DuctTape

Do samples have to be followed verbatim, or can they be modified to fit the pack? Of course this question is rhetorical.

And at our troops we wonder why so many adults have never camped after having been cub leaders for 5 years. The best way to mitigate risk is through training and experience, NOT prohibition. Sadly the latter is the culture promoted at HQ.

our council camps routinely have small logging operations so there is always plenty of the crowns left for firewood. Oddly though, most troops will have a campfire, but still cook on a stove????

Very similar memories here. I was the kid who was up early and re-lit the fire using an ember buried in the ash. I was always proud I could go the entire weekend with only using a single match. Even now, I am usually the first to arise and re-light the fire when I am out with friends (or with the adults on a scout trip). My camping hasn't changed much since my scout days, except for I have learned more and am able to do more advanced types of trips. IMO unless there is a fire ban, scouts should be using open fires for cooking and camraderie. Yes, even in sub-zero winter.

Some may have forgotten that the original scout mess kit design was based on the concept of using it in the fire "dutch oven style".

Capture the flag using patrol flags becomes much more meaningful when the patrols use their flag! I still have one of my patrol flags from when I was a kid. .

While allergies create a much greater concern, scouts also have taste preferences and/or religious reasons for not having certain food items. (note: I am not equating the dangers with preferences.) Patrols who work together can accomodate all food issues with proper communication and planning. This is real life cut down to scout size. Imagine if the "boss" in the adult stories had a real patrol experience communicating and planning a menu for their pals, all of whom had different tastes, religious restrictions, and/or food allergies, etc... By providing this opportunity for scouts in a controlled environment, we are helping them make the safe and ethical decisions later in life.

Or the "untrained scout version" 2Breakfast: poptarts lunch: hot dogs dinner: hot dogs and cookies snack: smores Total: $15.14

Well I didn't beat you. But I met my goal of keeping the total under $20 and also trying to not have anything the same as yours. I figured this would provide more variety for folks reading Total: $16.87 2 Breakfasts: Pancakes, butter, syrup lunch: grilled cheese & tomato soup, bug juice dinner: chili dessert: choc chip cookies shopping list: see instacart screen shots

When I was a scout, our patrol never said anything prior to eating. We only witnessed this practice at Council wide events. In my roles over the years as a scouter, most of the time a meal blessing was done was at the direction of an adult. Usually "reminding" the scouts they do it.

At our school we have this poster which helps distinguish rude vs mean vs bullying.

Re: adult volunteers. start with a specific ask instead of title. For example, ask mom#1 if she can bring snacks to the next committee meeting (remind her she will be reimbursed, but give her a $limit). Ask dad#2 if he can drive scouts to the day hike location next month. etc... Folks rarely say yes to "titles" but are willing to help in some capacity. Build up from that. Be sure to thank them 3 times. First privately as soon as possible, second, publically at the "event", and lastly another private thank you when you say goodbye and have another "ask".

I love the challenge. I will try to remember to visit my local Aldis and see what I can come up with. Besides cost, I will also look to calories and nutrional value. Easiest way to do it is to put everything into an online recipe calculator and run it as though it was one recipe. Off to the store...

How about encouraging the scouts to use the Court of Honor as a way to recognize more than just advancement? Recognitions could be for individuals and for patrols. Imagine a scout being recognized by the PLC for his exemplary character on a campout, or a patrol recognized for the "most service hours" logged for the year, etc...

I suppose I am using "efficiency" in the most vague, most broad way. I think they all stem from lack of trust of the scouts and the program.