket to the posts. Cover the entire teepee structure with the blankets. Layer them down to the base of the structure. It is OK if the blankets trail on to the ground. This will keep the structure warmer and help keep insects out. If the structure needs to be waterproof, cover the exterior with plastic. Note that this makes the structure air tight, so you must leave the flap open or cut holes in the covering to allow air in. Failure to do this might result in suffocation.
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5
Leave an unattached flap in the cargo blanket covering to create a door into the teepee.
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Tips & Warnings
As you build this structure, talk to your helpers about the needs people have for warmth, dryness and protection from insects. Review how Native Americans would have used branches as posts, and animal skins as coverings for their teepees. Discuss the importance of ventilation in creating any structure humans will inhabit. Discuss how important it is to keep fire outside and far away from the teepee to ensure people aren't injured by fire or smoke inhalation. Using four posts makes the teepee larger and sturdier. You can use three posts if that's all you have, but four is better.
Do not allow children to play in the teepee unattended if it has been made waterproof. Do not allow fire anywhere near this structure. Do not let children jump on the outside of the teepee, or pull on the posts from the inside. It could cause the teepee to collapse.
