The consummate skill of any Boy Scout is to start a fire without matches. One of the Second Class requirements is to properly prepare and light a camp fire, but you no longer need to light the fire without matches. None the less, starting a fire without a math is a fun and very rewarding experience.
There are scores of methods for starting fires without matches. One method involves using a hot spark or swedish fire tool and some char cloth. here is a great video on how to make your own char cloth.