"So, I'm bringing the food for my patrol. What do I do now?"
Congratulations on being chosen to bring the food for your patrol! One of the more important jobs of this position is to plan the menu and shop for each outing. You should plan the menu with your patrol whenever possible, and then have the menu approved by the grubmaster.
The outings coordinator will let you know the number of scouts that you will be buying food for, They will also let you know your budget and if there are any dietary restrictions. They will also let you know if there are any special situations (bag lunches etc.). The Treasurer or Outings Coordinator will get you the money for the outing.
The grubmaster will check the menu to see if you have followed the guidelines and taken into account any special requirements for the outing, e.g., if we are away from camp at meal time.
Each patrol has a cooler and dry goods box assigned to them for transporting the foodstuff. You may grab these prior to the outing to pack the food. These are typically located in the trailer. It is your responsibility to use these and to make sure that they stay clean. You should bring the menu, supplies, receipts, and change to the departure site, or arrange for someone else to do so if you are not attending the outing. It is also your responsibility to make sure that your patrol box is kept clean. You do not have to do the cleaning, or cooking, but you do have to ensure that the jobs get done. The patrol leader will have a duty roster specifying a rotation of scouts to help cook and clean for each meal. See the grubmaster or your SPL if you need any help! We're here to help you eat well!
You are responsible for making sure that the food gets to the departure site, and that the patrol box, food box, and cooler are kept clean & neat. YOU ARE RESPONSIBILE FOR CLEANING THE COOLER AND DRYBOX AFTER THE OUTING AND BRINING BACK THEM SHORTLY AFTER THE OUTING.
Menu Planning
Troop 23 has established the following guidelines for menu planning. The guidelines were selected to help scouts develop their cooking skills, to help them feel proud about their meals, to encourage healthy eating habits, and to stick to a budget.
Hot dogs and simple dinners strongly discouraged. They will only be allowed if a special recipe or cooking technique is used. Soda/pop is also discouraged. The use of prepared foods is discouraged unless several items are combined to make one dish. Some ingredients can be prepped at home, but the main cooking of the dinner should be done at camp.
Friday night: Cracker Barrel - meats cheeses, snacks or other types of finger foods.
Saturday morning - Hot Breakfast, thypical meals are eggs, omelets, pancakes, French toast, Dutch Oven breakfast casseroles, etc.
Saturday Lunch - A regular lunch- Sandwiches, Grilled Cheese, Quesadillas, etc, Chips, fruit, dinks.
Satuday Dinner - Be creative, you have a stove and Dutch oven. Don't forget a dessert if you would like
Sunday Breakfast - A fast grab and go breakfast - Donuts, bagels, pop tarts etc.
Need some ideas - Check out menu page here: Recipes
Tax Exempt Letter
The state of Illinois extends exemptions from its sales tax to all scout councils and chartered units and in a revised procedure provides a single tax exempt number for claiming that exemption. The sales tax exemption number is E9982-8707-03. The previously required Sales Tax Exemption Letter is no longer required.
How Much do I Buy and Cook?
Each person in charge of the patrol's food will be given a count of how many people from their patrol will be attending the outing. This will determine how much to buy. The amount budgeted for each person for the entire weekend will determine how much can be spent for the patrol. The outings coordinator or treasurer will give you this money prior to the outing. You are encouraged to shop the sales, use coupons, buy generics, and use our tax-exempt status. You are expected to give the treasurer your receipts and any change after you have shopped.
Grace
Because Scouts are Reverent we say Grace before meals. Variations include:
Philmont Grace
For food, for raiment, for life, for opportunity, for friendship and fellowship we thank thee O Lord.
Wilderness Grace (Charles L. Sommers National High Adventure Base)
For food, for raiment, for life and opportunity, for sun and rain, for water and portage trails. for friendship and fellowship, we thank thee O Lord.
Sea Base Grace
Bless the creatures of the sea, bless this person I call me. Bless the keys you make so grand, bless the sun that warms the land. Bless the fellowship we feel, as we gather for this meal.
Kiddy Grace:
God is great, God is good, let us thank him for our food, Amen.