When I was originally looking at options for popping corn over the fire all of the popcorn pans I could find were over £40 each, which adds up pretty quickly when you want to buy two or three for a group. So inspired by some DIY pans I had seen, I bought some sieves, dug out some wood and wire and set to work. The results, while not the most elegant, have been durable and practical. Standing up to 2+ years of use with a variety of ages.
The design allows you to see the kernels explode but require constant attention to avoid creating a popcorn fuelled torch. So this can be a great lesson in patience and perseverance for children and can stimulate some really interesting discussions about the physics of campfire heat and how popcorn explodes. Also, In the sugar-filled world of campfire treats, popcorn provides a healthier fireside option which children do enjoy and avoids the carbohydrate-hyped children that you want to avoid in the late evening on a camping trip.