Go with the scouts cooking for their own patrols. I've been on campouts where there was pressure to combine patrols because of low turnout. I resist this unless there is only one scout left in a particular patrol. The patrol method is there to help them rely on themselves within the patrol structure. We have tents, a dining fly, rope, cooking gear, and tools for each patrol. It is all clearly marked with the patrol name, so no other patrols can claim ownership. The adult patrol always camps in its own site with its own equipment, usually closest to the new scout patrol. The adult patrol is to show the rest of the patrols, by example, how to operate properly within the patrol method system. I view each patrol site as a "house". It is to be respected, with no trespassing unless invited in. The adults should invite scouts to their site, show them some camping skills, let them interact to establish adult-scout relationships...then send them to their "house". Meal efficiency is done through repackaging. Pancake batter can be mixed and put into a clean screw-top soda bottle instead of lugging a box of mix, eggs, and milk to the campsite. Use paper plates if you are going to have a campfire. Greasy plates make fine firestarters. Get rid of the mess kits (boy are they named right!) and get a sturdy plastic plate, cup, and spoon. Teach 'em these tricks and meals will be much shorter. Camping is about enjoying the outdoors, not taking hours to make meals and clean up.
Patrol Cooking
in The Patrol Method
Posted
Go with the scouts cooking for their own patrols. I've been on campouts where there was pressure to combine patrols because of low turnout. I resist this unless there is only one scout left in a particular patrol. The patrol method is there to help them rely on themselves within the patrol structure. We have tents, a dining fly, rope, cooking gear, and tools for each patrol. It is all clearly marked with the patrol name, so no other patrols can claim ownership. The adult patrol always camps in its own site with its own equipment, usually closest to the new scout patrol. The adult patrol is to show the rest of the patrols, by example, how to operate properly within the patrol method system. I view each patrol site as a "house". It is to be respected, with no trespassing unless invited in. The adults should invite scouts to their site, show them some camping skills, let them interact to establish adult-scout relationships...then send them to their "house". Meal efficiency is done through repackaging. Pancake batter can be mixed and put into a clean screw-top soda bottle instead of lugging a box of mix, eggs, and milk to the campsite. Use paper plates if you are going to have a campfire. Greasy plates make fine firestarters. Get rid of the mess kits (boy are they named right!) and get a sturdy plastic plate, cup, and spoon. Teach 'em these tricks and meals will be much shorter. Camping is about enjoying the outdoors, not taking hours to make meals and clean up.